Every maxi dress I’ve ever owned I had to hem and honestly, I hate having clothes altered. Not only does it sometimes change the overall style of the item, it’s also expensive and time-consuming. No one wants to buy a $20 dress from Amazon only to pay another $20 to shorten it.
I’ve seen “long dresses” come across my requests so many times over the last year and I haven’t delivered, but with spring and summer around the corner, I decided it was time I made the effort to find some petite friendly items that didn’t require hemming.
The easiest option is looking for maxi and midi dresses that come in petite, but it’s also limited. The next option is knowing your measurements and what will work and won’t work with your height. For me at 4’10” I know if the dress is 46″ long or less, it will work. Most of time looking for a midi dress when you want a maxi dress is another great way to find one that will fit right from the store.
Six Petite Friendly Midi/Maxi Dresses
My Sizing: I’m 4’10” around 105 lbs. My bust, waist, and hip measurements are, 32″, 24″, 36″.
On or Off the Shoulder Dress
My favorite of the bunch is this dotted dress from Amazon. It’s affordable and so breezy. With a pair of heels it just almost hits the ground, but doesn’t! You can wear it on or off the shoulder, I personally prefer it on the shoulder for comfort. When I first received it it was full of static, but a little run over with the steamer and it was good to go! I’m wearing a size 4-6 in this dress.
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Dress 4-6 | Shoes (similar) | Bracelet | Earrings
Floral Maxi
I have loved J.Crew for as long as I can remember. I’m an East Coast girl, so there is a part of me that will always lean a little preppy, and J.Crew’s colors and prints are some of my favorites! When I saw this dress pop up on their site, I was sad to see it didn’t come in petite, but I checked the measurements and it just so happened it would work. It’s meant to be midi length but on me, it’s maxi length and I love it! This is a more expensive option, but I snagged it 50% off so I know it’s bound to go on sale again soon. Plus, if you’re a cardholder at J.Crew you get to take an extra 20% off this month with code CARDLOVE that bundles on top of other promotions.
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Dress XXS | Shoes (similar option) | Bracelet | Earrings
Affordable Spotted Maxi Dress
This one is another Amazon option! It comes in other colors and has adjustable straps which is always a big bonus for me. I also appreciate the smocked top when it comes to wearing a dress that requires a strapless bra, it helps hold it up. This dress isn’t lined, but it’s not see-through, I would recommend nude undergarments with it. I’m wearing it in small.
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Dress S | Shoes (similar)
Blue Floral Dress
I was introduced to Lost + Wander by Short Story Box. They sent me a dress that fit me so well, I had to try more from the brand! It’s not the most affordable option, but they have some of the cutest prints. This dress comes in several colors and spring-ready prints. On the model it hits right below her knee, on me, it’s more mid-shin. My post in the picture doesn’t show it well, but you can see it in action in the video above. This dress is fully lined and comfortable. It’s also smocked at the top and overall fits very well! I’m wearing it in XS.
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Dress XS | Shoes (similar) | Earrings
Strapless Maxi Dress
This is my last Amazon find of the bunch. I’m so impressed with the few that I found I’m going to be searching for more options on Amazon. This one is also a great length and I love the color! It comes in other color and print options. I’m wearing it in small.
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Dress S | Shoes similar option
Lilac Maxi Dress
This dress is the one that is the largest on me out of the bunch, but I still liked it enough to include it. It has a sheer overlay at the top so you’ll need a strapless bra with this one. It is fully lined and would make a beautiful dress for any special occasion you may have coming up! I’m wearing it in XS.
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Dress XS | Shoes similar option
I managed to get a YouTube video together for this one too! My kids may be screaming in the background at one point but what can ya’ do – that’s life with two boys! Ha!
You can catch this style session on Instagram and Pinterest as well.
-Brooke
