One of my favorite ways to start dressing for the season is with dresses in rich fall colors and prints. You can get the look of fall without necessarily adding heavy layers before the weather calls for them.
Today I’m sharing four fall transition dresses that work across a range of temperatures. There are lightweight sleeveless options you can wear while it’s still warm, along with corduroy dresses that can transition into cooler weather with knee-high boots. Each one also has proportions that work well on my 4’10” frame.
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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.
Pilcro Keira 100% Cotton Corduroy Mini Dress
I love the Keira dresses from Anthropologie, and this 100% cotton corduroy version is a great option for cooler fall days. It has a slightly different design than some of the other Keira dresses I’ve worn. The waist is drawn in a little more, which gives this version some shape while still keeping the relaxed feel of the Keira style.
While I’ve preferred standard sizing in some of my other Keira dresses, this one fits me best in petite. I’m wearing Petite XXS and would consider it true to size, but it does have a roomy fit. If you’re between sizes or prefer a closer fit, you may want to size down.
The corduroy is thick and substantial, so there’s no issue with it being see-through, and it has pockets on the skirt. I also love the mini length for petites. It’s a style you can wear now with flats and then pair with knee-high boots as the temperatures start to drop.
Fit: True to size with a roomy fit; I’m wearing Petite XXS.
Dress Petite XXS | Boots | Flats
By Anthropologie Peregrine 100% Cotton Midi Dress
The pictures don’t do the Peregrine Midi Dress from Anthropologie justice. The fit and proportions are so good on a petite frame!
This 100% cotton dress has a square neckline and small puffed sleeves. The neckline isn’t too low-cut on me, and I love the feminine details throughout the dress. Decorative buttons run down the front and lead to a small opening at the bottom tier.
The skirt is floaty and flowy without overwhelming my frame, and it’s fully lined with pockets. The combination of the fit, length, and placement of the details makes this one feel especially well-proportioned for petites.
It’s also a great example of a fall transition dress that gives you the colors and feel of the season without being heavy. You can wear it while the weather is still warm and add a cardigan or jacket later in the season.
Tuckernuck Chocolate Brown Eyelet Seaton Mini Dress
Chocolate brown is one of my favorite colors for transitioning into fall, and the Tuckernuck Seaton Mini Dress has so many beautiful details.
The skirt is fully lined with a full eyelet lace overlay, while the top is made from structured cotton poplin with smocking. Ruffles at the collar and waist add another feminine detail and give the dress a little more shape.
I sized up in this dress because I needed to size up in a similar style, but after trying it on, I think my true size would actually be the best fit. I would recommend sticking with your regular size unless you’re between sizes or prefer a roomier fit.
The sleeveless design makes this a great choice when you want to dress for fall but still warm outside. The rich chocolate brown gives you the fall look without having to pile on layers in warmer temperatures.
Fit: True to size; I sized up but would prefer my true size, XXS.
Dress XS; recommend XXS if you’re my size | Shoes
Mauve Ditsy Floral Button-Front Corduroy Bryant Mini Dress
The Mauve Ditsy Floral Bryant Mini Dress is labeled as corduroy, but I probably wouldn’t have described it that way if I hadn’t seen corduroy in the name. The fabric is soft and textured with a little bit of stretch rather than feeling like a traditional thick corduroy.
My favorite part of this dress is the print. The mauve ditsy floral has a beautiful fall feel, and I love the length on my petite frame.
I’m wearing XXS, and the overall fit works well for petites, but there is one proportion detail I want to point out. The dress is a little long on me from the shoulder to the chest, so the bodice doesn’t fit quite as perfectly as the length does.
Fit: I’m wearing XXS; it runs a little roomy and long through the upper body on me.
I’ll be sharing more petite-friendly fall dresses, boots, layers, and capsule wardrobe ideas as we head further into the season!
