I recently received an email from a reader asking me for outfits that would impress at an upcoming work conference. The dresses, especially, in this post make me think of an impressive and polished outfit, but the monochromatic and tonal pleated skirt options are also elegant. In today’s post, I have four options that are a mix of skirts and dresses, polished for the office, and petite-friendly.
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Petite-Friendly Skirts and Dresses for Work
My Sizing: I’m 4’10”, and my bust, waist, and hip measurements are 32″, 24″, and 36″. My inseam is 25″ (the measurement from the inside of my leg to my ankle bone). The clothes shown are unaltered and show how they fit me right from the store. I list my sizing beside each item to help you compare when shopping online. When referencing my true size, that is often the smallest option available at a brand or petite xxs/00/24. I wear a size 5 shoe.
Crepe Shirt Dress
This crepe shirt dress is easy to care for and doesn’t wrinkle easily. It has a true-to-size fit with a flattering wrap top and attached belt at the waist. The belt at the waist and the buckles on the sleeves can be adjusted to shorter the sleeves and cinch the waist. The skirt is fully lined, and it has a side zipper closure. I absolutely love the fit of this dress—I think it’s well balanced for petites and is a beautiful cut.
Dress Petite 00 | Bag | Shoes tts | Earrings
Ponte Dress
I found this ponte dress at the White House Black Market. It’s made from stretchy and comfortable ponte, a thick fabric that can be quite forgiving and figure-flattering. I love that this dress has a close fit without being too tight. I find it to fit true to size. For reference, I’m wearing it in Petite 00. This dress was quick to sell out in navy but is still available in white.
Dress Petite 00 | Shoes tts | Tote cappuccino | Earrings
Pleated Skirt
If you’re a longtime reader of my blog, this isn’t the first time you’ve seen this pleated skirt. It’s one of my favorite things, and surprisingly, it’s from Amazon. This skirt runs a bit small, so although it starts at an XS, a small is the best fit for me. The skirt is fully lined and it has a comfortable stretch waist. I care for this skirt by washing it regularly in the washing machine and laying it flat to dry. For wrinkles, I use a steamer and steam vertically to preserve the pleats. In the post I’m wearing it in ‘brown’ and ‘dark gray’ – brand colors that don’t really match the actual colors.
In the first pleated skirt outfit, I paired the skirt with a washable silk top from Quince. Quince has named this color “powdered rose,” which is a better interpretation. The top is beautiful, but it runs large. On me, it’s long, and it works with outfits you can tuck the top in. A size down is a safe bet if you have that option.
Skirt Small color is “brown” | Top XS in Rose Powder | Shoes tts | Tote cappuccino | Earrings
In the next outfit I paired the skirt with a surplice top I found at White House Black Market. Although the top has a petite option, I was unable to grab my size, so I opted for regular sizing and it’s still a great fit. The top is stretchy, and has subtle puff sleeves. The neckline does gape open, but can be adjusted and crossed so it stays put – you can also pin it for added security.
Skirt Small in ‘dark gray‘ | Top XXS | Shoes tts | Tote cappuccino | Earrings
For more summer outfits for work, check out this post.
-Brooke
