And if you’re a fan of Hill House Home’s iconic Nap dress, trust me that I’ve road-tested both their signature Ellie and Nesli dresses, and they fit perfectly, coming down to just above my ankles. If you’re shopping at a retailer with an actual petite section, rejoice! They are far and few between, but labels like Reformation are making it easier to shop for petite sizes. (I look for dresses with a length of 51 inches and under, but the sweet spot is 40-45 inches.) I promise it will save you a headache from having to return it afterward. If shopping online, the trick is to always check the garment’s “length” measurements to ensure it will fit your frame before checking out. I used to think I couldn’t wear long maxi dresses, but they have now become my everyday uniform. But as many women in this size group know, there’s a strong chance that if you’re not paying attention to proportions, a new dress purchase might mean an extra foot of fabric we don’t need and ultimately, a trip to the tailor. Instead of trying to match their height with a pair of sky-scraping stilettos, I learned to embrace my petite frame and shop what I loved, and what I loved were dresses. At 5ft2in, I’ve been accustomed to having friends and colleagues towering over me all my life. Warmer days are ahead and vacation plans are in sight. For anyone under 5ft4in, the search for the best petite spring and summer dresses is on.
