Thierry Lasry sunglasses, “Cara” woven bag, similar headscarf
I love the lengthening effect of a good maxi dress, but it can take some trial and error to find one with the right fit (given your height, proportions, and whether you want to wear flats or heels with the dress). Maxi dresses in petite sizing are not created equal – I’m on the shorter end of the petite spectrum, and have tried on options that were either ankle-length on me or over a foot too long! In my experience, Banana Republic petite maxis typically run on the shorter side (I can usually wear them with flats), Eliza J and INC ones tend to run on the longer side, and ones by LOFT and ASOS fall somewhere in between.
Whether you need a maxi for a special event or just casual weekend wear, below are 8 petite-friendly styles that are each under $100. And if you’re mulling over what bra to wear with some of these necklines, here’s my undergarments guide for reference!
Under $50:
Boohoo plunge drape dress (0p – 10p) // I’ve posted about the UK-based retailer Boohoo a handful of times before (and still wince whenever I have to say that brand name, lol!). Their items are always fast fashion quality, reflective of the super low price points, so I usually don’t shop there unless I’m drawn in by something specific that I can’t find elsewhere.
This dress is made of a thinner, slinky unlined material, with a wide elasticized waistband and a plunge neckline and sides. Quality is as-expected for the price. The petite length is several inches too long on me with flats, but hits just above the ground with my high platform wedges on. You can wear a lace cami or bralette underneath to avoid showing too much skin (or a swimsuit of course, if at a resort). I experimented here with hair down and wavy for a dressier look, versus pulled back with a scarf for a more boho-casual poolside vibe.
The LBD, long edition (xxsp – xslp) // LOFT is having an amazing sale on dresses right now – this cute pom pom maxi and this elegant off-shoulder maxi are at a great price, and still left in small petite sizing. Also, both dresses have reviews by sub-5 feet tall petite customers! From the review photo, the pom pom one looks perfect on someone shorter, even with flats on.
Wildflower maxi dress (xxsp – xlp; bottom right) // This boho-chic dress features sweet little details, including a cross-over strap back, tassels, a waist tie, and a flounce skirt at the bottom. With this weekend’s promo, it’s a great value for a lined maxi dress that shouldn’t require any alterations! And here’s another tassel-tie option by ASOS (~ $30!), in a red striped pattern.
Under $100:
Charles Henry blouson dress (xsp – xlp): a romantic, floral print dress with a slightly vintage-inspired vibe. It features adjustable shoulder straps (yay!) and a lining. The style of this reminds me a lot of my dress here, with a similar blouson waist and side slits.
INC ruched maxi dress (xsp – xlp): bright blue and ikat print on a knit dress, with subtle ruche detailing by the waist. This could take you from day to dinner on summer vacations.
ASOS striped off-shoulder dress (00p – 12p): a playful, 100% cotton striped dress with an on-trend, off-shoulder ruffle. Also, love the fact that ASOS actually uses petite models now for many of their petite pieces!
Your photo of the Boohoo dress is much nicer, more professional and more beautiful compared to how the dress is presented at the actual Boohoo website! Awesome styling and photography skills.
that boohoo dress is on sale for 20 dollars right now!
I love love love the Boohoo dress!! It's so hard to find maxi dresses that don't drag my body and make me look like I'm wearing a sack of potatoes. That one definitely looks like a very flattering one <3
xoxo
Kay | http://styleunsettled.com
Finding maxi dresses when you are petite is such a mission! I must have tried on about twenty before I found one that hit me in all the right places and was a flattering length. That Boohoo dress looks absolutely stunning on you!
The Lilly Mint Blog
Beautiful color on you! I love a versatile maxi dress.
-Becca
http://www.lexiandlady.com
This dress looks so nice on you! I would never have guessed that it's from Boohoo! Love it!
https://officiallychic.com/
I would also like to add that I recently went onto TJ Maxx's website and was floored by the beautiful maxi dresses they have right now. Probably not all petite friendly but the prices are amazing and hard to pass up. Definitely worth a browse. 🙂
http://tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/shop/women-s-maxi-dresses/_/N-1488589176?
Love this post! I always like wearing maxis but it's hard finding one that fits me.
Julia・Little Miss Haute Couture
Stunning as always and gorgeous photos!!
Gorgeous photos Jean! I absolutely love your outfit!
I hope you're having a lovely Sunday,
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.co.uk
That's such a beautiful dress and overall summery look! Love your colorful photos. 🙂
Diana | http://www.thechicdiary.com
Love all of your picks but your red dress is the best! Great style as always <3
https://www.myblackcloset.com/
Gorgeous! I love shopping your links because they actually fit me!
Briana
http://beyoutifulbrunette.blogspot.com/
You look like a goddess in that dress! The world really needs more petite friendly maxi dresses. I spend a lot of money getting them hemmed…
http://www.memoriesofthepacific.com
I'm always looking for petite dresses that don't need to be hemmed or won with heels all the time! Thanks!
I love the floral maxi dresses, but my problem with them is that they are either too thick to wear in the summer (usually with layers and non cotton material), or too thin that they are sort of see through. :/
Julia || Closet de Jules || Recent Post – The Only Spring Maxi Dress You Need
This dress looks amazing on you!
Love how you blend in so nicely with the background as well <3
http://www.pamelayaquelin.com
wow<3
Such a beautiful photos! 😉
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
I love that you featured a variety of prints. The plain red and black ones are my favourite – rather sick of florals currently!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
It looks absolutely gorgeous. I've been looking for new wedges for summer. These Marc Fisher ones look perfect. And you pull of maxis so well being a petite! I love your bandana as well. Cute on you!
XOXO //
SINCERELY OPHELIA | NYC Petite Fashion Blogger