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I’m 5’3” — And These 17 Spring Dresses Are My Secret to Looking Taller and Slimmer

Styles start at just $18

Alba Garavito Torre wears black sunglasses from Ray Ban, a beige short dress with silver nailed / studded collar from Barbara Bui, a beige sleeveless / oversized cloak / trench coat from Barbara Bui, a gold Love bracelet from Cartier, gold bracelets, gold rings, a red shiny grained leather Puzzle handbag from Loewe, beige with black toe cap block heels mules / shoes from Chanel , during a street style fashion photo session, on May 02, 2022 in Paris, France.
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

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Spring isn’t just flower season! It’s also the time when we tend to show more skin, specifically our arms and legs. As a petite shopper (5’3″ to be exact), I’m obsessed with finding dresses that don’t overwhelm my frame. After hours of searching, I found 17 petite-friendly dresses that instantly make me look taller.

From waist-slimming wrap dresses to elongating A-line silhouettes, these polished dresses streamline my entire look. With V-necklines and vertical fabrics, these picks create an elongating effect. Plus, they’re all wallet-friendly, starting at just $18.

17 Petite Spring Dresses That Make Me Look Taller

For Brunch Dates

1. Our Favorite: This ruched waist dress breaks up the body, creating the illusion of a longer silhouette.

2. Proportion-Perfecting: Make your waist pop in this cut-out mini dress that flatters all body types.

3. Curve-Enhancing: This tie waist mini dress gently drapes over the curves and draws attention to the waist.

4. Length Customization: We love how this cute puff-sleeve dress from Abercrombie comes in petite-specific sizing!

5. Designer-Looking: Not only does this expensive-looking mini dress enhance petite proportions, it also looks much more pricey than just $33.

Related: 17 Coastal-Inspired Tops That Exude Hamptons' Boutique Energy

For Comfy Lounge Days

6. Our Favorite: Maintain a flattering fit even on your off-days in this tie-waist T-shirt dress that’s a favorite among Amazon shoppers.

7. Tummy Hiding: Cleverly conceal the belly in this drawstring waist mini dress that can be as tight or as loose as you wish.

8. Fit to Flattering: This fit and flare cotton dress cinches at the waist and draws the eyes up and down.

9. Flowy and Fabulous: No one will know that this elevated lounge dress is secretly super comfy.

Related: 19 Flattering Wedding Guest Dresses for Women Over 40

For the Office

10. Our Favorite: Shoppers are loving this flattering ruffle sleeve dress that elongates the torso with a V-neckline.

11. Pretty Polka Dots: The perfect spring office dress, this crepe mini dress from Old Navy ruches at the waist, creating an hourglass effect.

12. She Means Business: For important meetings or work events, this ruched bodycon pencil dress will have you looking and feeling your best.

13. Beyond Chic: Channel rich mom energy in this elegant shirt dress that defines the waist, thanks to the tie waist.

For Beach Getaways

14. Our Favorite: This smocked mini dress is just the right length for petites. It makes the legs look supermodel long!

15. Figure Skimming: This wrap mini sundress subtly defines the shape without clinging to the body.

16. Sleek Stripes: This three-tiered striped dress breaks up the body, creating the illusion of a lengthened silhouette.

17. Luxe Linen: Stay cool as a cucumber in this pleated linen dress from Madewell that subtly skims the figure.

Related: 21 Rich Mom Dresses Fit for a European Getaway — Starting at $17

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