I'm 5'2"—Here Are All the Petite Summer Dresses I Can Genuinely Recommend

It's not easy being petite. For all the money you spend on clothes, often you have to then fork out even more for alterations. Hemlines are too long, billowing sleeves have too much excess fabric, and don't even get me started at waistlines that usually end up sitting somewhere around your hips. 

Thankfully though, there are currently several brands that are making things easier for those of us lacking a little bit of height. From Reformation to Abercrombie, Boden to ASOS, dedicated petite ranges are becoming much easier to find if you just know where to look. 

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

Generally, I find dresses to be one of the hardest items to shop for, as there are often several different elements that can end up looking too oversize. While with a skirt, you might only have to alter the hem, dresses provide the added difficulty of potentially having to adjust the length of a bodice as well as sleeves and more. That is why today, I've taken the time to scroll through several websites in order to track down some of the best petite dresses on the market that you won't have to alter a bit. From summery cotton maxi dresses that don't drag on the floor to floral minis that will actually sit above your knee, keep scrolling for 18 petite summer dresses I genuinely recommend... 

Shop My Edit of Petite Summer Dresses

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Next: I'm 5'2", and I've Figured Out How to Wear This Difficult Trouser Trend

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing brand.

Emily has worked forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely withBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, teamBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.