All girls would agree that finding the perfect outfit is not an easy task because you have to mind the fit, color, and design, among other things. There are a ton of factors to consider in finding the best dresses for your figure, and the job is only harder for petite girls. 

If you are short, you are probably all too familiar with the feeling of finding beautiful pieces that end up too long. So we have to take that extra trip to the alteration shop to have it shortened. But you can’t find a staple that fits your figure perfectly.

Short ladies have a beautiful and unique body structure, which can be highlighted with the right pieces. Shorter girls are indeed underserved when it comes to fashion and clothing, but brands are beginning to recognize the need to develop designs and sizes to suit short ladies. 

To help you find the right one, we’ve compiled the best fashion for girls this year. In this blog post, you can save yourself the trouble of finding flattering pieces that are also the perfect fit.

WHAT DRESSES LOOK BEST ON PETITES?

Editor's Choice Best Overall	Best Proportion	Most Flattering Fit
Sheath Pieces A sheath outfit is the go-to for petite women. It's versatile enough to be worn casually or in a formal event, it flatters the body, and it's a classic look that will never go out of style!	Belted Ensembles If you have an elongated torso and you want to achieve a proportional look, then a belted ensemble is the one for you! It brings a pleasing 1/3 look that would easily elongate your legs.	Wrap Outfits If you love highlighting your curves, wrap outfits are for you. These highlight your curves, giving a slim silhouette and removing unwanted bulks.
Functionality: Quality: Price:	Functionality: Quality: Price:	Functionality: Quality: Price:

LET’S GO OVER THE BEST DRESSES FOR PETITES

#1: SHEATH DRESSES

Form Fitting:     
Heightening:     
Comfort:     

Sheath pieces are ideal and perfect for those with a petite frame. Their fit, straight, and flattering silhouette removes the unwanted bulk and focuses on highlighting the shape of your body. 

It perfectly adheres to fashion’s “rule of thirds,” which requires the division of spaces to be 1/3 at the top and 2/3 at the bottom. Sheath pieces can achieve this, making them the most aesthetically pleasing attire.

Not only does it give the perfect proportion, but it can also make you look as if you are taller and leaner. This is one of our favorite ensembles thanks to its timeless look that you can put on for any special occasion.

PROS AND CONS OF SHEATH DRESSES

Pros	Cons
Flatters your shape Slimmer silhouette Versatile dress	Some styles can be uncomfortable

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#2: BELTED DRESS

Form Fitting:     
Heightening:     
Comfort:     

Those with petite sizes tend to have a longer torso ratio, but you can improve this proportion. A belted ensemble is the key to changing how your vertical ratio looks.

Putting on a belt high enough to make your lower half look longer than your torso will make you look taller than you are. It’s best not to choose maxi dresses as they only make you look shorter. 

However, if you put on a belted piece, ensure the belt is high above your midriff. Avoid putting the belt directly on the midline because it won’t be able to do the magic of shortening your torso.

And much so should you avoid placing the belt below the midriff. This will make you look even shorter because it will elongate your torso instead of your lower limbs, putting your figure severely out of proportion. It’s the same for pants. You’d want to have the belt high up.

PROS AND CONS OF BELTED DRESS

Pros	Cons
Elongates your lower half Brings a proportioned look Comfortable	Some come in basic designs

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#3: WRAP DRESSES

Form Fitting:     
Heightening:     
Comfort:     

Gowns with a front closure are a trend. Every girl, both tall and short, would look great with one, but it looks incredible for shorter ladies.

They can help define your midriff area and showcase your curves. It hugs your body and decreases unwanted bulks, thereby elongating your figure. 

They are also a universal favorite because they can highlight your best features and are appropriate for any occasion! You can don this for a formal event, a date, or even as office attire. Those below or above 5 feet should have a few wrap pieces in their closets.

Note that some wrap outfits do not effectively hug your body and showcase your form and features. Some are too loose at the top and slim at the bottom, which are the types you should avoid.

They can make you look stout and shorter than you really are, so you should always choose form-fitting wrap.

PROS AND CONS OF WRAP DRESSES

Pros	Cons
Accentuates your curves Versatile dress Makes you look taller	Some designs can be too tight or bulky

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#4: BODYCON

Form Fitting:     
Heightening:     
Comfort:     

Bodycon dresses are a top choice for those with a petite stature because they bring a flattering silhouette without overwhelming the frame.

Unlike oversized or boxy ones, these pieces hug the natural shape, enhancing curves while elongating the figure. The form-fitting nature of these dresses helps maintain balance.

Choosing tailored designs and prints with strategic details, such as ruching or side panels, can further define the waist and cinch the midsection, giving a streamlined look that makes you feel confident and stylish.

For a versatile wardrobe, opt for lighter fabrics like silk for a relaxed, breathable feel or structured ones for added support. Classic colors such as black, beige, or a navy midi-length piece provide timeless elegance, while a white dress can offer a fresh, chic look.

When shopping, discover ones with vertical seams or asymmetrical hemlines to elongate the length further.

If you want to shop for a more elevated look, consider luxury brands with high-quality tailoring. These fashion tips will ensure you look polished, stylish, and effortlessly put together in any setting.

PROS AND CONS OF BODYCON

Pros	Cons
Can be for formal or casual events Makes you look taller	Can be difficult to match with

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#5: MINI AND MIDI DRESSES

Form Fitting:     
Heightening:     
Comfort:     

Mini dresses and midi dresses are ideal for a petite frame because they provide the illusion of elongated legs and maintain balance in proportions.

Shorter hemlines elongate the legs, while well-fitted midi dresses with slits or vertical patterns prevent overwhelming a smaller stature.

Incorporating these into a wardrobe ensures versatility, offering both casual and sophisticated looks that align with a vogue aesthetic.

Whether paired with heels for a refined touch or sneakers for a relaxed vibe, these midi dresses help them feel confident and effortlessly stylish.

PROS AND CONS OF MINI AND MIDI DRESSES

Pros	Cons
Shorter hemlines build the illusion of longer legs Midi dresses offer both casual and sophisticated styling options Structured fits help elongate the silhouette	If not well done, midi dresses may cut off at an unflattering point

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CONCLUSION

From this collection of outfits, you’ll notice a pattern that will tell you what’s the best outfit to put on. Number one, choose vertical. Second, follow the rule of thirds and elongate your lower half instead of your torso. Third, you can never go wrong with form-fitting clothing. Fourth, simplicity is beauty. And last but not least, always go with what suits your personal style.

Remember these rules the next time you shop for gowns to don on any occasion. Of course, don’t forget the little details, like accessorizing it with a watch or bracelet.

Editor’s Choice

SHEATH DRESSES

Sheath gowns are designed to hug the body and highlight natural curves. This brings a sleek and streamlined look that makes petite ladies appear taller.

Plus, it’s tough to find clothing that fits perfectly when you’re petite, but they offer a great fit that will showcase your figure. They’re also versatile enough to be worn for casual events, business meetings, or formal gatherings.

A sheath piece is the ultimate go-to for petite women. They offer a perfect fit and versatility. Plus, they’re a timeless and classic style that will never go out of fashion.

If you’ve got a love-hate relationship with heels, you’re not alone. With that height comes great power and even if you’ve got blisters and lost all feeling in your toes, there is no denying how great a woman looks in a pair of stilettos. They lengthen your legs and improve your posture.

There’s an authoritative presence that comes with a gorgeous pair of heels. But why must we sacrifice our comfort to feel that sense of empowerment? Seems hardly fair, in my opinion.

So what do we do, then? Easy. We look for alternatives. Though heels seem to be the more appropriate choice of footwear for various settings–such as a cocktail party, club and maybe even some offices– you always have another option.

Don’t believe me? While “black tie” does indicate formal attire, the choice of footwear is not as specific. Heels are merely implied. It’s all about the design of the shoe. Obviously, black leather flats are a much more appropriate choice for a fancy even compared to wedge sandals. You just have to find those loopholes.

Now, I’m not saying you should get rid of your heels all together. From court shoes to peep toe pumps, most of your heels in your collection will outlast most shoe trends, and the key takeaway from this is that you can explore other footwear options if you’re not in the mood to wear anything above three inches.

If you’re heading to the office, swap out your pumps with oxfords.

Oxfords might be an odd suggestion if you’re used to typically feminine silhouettes. When we’re talking about the workplace, most women would opt for ballet flats instead of heels. But let’s face it, black ballet flats don’t do much to enhance an outfit. Picture these Lace-up Flat Leather Shoes with gauchos and a tailored blouse, or a red A-line dress and a black boyfriend blazer. The oxfords make a big difference in adding more personality into your office uniform.

If you’re attending a wedding, swap out your chunky heels with pointed flats.

Why it’s an unspoken rule that you must wear heels at a wedding is just baffling. It doesn’t matter if you’re a guest, a bridesmaid or a bride, you can wear flats that will do right by your wedding outfit. Non-traditional brides have gone as far as wearing sneakers on their big day, while others have opted for a lacy ballet flat. Another pair of shoes that is elegant enough to hold its own is pointed flats.

Looking at our Pointed Toe Flat Shoes with Ankle Bracelets, these flats are well within most wedding attires. Bridesmaids can wear these if they’re within the bride’s chosen color palette, and guests can wear these with a dress or even cropped pants.

If you’re headed for a night out, swap out your stilettos with flat boots.

Saturday nights can be unpredictable. One minute, you’re having dinner with your high school friends, and the next minute, you’re heading to the dance floor at your favorite club. Heels are never a good idea on a spontaneous night out. The shoes that will last you through the night are flat boots. May they be OTKs or Military Combat Boots, boots will work in your favor 

If you’ve got a lunch date, swap out your wedges with white sneakers.

A little white dress looks super cute with wedges or Mary Jane court shoes, but if your heels aren’t practical on your date, change into some white kicks. Leather ones are preferable, similar to our Casual Leather Sneakers that will match any day dress you have hanging in your closet. If you feel like that may be too casual, you can dress up the ensemble with some jewelry and a nice clutch.

If you’re going to a pool party, swap out your heeled sandals with flat sandals.

I always found it quite ridiculous when movies show ladies walking around in bikinis and heels. It’s even more ridiculous that it happens in real life, despite it being a hazardous combination. Shoes like our Scotland Flat Sandals are just as trendy as heeled varieties, and definitely the safer option around the pool.

Have you ever received a party invite with an expectation of a certain attire? I’m not talking about themed parties here. Rather, I’m talking about those invitations to weddings and other soirees that say things like “dressy casual” and “cocktail chic.” And then just when you thought that black tie was the fanciest of all, your invitation indicates “white tie.”

There’s a whole manual on social etiquette covering manners and such, but a huge part of it is following a dress code laid out by the host of the function. While most of us can identify what’s “casual,” “semi-formal” and “black tie,” you probably haven’t even heard of “creative black tie,” or didn’t realize “smart casual” was not the same as “business casual.”

Don’t freak out. The dress codes are a lot to take in, but they’re not as complicated as they sound. As you go further down the list, you’ll notice the subtle differences. From there, you’ll figure out if your chosen dress is appropriate for your upcoming event.

Casual

The attire that we wear on a daily basis, the casual dress code is something we all know very well. A casual outfit is something that you can easily pick out of your closet. It’s the most informal of dress codes, as far as events go. Just be mindful that your outfit is still tasteful and is free from holes, stains and tears. The key is to still look clean and put together.

Smart Casual/Casual Dressy/Dressy Casual

This is basically the dressier version of the casual attire. Generally, you want to avoid those distressed jeans, shorts and t-shirts. And definitely leave your flip flops at home. Ladies might also want to think about the length of their skirts, going for the Empire Waist Bow Tie Midi Skirt instead of a mini.

Business Casual

Over here is where it gets a little confusing, as each company has its own idea of what business casual looks like. The best way to go about the business casual attire is by going slightly more formal than smart casual. Think modest hems, button-downs and tailored bottoms. Jeans are acceptable in certain workplaces. However, if you want to err on the side of caution, try to avoid denim pieces.

Garden Attire

Garden parties can vary depending on the occasion, but for the most part, sundresses and lightweight fabrics are acceptable. What you’ll want to watch out for is your choice of footwear. To avoid poking holes or sinking into the dirt, wedges and flats should be considered.

Beach Formal

Similar to garden attire, go for lighter, flowy fabrics for beach affairs. Florals, like our Sleeveless Floral Print Mini Dress, are perfect in this kind of setting. And remember that the beach has no place for heels and even ballet flats, so wear sandals. Check out our Summer Wedding Fashion Guide for more information on beach formal attire.

Cocktail/Cocktail Chic

The LBD is probably everyone’s go-to for a cocktail function, though you do have more options at your disposal. Knee-length skirts and dress pants are alternatives to dresses, pairing them with a blouse or sweater. Darker colors are often the safer option for cocktail chic parties.

Festive Attire

This is pretty much the cocktail attire with a themed twist. So if the party falls on Christmas, think red, white or green cocktail dresses. If it’s a New Year’s shindig, feel free to wear a bit of sparkle.

Business Formal

Here’s where the blazers, pantsuits and pantyhose come into play. You can also wear something like the Dot Pencil Midi Dress, as long as you wear a jacket over it. Heels are often expected to match this business attire. After all, it’s all about looking professional.

Semi-Formal

Somewhat similar to black tie optional, you’d normally expect cocktail dresses and dressy separates. Just don’t go for the ball gown—leave that for the formal dress codes.

Black Tie Optional/Formal

Instead of going full-on black tie with floor-length gowns, you have other choices, such as formal cocktail dresses. Dressy separates work as well. Just think of it as being more sophisticated than semi-formal, but not as strict as black tie.

Creative Black Tie

It’s black tie with some personality. Colored items are widely accepted in black tie attire, with the expectation of flashier gowns, like the Strapless Ballgown Cocktail Maxi Dress.

Black Tie

Floor-length gowns or formal LBDs, heels, you know the works. Black tie mainly refers to men’s attire, so you do have free reign in terms of colors to wear. If you’re not sure about certain hues, opt for darker shades, or at the very least, muted colors.

White Tie

The most formal of the attires, white tie is as fancy as it gets. It’s where you want to wear statement pieces, such as the Sleeveless Sequin Evening Maxi Dress. Don’t be afraid to finish off the ensemble with some long, satin gloves!

How many times have you stopped yourself from buying skirts and dresses because your legs aren’t long enough? As someone who is on the shorter side, I know all too well how careful I must be when it comes to floor- and ankle-length items.

Women standing 5’3” and under are well aware of their “shortcomings,” often avoiding items that cut off those extra inches, such as bell bottoms drop-waist silhouettes. They also might have been told to stay away from maxi dresses and skirts. But what if I told you that it is possible for you to pull off a maxi, without chipping away your stature?

It’s true—it’s not just the long-legged ladies that have the height to match the length of a maxi. With the right style choices, a petite girl can do justice to a full skirt.

Because of your height, you do have to be pickier about the design of your maxi dress. And if you’re not sure where to start, here are a few tips to consider:

Get it tailored

It seems like most international fashion brands tailor their maxis to model heights, but there is an easy fix to this. With a good tailor, you can simply shorten the hem and readjust the waist of the skirt. And if you’re not sure where the hem should measure to, ankle-length is a safe bet.

Avoid big, bold prints

Short girls look better in solid colors rather than prints, but if you want to go for patterns, choose subtle ones. Think small floral prints and vertical pinstripes, not huge polka dots and animal patterns.

Go for a cinched waist

The cinched waist is something that most of us rely on to carve out that figure, but it becomes especially important in cases like this. The wrong shapes can definitely make short girls look stumpy, losing their true frame all together. To prevent your body from being swallowed by all that fabric, choose frocks that are narrower at the waist or with form-fitting bodices. You can opt for a flowy skirt or a mermaid silhouette, such as the Sleeveless O-Neck Maxi Dress, depending on your personal taste. Just be mindful of the volume in your bottom half, avoiding balloon skirts and poofy ballgowns.

Experiment with plunging necklines

Your legs aren’t the only parts of your body you can lengthen. A deep v-neck and a sweetheart neckline are perfect for showing off your clavicle, thereby elongating that torso. They also balance out the amount of fabric used to form the skirt.

Choose a dress with a slit

Still feel like the maxi dress is too overwhelming for your frame? A slit should do the trick! A sneak peek of the legs is exactly what you need to combat any fears you have about the full skirt, as well as elongate those stems. In terms of the placement of the slit, it doesn’t really matter. A little side leg exposure will add a sexy vibe to the outfit, while the Bohemian Long Sleeve Maxi Dress enhances the drama of your ensemble.

No long sleeves!

You’re already covering up so much of your legs, so why would you want to cover your arms as well? Showing some skin is absolutely key for petite girls to stand tall in a maxi. Thus, nothing longer than three-quarters, or at least balance the coverage of the sleeves with a plunging neckline.

Find a dress with sheer details

An alternative to the slit is the use of sheer fabric in the skirt. Lace details and sheer materials exude a lighter feeling, while single-hued opaque textiles can seem heavy and weigh everything down. You can tell by comparing our Slim V-Neck Maxi Dress with a standard cotton/polyester blend piece, as the former appears breezier than the latter.

Lastly, wear some heels

Although it’s not completely mandatory to wear heels with a maxi dress, it never hurts to add a couple inches to your height. However, don’t feel compelled to slip into outrageously high stilettos. Never underestimate the power of a low wedge or a kitten heel.

Rihanna may have been telling us to be diamonds in a more metaphorical sense, but I thought I’d take this opportunity to help the budding fashionista with adding sparkle into her personal style. Like animal prints and go-go heels, glitter can border on tacky when the outfit is not properly thought through. However, when you find that sweet spot, you’ll quickly realize that you’ve given your wardrobe the fun makeover you never knew it needed.

Sequined tops, glitter shorts, sparkly dresses. All these shimmery pieces can seem a little too much to handle. But leave it to us to tell you how to glitsten without totally looking like a disco ball. Besides, it’s extremely rare for someone to look elegant in head-to-toe glitter. That is, unless you’re headed to a psychedelic music festival or need it for a Halloween costume. Or you’re Lady Gaga.

Contrary to what others may have told you, glitter wasn’t only made for the holidays or formal wear. Experts from the fashion industry are spotting bloggers and trendsetters with sequins woven into their daytime ensembles, appearing in the unlikeliest of places, such as the workplace. But actually wearing that sparkly item to the Wednesday weekly meeting can be easier said than done.

We’re not encouraging you to dive head first into glitter. Rather, we want to help you ease into it, which you can start off with by wearing shimmery accessories as accents in your outfits. Something as small as a cocktail ring or as big as a tote might be all that you need for some glimmer. Glitter accessories have taken all forms, from headbands, earrings, belts and clutches, working as statement items.

But if you feel like the contrasting colors or textures are too blinding for you, there is a subtler way of wearing such accessories. For example, an all-black uniform could be complemented with a black sequined choker or waist belt. A white long-sleeve tee would blend well with a sparkly pastel scarf. An outfit of neutrals can always use a glistening pair of heels. Thus, you have lots of options to be as understated as you want with glitter, despite how in-your-face it is in appearance.

For those that are ready to graduate from the shiny accessory department to clothing, start taking notes. If there was one celebrity who was the true role model for glitter fashion, it’s the legendary King of Pop. Michael Jackson was known for his eccentric sense of style, which includes the classic Billie Jean sequined jacket. An MJ-esque jacket would work in certain office settings, as well as nights out and even casual looks. Throw it over a graphic tee and blue jeans and you’ll instantly upgrade your street style. For subtle shimmery items, choose clothes in silver or gray so that it looks more metallic than glittery. Tops made from lurex, a fabric made from metallic thread, are generally very classy. And they’re much more office friendly compared to anything made of sequins.

If you’re looking to draw more attention, sparkly shorts will brighten up your often. They also are the perfect alternative to skirts, since they’re more comfortable but just as feminine. Though if you do love skirts, try going for ones in champagne if you love neutrals. And if you’re looking for a showstopper for a party, don’t be afraid to try on the gold sequined top. For club wear that doesn’t go overboard on the sparkle, check out our Cyber Sequin Mini Dress. Instead of being completely covered in these metallic embellishments, this white dress is merely adorned with sash that has a bit of twinkle.

Of course, there’s no way that we’ll talk about glitter without discussing its role in occasion wear. From proms to debuts, weddings to charity balls, there’s no doubt that glitter looks its best in dim lights, helping you glow and even shine like a diamond in the sky. You can’t help but feel like the belle of the ball in this Strapless Sequin Cocktail Maxi Dress. What’s wonderful about this gown is the sort of ombre effect or gradient it has using the sequins, which adds this cohesiveness across the different textiles used to make the dress.

Hopefully, you’ve grown less fearful of this flashy aesthetic with these suggestions. After all, we could all use a little luster in our fashion choices.

They say that the months of June, December and February are the most popular months for weddings, when the weather is slightly cooler. However, that hasn’t stopped couples from having their dreamy weddings in the summer. That’s because from June onward, people run the risk of a rainy day celebration. Plus, flowers tend to be pricey from December to February, due to the holiday season and Valentine’s Day. Despite the soaring temperatures, it’s not surprising couples marry off season. They end up saving a few thousand pesos, and competition for venues is less demanding compared to the months prior. Although February will always be regarded as the most romantic month of the year, the summer is perfect for exchanging I do’s. Just imagine a ceremony on the beach during sunset or in a beautiful garden under the starry night sky.

The predictability of the weather is a major draw for summer weddings, but it can also be a setback. While you’ll mostly see clear blue skies, you’ll also have to deal with the heat. All you can really do is pick the appropriate attire, making sure the dress is breezy but still appropriate for the occasion. It also won’t hurt to pray that it won’t be scorching hot on the day of.

Clearly, ball gowns are out of the question, unless the wedding is a formal evening affair, taking place indoors at an upscale venue. So what else would you need to look for to dress suitably for summer nuptials in the Philippines?

1) Think about the length of the dress

Many couples will take advantage of the good weather and have their weddings outdoors, such as a covered tent area or on the beach. For events like these, you can choose to wear tea-length dresses and midi-hems. Dresses above the knee are also another option, like our Sleeveless High Waist Party Mini Dress. Of course, the dress hem will also depend on which parts of the wedding you’re invited to. If you’ve been invited to both the church ceremony and the reception, dress modestly out of respect for the church. If you’re just part of the reception, you have more freedom in choosing a frock with a sexier neckline, a shorter hem or perhaps higher slits.

2) Think about the material of the dress

This is especially important for those destination weddings. Not only do you want a lightweight fabric to beat the heat, but also to be easier to pack in your suitcase. A layered dress will take up too much room in your bag. Silk dresses are amazing since the material keeps you cool, and they won’t wrinkle in your suitcase. As for other fabrics, be sure to get your dress steamed, pressed or ironed to get rid of those creases.

3) Think about going for a two-piece

Be a little nontraditional with your wedding attire and opt for a two-piece ensemble rather than a dress. Having a bit of your midsection peeking out in a crop top-maxi skirt set will release any trapped body heat. And if the skirt has a slit, like the Two-Piece O-Neck and Pleated Side Split Maxi Skirt, your legs won’t overheat underneath all that fabric.

4) Think about your footwear

The only thing more uncomfortable than sweating profusely underneath your dress is sweating in your shoes. Your feet also need to be able to breathe, so don’t wear pumps or ballet flats if the wedding is outside. Sandals will always be the preferred choice of footwear for summery, outdoor receptions, whether it be heeled or flat. Though if the event is on uneven surface, such as a grassy area or the beachfront, flats are definitely the way to go.
With all these tips, you now know how to survive summer weddings in the Philippines. And when you shop with us, you can take comfort in the fact that we have gorgeous options for every kind of celebration, all at amazingly affordable prices. Check out our full collection of dresses to find that beautiful, wedding guest outfit. And don’t forget to look at our dedicated section for maxi skirts, if you want to try that two-piece combo.