Formal Dresses And Gowns For Petite Women
If you’re under 5’4″ and looking for a floor-length gown, you know that you can’t always buy a regular dress and shorten the skirt. Petite dresses are shorter in the bodice, too, and formal dresses have so many details that a poor fit is obvious. Here’s what I’ve found (for under $500) in petite formal dresses. I’ve also included what to look for in regular-sized dresses so that they can be easily tailored to fit your petite frame…
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Which Brands Make Petite Formal Dresses And Gowns For Women?
My husband and I have attended a few black-tie events every year for the past twenty years, so I’ve had my share of formal dress shopping. These brands offer petite sizes:
Alex Evenings
Alex Evenings makes petite gowns for under $300. Their dresses are fairly modest, so if you want sleeves or a style that allows you to wear a regular bra, take a look at their petite selection.
I bought this dress and jacket combination (at Nordstrom). I’m wearing the 8P. For reference, I’m almost 5’4″ and around 125 lbs. (I’m usually a 4 or 4P in everyday dresses – I’ve found that I usually have to size up in formal dresses). It’s no longer available but this Lace and Satin Gown is similar.
You may also like this Empire Waist Dress and Jacket, and this Two-Piece Gown. They’re both currently available in petite sizes at Nordstrom.
If you’re looking for a gown without a jacket, take a look at this blue jacquard gown and this sequin gown. Both have flattering, shallow V-necklines ideal for showing off your favorite statement necklace.
Betsy And Adam
If you’re looking for strapless, halter, or figure-hugging dresses, you’ll find more (under $300) options at Betsy And Adam. I usually shop their styles at Nordstrom and Macy’s, as it’s easier for me to make returns and exchanges there. My floral halter neck gown (I’m wearing 6P) is no longer available, but this floral halter is currently available.
This Jacquard Halter Gown and this Off The Shoulder Dress are also currently available.
SL Fashions
For petite dresses under $200, take a look at SL Fashions (also available at Nordstrom and Macy’s). This cap sleeve dress is very affordable compared with other gowns. Personally, I love a halter gown, as the neckline makes my torso look longer and draws attention away from my less-than-toned upper arms.
Xscape
Xscape also offers a wide range of petite styles, including trending One-Shoulder gowns and gowns with high slits. They have both crepe/scuba/satin gowns (a heavier, more structured fabric) and jersey ones (thinner, stretchy, and clingy fabric), so read the product details. I avoid jersey gowns as I think they look cheaper and too clingy, but if you have a figure you want to show off, they might be an option for you.
Wedding Guest And Moderately Formal Dresses
Here’s A Shopping Tip
Around the holidays, everyday clothing brands offer more formal dresses. If you know you have a wedding or semi-formal event coming up, look at your favorite brand’s petite options. You may find a dress that would be appropriate for non-holiday events.
If you’re looking for semi-formal dresses or wedding guest dresses, here are some options. These dresses have fewer fit details (like seams and underwire) and embellishments (like sequins and ruffles) than black-tie dresses. But they’re made in more formal fabric (satin and silk charmeuse) than the everyday maxi dress.
Reformation
Reformation has a small collection of long, petite dresses in silk that would work for a wedding, holiday party, or semi-formal event. They’re form-fitting and often have low necklines or backs.
Take a look at the Hugo Dress, the Frankie Silk Dress, and the Daniela Dress. They’re all long silk dresses under $400.
How To Figure Out Your Size In Formal Dresses
In my experience, gowns and very formal dresses run small. I’m usually a size 4 or 4P in regular dresses, but for gowns I’ve almost always sized up to a 6P or 8P.
For less fitted dresses like slip dresses, I can usually wear a 4P or 6P (even in brands that make formal gowns). If you’re shopping online and aren’t sure of your size, take a look at the size chart. Consider ordering two sizes if you think you are in between sizes.
What If You Can’t Find A Petite Dress You Love?
If you can’t find a petite dress you love, find a good tailor who can make adjustments to a regular-sized dress. Make sure they have experience with formal gowns, which can be more complicated than your average piece of clothing. Department stores often have an in-house tailor or seamstress who specializes in gowns. Having had many, many regular dresses altered, this is what I’ve learned:
Look For Dresses With Straps
In addition to hemming the skirt, you will need to adjust the length of the bodice. Straps are usually easy to shorten – a sleeveless dress or a dress with sleeves can be much more complicated to adjust.
This Mac Duggal floral strapless dress is a Regular Size 6. With the straps and hem shortened by an inch (each), I could have worn this dress. I decided to return it (hence the security ribbon in this photo) as it wasn’t quite the look that I was going for. If you like the style, this version is currently available.
I’m wearing a satin crepe gown by Sachin & Babi in size 6, which is a little big on me, so I’m exchanging it for a size 4 and having it tailored. Skinny straps and unlined hems are pretty easy and affordable to tailor.
Avoid Plunging And V-neck Dresses (In Regular Sizing)
A regular V-neck dress always comes down too low on my petite frame. Sometimes, I can have a tailor shorten the V-neck& by taking it up at the shoulder seams, which is what I was hoping to do with this dress. But it would have made the armhole too small.
Try Different Brands – Some Are More Petite-Friendly
I’ve tried a few Mac Duggal and Sachin & Babi formal dresses and found that their styles tend to be extra long. But this dress from Anthropologie is a regular size, and it still works for me. So try a few different brands and styles. They all have different measurements, so you may find one that works even in regular sizing.
Where do you shop for formal dresses? Do you know a brand with petite options that I haven’t mentioned?
Related Post | What To Wear To A Black Tie Event (Women Over 40)
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Hi Tonya, that’s a great point – those with a longer torso may only need alterations to the skirt which is often easier (though still expensive) than shortening a detailed bodice. I have the opposite figure, a shorter torso, and longer legs, so I often need petite dresses. I think that floral halter might be my gala dress fo this year, as it works really well with one of the themes! xo Nipa
I attend at least two galas a year- and throw a wedding or two in the mix and I’m always searching for gowns. What’s interesting for me is that I don’t have a short bodice. I have shorter legs but a long torso so I don’t typically wear petite dresses- but gowns are sometimes the exception (mostly because I’m tired of the exorbitant alteration’s cost). I’ve tried a few of these brands. That floral halter is perfect for a summer party I have in mind. Thank you!
These dresses are lovely. That floral halter neck gown is my favorite!
Thank you, I’m definitely keeping that one!