Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
Shopping for clothes when you’re petite can sometimes be a real struggle — especially when it comes to dresses. However, it’s possible to find diamonds in the rough while shopping for shorter frames — items that will not only fit like a glove, but will also help you look taller and slimmer, almost like a supermodel.
If you want to feel like your most confident self (and, let’s be real, who doesn’t?!), you’re going to want to shop our favorite slimming and elongating dresses for petite women, below. Now, you can get dressed knowing your clothes aren’t just fashionable — they’re flattering too!
17 Petite-Friendly Dresses That Will Help You Look Taller and Slimmer
1. Our Favorite: The tie waist on this athleisure-esque striped dress slyly covers your midsection, so there’s no need to feel self-conscious!
2. Elevated and Elegant: A-line gowns are known for creating clean lines, elongating your torso and helping you look taller. This one stands out thanks to its pretty pleated skirt and comfy fabric.
3. Nice Neckline: Boat neck dresses like this one draw attention upwards, while the pleated detailing in the front creates the illusion of an hourglass figure.
4. Expertly Draped: Loose-fitting does not equal frumpy. Just take this satin cocktail dress — the mockneck, flowing top is the epitome of elegance and very flattering.
5. Dots Galore: Did you know polka dots are secretly slimming? Well, they are, and you’re going to want to add this dotted wrap dress to your cart, STAT.
6. Special Occasion-Worthy: Whether you’re attending a wedding, cocktail party or an awards ceremony, this ruched sheath dress is versatile enough to suit any occasion. Shoppers love the way it hugs the body without clinging to it.
7. All in the Details: It’s the small design features on this dress — like the belted waist and deep V-neck — that draw the eye upwards for an immediate slimming effect.
8. Boho Dreams: While some boho-inspired patterns can swallow your frame, the delicate floral motif on this dress is dainty enough to complement all bodies.
9. Prim and Proper: You could pass for a CEO in this elegantly tailored, business-appropriate pick. The vertical buttons help give the illusion of a leaner and longer torso.
10. Easy Breezy: With its asymmetrical flowing hemline and puffed sleeves, this brunch-ready wrap dress is flirty and fun.
11. Smooth and Sleek: Without a defined waistline, this skater dress won’t cut off your midsection, which in turn makes you look model-tall.
12. Swing Swing: Consider this cocktail dress the modern-day version of the 1920s flapper style.
13. Pleats, Please: Pleats don’t just add a new layer of texture to dresses — they also boost movement and give off a classic, preppy vibe. This knit style is our favorite, especially for cooler weather.
14. Little Secret: Beyond being cozy and adorable, this sweater dress has super deep pockets. Score!
15. Fall Favorite: Imagine Little House on the Prairie mixed with the laid-back, boho trend and the result will be this stylish shirtdress
16. Vacation Vibes: If you plan on heading to the beach this fall or winter, a vacation-ready halter design will hold and hug you in all the right places. It’s the ultimate flattering must-have!
17. No-Fuss Luxe: This dress is something you’ll continue wearing for years because it’s simple, sophisticated and secretly slimming.
