Ann Taylor earrings, Kelly & Katie heels sz 5.5 c/o (similar in sz 4.5+)
If you’re looking for wedding guest attire (or just a pretty spring-summer dress) on a budget, this floral number won’t break the bank, and is nice quality to boot! The periwinkle blue material has a slight texture to it, and the skirt has a partial lining that ends above the knees. I would say the length falls in between what’s typical for petite and regular-length maxi dresses. It’s a little long (I’m ~ 5′ tall) but works with my tall platform wedges, which by the way just became available again for pre-order in small sizes! These wedges are oh SO leg-lengthening and comfy given the height, I can’t recommend them enough (see them on me in “blush” sz 5).
I also wanted to be able to wear this dress with lower shoes, without having to hem off any length. I’ve shown these a while back, but here are two quick little fixes that I use to temporarily shorten dresses:
1. For strappy dresses (that don’t have adjustable straps), securing the straps together at the upper back will raise the overall dress up. I like this because it doesn’t just shift the hemline up, but also the armholes, bust, and waistline. Sometimes I use a tiny safety pin as shown above and cover it with my hair, or a pretty ribbon tied in a bow (this option is also good for adjusting how closely you bring the two straps together).
Since the straps on this particular dress were already close together design-wise, my safety pin only raised everything about 1 inch. On dresses where the straps are wider-set like regular camisole straps, this trick can raise everything up a little more.
2. For dresses with a soft flowy material, use a thin waist belt as an anchor, and fold some fabric over it to raise the hemline. This worked especially well on this dress because it already has an elasticized, blouson-style waistline that I could easily fold over, but I’ve also used this trick on dresses that have no defined waist. If you try to fold over too much material, the waist area can get too blousy, so I wouldn’t try to shorten more than 2-3 inches using this trick.
This dress is shown on the model as a “cold-shoulder” style, but you can also tuck the shoulder ruffles under your arms, as shown below. I’ve gotten into the habit of wearing my adhesive “nippies” pads in the light shade (these can be re-worn dozens of times without losing sticking power) instead of a strapless bra – no more fidgeting throughout the day, plus it feels so lightweight and liberating! Unfortunately I know this isn’t a solution for everyone, since nippies don’t provide any support.
Dress measurements in sz XS: 56″ length from the very top of shoulder straps to hem, 12″ across the elasticized waist (stretches a few inches), 16″ across the underarms.
Hi
I dont wear heels but have the same problem with length of garments,hence only buy from a selected retailers.giwever having said that I ordered a few for a holiday didnt reliase the length would be am issue would do I do ?
Hey Jean – how are the shoes – have you found them to be comfortable?
Loved this so much that I got it for a wedding in June. You have the best finds and awesomely helpful tips. Thank you!!
Hi Rio! They are not very curved like bra cups are, so I think they should fit a range of bra sizes just fine since the adhesive pads are just applied around the nipple area.
I'm so curious as well! Trying to envision how to do that without a belt : )
Hi! Regarding the nippies pad that links to shopbop, I saw that it's only available in "one size". Isn't it too big? I think I would be the same size as you are. Thanks in advance! 🙂
P.S.
Your blog is very helpful!
What a cute bag! You always share the best tips!
xx, Jae | http://www.allthatjae.com
Nice tip!! I've seen my fiances mother do the exact same waist trick without a belt, though have yet to learn the magic of her ways. That dress is lovely on you though, and one I would have never thought of for us petites! So glad I found your blog, it's definitely been helping me guide through my fashion!
Beautiful dress!
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Love the tip!
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Thank you (and Anon. above) for letting me know! It should be fixed now!
I hope you like it! Belt is Ann Taylor but old : /
haven't been able to get to instashop through any of your links!
Love your blog but none of your links for outfit pieces are working. They all direct to google.
This is a great tip! Especially when you're a petit girl like us!
You look lovely, hun! <3
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This is the prettiest dress! I love this color palette and the floral print. Great tips for us petite girls too! Thanks for sharing 🙂
-Jessi
https://www.thedarlingdetail.com/
Thank you for sharing:P
Shall We Sasa
Love this dress! It's perfect on you!
https://officiallychic.com/
That's such a beautiful dress! Love it. X
http://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/
A belt has saved me multiple times.
This dress looks gorgeous on you. I've a feeling it wouldn't quite suit my rather larger frame but at that price I'm tempted to give it a go anyway!
Ellie x
http://www.shoestringthreads.com
Love those kind of dresses. Light, full of colors, perfect for summer days. You look fabulous in this outfit.
This is a lovely floral dress!
xx
http://www.mybeautrip.com
What a cute dress! So pretttyyyy and nifty tips! Love it!
XOXO // Check out my latest post if you like 😉
SINCERELY OPHELIA | CELINE TRIO REVIEW
You look so beautiful in this dress! I love everything about it – cut, color, and print. Plus great tips on how to shorten a dress!!
This is such a useful guide for a petite girl like me! I'm always getting my dresses altered so this is very convenient.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Lovely dress! You look like you're so ready for a vacation <3
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<3 it! looks comfortable.
-Kirsten /// http://www.porkandcookies.com
Yesss totally buying this for a summer wedding. Belt details??? Thanks!
Simply beautiful! 🙂
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