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…
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).
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 at those stores. I’m wearing this floral halter neck gown in s 6P. It would also be lovely for a gala or wedding.
If you are looking for a fall or winter option (or want a dress with sleeves) take a look at this sheer-sleeve gown. Prefer a full skirt? Try this high-low halter ball gown.
SL Fashions
For modest petite dresses under $150, take a look at SL Fashions (also available at Nordstrom and Macy’s). This gown provides plenty of coverage but has sheer embellished sleeves and a slit so that doesn’t look heavy. 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 dresses 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
If you’re long 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. Take a look at the Frankie Silk Dress, the Daniela Silk Dress, and the Cavelo Dress. They’re all long dresses under $400.
Banana Republic
Banana Republic has recently introduced some long dresses in silk. Take a look at this silk lamé maxi dress, and this stretch satin maxi.
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 probably 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, 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.
I may keep this Satin Crepe Gown, as I think it will just need shorter straps and hemming, but it is a little big on me (I bought a size 6, but might need a 4).
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 And Babi formal dresses and found that their styles tend to be extra long. But this dress from Anthropologie is a regular size (this Juliana High Neck Dress is similar, and currently available) 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?
Leave a Reply