What are the best dress silhouettes for petite women?

When shopping for a petite bridesmaid dress, Brickman says to look for A-line, sheath, mermaid, and empire silhouettes. “These dresses can help draw the eye in a long line from head to toe, thus elongating the frame,” she explains. That’s why we picked JJ’s House A-Line V-neck Floor-Length Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress as our best overall, because it has an empire waist on an A-line skirt.

What styles should petite women avoid?

As far as dress styles petite women should avoid, Brickman says to pass on ball gowns as the large size of the skirt can overwhelm the figure. Thankfully, most bridesmaids dresses are not as voluminous as wedding dresses. According to wedding stylist Alison Bruhn, you should also be wary of styles that hit mid-calf, as that length can make your legs look shorter.

What else can I do to look taller?

If you’re styling a bridesmaid dress and want to create the illusion of height, Bruhn recommends wearing heels that match the color of your skin. You’ll instantly add inches. Another petite styling hack is the trusty side slit. “Opt for a skirt with a slit so you can show a little leg, which can create the optical illusion of height on petite women,” says Brickman. And, if you have a set of bridesmaid dresses to choose from, Brickman says to pay attention to the neckline. “Focus on the necklines that could best compliment your frame and make you look taller,” she explains, noting that a deep v-neck, sweetheart, and scoop necks are excellent options for petite women. With a slit and plunging neckline, Lulus Promise of Love Emerald Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress does just that.

The 15 Best Petite Bridesmaid Dresses

Brides / Reese Herrington

One of the trickiest things about choosing bridesmaid dresses is making sure your selection meets the needs of every bridesmaid and their different body types. This is why some brides might opt for selecting a color—or shades of a color—and allow their bridal party to choose the silhouettes that make them feel most confident and comfortable.

When shopping for dresses for petite figures, or under 5’4”, it’s certainly about size, but there’s a lot more to it. That's why we tapped top bridal style experts to learn more about how to shop for petite bridesmaid dresses, including what types of dress styles and necklines work best on petite frames, plus how to use styling hacks to add an illusion of height (if desired). With these insights top of mind, we researched a variety of dresses that petite bridesmaids would actually want to say yes to. They come in all price ranges, sizes, shades, and styles for any wedding season and location.

Here are our top picks for the best petite bridesmaid dresses.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

JJ's House Floor-Length Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress at Jjshouse.com

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Best Strapless:

Reformation Barrow Silk Dress at Reformation

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Best With Sleeves:

Andybridal Long Sleeve Bridesmaid Dress at Amazon

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Best Halter:

Clothfun Women's Halter Bridesmaid Dress at Amazon

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Best Off-the-Shoulder:

Miao Duo Chiffon Bridesmaid Dresses at Amazon

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Best Satin:

Celebrate DB Studio Stretch Charmeuse Cowl Neck Bridesmaid Dress at David's Bridal

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Best for Summer:

Fame & Partners Zephyra Dress at Fameandpartners.com

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Best for Fall:

Birdy Grey Hannah Dress at Birdygrey.com

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Best for Winter:

TPonline Women's Velvet Mermaid Long Evening Dress at Amazon

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Best One Shoulder:

ASOS Anaya Petite Bridesmaid Tulle One Shoulder Maxi Dress at Asos

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In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

JJ's House

View On Jjshouse.com

Our top pick is this gorgeous chiffon gown from JJ’s House. We chose this dress for several reasons, including quality, style, color, and sizing. The dress is constructed from a durable material and features an empire waist and plunging neckline, both of which will help make you look taller.

It also comes in 60 different colors, making it easy to find a color that matches your wedding palette and has a budget-friendly price tag—considering the quality and customization features, this option adds a lot of value. While petite sizes aren’t technically available, the dress comes in a fantastic range of sizes and you can spend an extra $20 (which is less than alterations cost!) for a completely custom fit.

Price at time of publish: $116

Size: 0-16, 16-26 (plus), custom sizes | Material: Chiffon | Colors: 60

Reformation

View On Reformation

Being petite often means you can wear strapless dresses with a little more ease—and without spending so much time fidgeting with the bodice. The Reformation Barrow Silk dress is constructed from 100 percent silk and features a timeless silhouette with a slight nod to early 2000s fashion. On top of that, it has a good length for petite people and a high slit so you can move more freely down the aisle and, most importantly, on the dance floor. If you’re looking for something that feels very of the moment—without being too trendy—this is it.

Price at time of publish: $428

Size: 0-12 | Material: Silk | Colors: 4

Andybridal Women's Long Sleeve Bridesmaid Dresses Slit Long Evening Dress V-Neck Chiffon Formal Party Gowns

Amazon

View On Amazon

If you’re looking for a romantic bridesmaid dress with sleeves, you can find our top pick on Amazon. This design is constructed from a lightweight chiffon material that boasts tons of movement in its flowing design. It comes in dozens of colors, including popular bridesmaid dress colors like dark green, plum, champagne, and pink, and has a fantastic size range.

In addition to the size range, the manufacturer also offers custom sizing so you can get that perfect petite fit (not to mention: the turnaround time for custom dresses is only three to seven weeks).

Price at time of publish: $90

Size: 2-26, custom sizes | Material: Chiffon | Colors: 35

Clothfun Women's Halter Bridesmaid Dress

Amazon

View On Amazon

This design features a faux halter neckline that we prefer over more traditional around-the-neck options. It has the same classic silhouette without the tugging, pulling, and discomfort of a halter (plus, it has adjustable straps for an even better fit).

In addition to its neckline, the dress is constructed from a flowing chiffon fabric that is lightweight, breathable, and has an impressively low price tag, making it a great option for most budgets. As far as sizing is concerned, this dress comes in sizes 0 through 16 as well as plus sizes. And, for an even better fit—especially on a petite frame—you can request a custom size, too.

Price at time of publish: $55

Size: 0-16, 16-28 (plus), custom sizes | Material: Chiffon | Colors: Sage, dusty blue, burgundy, dark green, and 41 other popular bridesmaid dress colors

Miao Duo Women's Long Off Shoulder Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress

Amazon

View On Amazon

This chic off-the-shoulder design boasts a truly impressive color range. With 49 hues to choose from, including trendy options like olive green, emerald, and burgundy, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect shade for your bridal party. In addition to the color options, this bridesmaid dress is petite friendly as it is available in custom sizes for the perfect fit.

The off-the-shoulder design is ultra-flattering on small frames and the corset back means you can adjust the bodice to fit like a glove. Plus, it has a built-in bra, so those with smaller chests can go braless (and, those with larger busts can still wear a bra with it since it’s bra-friendly). The dress also has pockets, adding a small but greatly appreciated touch of functionality to the design.

Price at time of publish: $70

Size: 0-16, 16-28 (plus), custom sizes | Material: Chiffon | Colors: 49

Celebrate DB Studio Stretch Charmeuse Cowl Neck Bridesmaid Dress

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

Constructed from polyester and spandex (which adds some nice stretch) this slip-inspired bridesmaid dress is our top pick for the best satin category. With an empire waist, thin straps, and high slit, it hits all the notes our experts recommend for petite figures. In addition to its style and fit, it also comes in lots of gorgeous colors and is a particularly good option for those looking for trendy hues such as dusty blue, sage, olive green, and marigold.

Price at time of publish: $90

Size: 0-30 | Material: Polyester, spandex | Colors: 25

Fame & Partners

View On Fameandpartners.com

Slip dresses are one of the most popular dress styles of the moment, and they’re an excellent choice for bridesmaid dresses, too—especially in the summer when it’s a little too hot to wear clingy, heavy fabric. This dress style is also perfect for petites as it has an asymmetrical hemline with a slit. Best of all, you can enter your measurements and heel height to have the dress made personally for you.

Price at time of publish: $329

Size: 0-30 | Material: Polyester | Colors: 36

Birdy Grey

View On Birdygrey.com

Fall is a season that fluctuates in temperature—it can be either overly warm or chilly. For a petite fall bridesmaid dress, we love this design because it's floor length with good coverage on the back for cooler temperatures. The flattering wrap V-neck neckline also makes it a good in-between option, and the velvet fabric and rich shades are ideal for autumn.

Price at time of publish: $99

Size: XS-3X | Material: Velvet | Colors: 4

TPonline Women's Velvet Mermaid Evening Dress

Amazon

View On Amazon

Nothing says a winter wedding quite like velvet and jewel tones. And this dress delivers—it's a stunning, form-fitted evening gown constructed from soft velvet. The floor-length mermaid skirt, high scoop neckline, and long sleeves are elegant design elements, but they also help to keep bridesmaids warm.

Available in some of the best winter wedding colors—think dark navy, emerald, and burgundy—the dress features a medium stretch so it hugs the body nicely without feeling too restrictive. As for sizing, this dress comes in regular sizes, plus, and the option to go custom for that perfect petite fit.

Price at time of publish: $79

Size: 2-16, 17-22 (plus), custom sizes | Material: Velvet | Colors: 9

ASOS

View On Asos

One-shoulder dresses are a great style for broad shoulders, since the design shows off the arms and decolletage in a chic, flattering way. In addition to its one-shoulder silhouette, the petite-fitting gown is designed with tulle, which creates a translucent effect on the shoulder (above the bodice) and doesn’t feel as fabric-heavy as some one-shoulder bridesmaids dresses can feel. It also has a cinched, empire waistline and the draping totally looks like something a Greek goddess would wear, making it the perfect pick for a destination wedding.

Price at time of publish: $69

Size: 0-10 | Material: Tulle, polyester | Colors: Red plum, sage, pink

Lulus

View On Lulus

This low V-neck maxi dress from Lulus is a stunning choice for bridesmaids with small chests and petite frames. A deep V neckline plays up your chest, while a slit shows off your legs. Constructed from a lightweight and breathable polyester chiffon material, it looks and feels high-quality while, remaining under $100. Although the dress doesn’t come in a ton of colors, there are lovely sage, emerald, and burgundy options (along with black and white), making it a fantastic choice for fall and winter weddings.

Price at time of publish: $94

Size: XS-XL | Material: Polyester | Colors: Sage, emerald, burgundy, white

Kennedy Blue

View On Kennedyblue.com

Sometime less is more—and this more modest bridesmaid dress with lace is ultra-stylish and timeless. This features a one-shoulder bodice constructed from gorgeous lace followed by a floor-length chiffon skirt with tons of movement. It comes in 56 different colors—including desert rose, celadon, dusty blue, and dark green—and has an excellent size range, too. Kennedy Blue allows you to sample the dress first before buying, which is great if you are between sizes.

Price at time of publish: $140

Size: 00-32 | Material: Chiffon and lace | Colors: 56

ASOS

View On Asos

A bridesmaid dress with a slit is appreciated because it allows for excellent movement while walking down the aisle and also ensures you can dance the night away without feeling restricted or tripping over excess material. Our top pick for this category is this satin number. What makes this dress stand out is the skirt construction, which overlaps to create a solid skirt look, but shows off a mid-length slit when walking. We also love off Bardot neckline and ankle grazing length.

Price at time of publish: $185

Size: 0-14 | Material: Satin | Colors: 7

Lulus

View On Lulus

This fun and flirty look checks a bunch of our boxes for the best petite bridesmaid dresses. The dress features a gorgeous off-the-shoulder neckline that feels elegant, with a slight sweetheart-shaped silhouette. It’s also a great length for petite women—not too long—with an empire waist that elongates the body. The dress comes in midnight blue (aka, navy) and dark green, and is constructed from a stretchy rayon and nylon material that form-fits to the body while still allowing you to breathe and move while in it, too.

Price at time of publish: $62

Size: XS-XL | Material: Rayon, nylon, spandex, polyester | Colors: Dark green, navy

ALEX EVENINGS Side Ruched Cocktail Dress

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom

If you’re looking for a short, above-the-knee bridesmaid dress, we love this gathered cocktail option. The knee-length bridesmaid dress features a wrapped bodice with stunning draping that cinches together at the waist with a dazzling brooch-inspired appliqué. It also features a V-neck line that is mirrored on the back for an ultra-flattering look. On top of that, it’s bra-friendly, which isn’t always the case with bridesmaid dresses (and is greatly appreciated!). Plus, you can ensure you find the perfect fit, thanks to its impressive range of sizes, which includes plus options as well as petite.

Price at time of publish: $229

Size: 2-18, 6-16 (petite) | Material: Nylon, spandex | Colors: 8

What to Look for in a Petite Bridesmaid Dress

Size

One way to make your petite bridesmaid dress shopping even easier is to look for options that have specific petite sizes, like Anaya With Love Petite Bridesmaid Tulle One-Shoulder Maxi Dress. “If ordering your gown through a traditional bridesmaid retailer, ask about the ‘petite cut’ as this can help make alterations a breeze,” says Lesley Brickman, a luxury bridal stylist. While petite sizes aren’t always an option, certain attributes like neckline and style can play a role in flattering a petite figure (more on that below). And, in some cases—especially when shopping for bridesmaid dresses on Amazon—you can find manufacturers who offer custom sizes for less than what alterations could cost, like Andybridal Women's Long Sleeve Bridesmaid Dress.

Silhouette and Style

Whether a dress is available in petite sizing or not, Brickman says you can look for certain silhouettes and styles that flatter a petite figure. It’s best to go with styles that have a waist that hit higher than your own, like an empire waist or A-line, as this will make your legs look longer. Mermaid and sheath silhouettes also are great at showing off your figure. We love how TPonline Women's Velvet Mermaid Evening Dress is form-fitting but still classy.

Brickman also recommends shopping for dresses that graze the ankles or touch the floor as these tend to have an elongating look. And don’t forget to pay attention to the neckline. “The straps on a gown can also create height,” Brickman adds. “Look for thin, spaghetti straps, or sleeveless dresses to show a little skin,” she adds, noting that showing the right amount of skin can impact proportions and create the illusion of height. With thin straps and off the shoulder design, Miao Duo Women's Long Off Shoulder Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress elegantly shows off your chest.

Alterations

In the case of bridesmaid dresses, alterations are inevitable for many people. With this in mind, Brickman says to focus on quality alterations to make your dress work for your frame. “A good tailor can make a huge difference for a petite woman,” she explains. “When it comes to alterations, you truly get what you pay for, so spend the money to have the dress taken in, not just hemmed.”

FAQ

What are the best dress silhouettes for petite women?

When shopping for a petite bridesmaid dress, Brickman says to look for A-line, sheath, mermaid, and empire silhouettes. “These dresses can help draw the eye in a long line from head to toe, thus elongating the frame,” she explains. That’s why we picked JJ’s House A-Line V-neck Floor-Length Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress as our best overall, because it has an empire waist on an A-line skirt.
What styles should petite women avoid?

As far as dress styles petite women should avoid, Brickman says to pass on ball gowns as the large size of the skirt can overwhelm the figure. Thankfully, most bridesmaids dresses are not as voluminous as wedding dresses. According to wedding stylist Alison Bruhn, you should also be wary of styles that hit mid-calf, as that length can make your legs look shorter.
What else can I do to look taller?

If you’re styling a bridesmaid dress and want to create the illusion of height, Bruhn recommends wearing heels that match the color of your skin. You’ll instantly add inches.
Another petite styling hack is the trusty side slit. “Opt for a skirt with a slit so you can show a little leg, which can create the optical illusion of height on petite women,” says Brickman. And, if you have a set of bridesmaid dresses to choose from, Brickman says to pay attention to the neckline. “Focus on the necklines that could best compliment your frame and make you look taller,” she explains, noting that a deep v-neck, sweetheart, and scoop necks are excellent options for petite women. With a slit and plunging neckline, Lulus Promise of Love Emerald Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress does just that.

Meet the Expert

Alison Bruhn is a wedding stylist and the co-founder of The Style That Binds Us.
Lesley Brickman is a luxury bridal stylist based in Los Angeles.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Jessie Quinn has a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism. As a petite woman herself, she understands the struggle of finding clothing items that fit really well. When researching the best petite bridesmaid dresses, she reached out to top bridal style experts Lesley Brickman and Alison Bruhn to learn more about what to look for in petite bridesmaid dresses, what to avoid, and how best to use styling tricks to create the illusion of a taller frame. As a result, she curated a list of the best bridesmaid dresses and advice to support bridal parties on their search for the best petite bridesmaid dresses.

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