I'm 5'2"—Here Are All the Petite Summer Dresses I Can Genuinely Recommend

It's not easy being petite. For all the money you spend on clothes, often you have to then fork out even more for alterations. Hemlines are too long, billowing sleeves have too much excess fabric, and don't even get me started at waistlines that usually end up sitting somewhere around your hips.
Thankfully though, there are currently several brands that are making things easier for those of us lacking a little bit of height. From Reformation to Abercrombie, Boden to ASOS, dedicated petite ranges are becoming much easier to find if you just know where to look.
Generally, I find dresses to be one of the hardest items to shop for, as there are often several different elements that can end up looking too oversize. While with a skirt, you might only have to alter the hem, dresses provide the added difficulty of potentially having to adjust the length of a bodice as well as sleeves and more. That is why today, I've taken the time to scroll through several websites in order to track down some of the best petite dresses on the market that you won't have to alter a bit. From summery cotton maxi dresses that don't drag on the floor to floral minis that will actually sit above your knee, keep scrolling for 18 petite summer dresses I genuinely recommend...
Shop My Edit of Petite Summer Dresses
This also comes in a floral blue, plain white and classic black.
I still can't believe this is from the high street.
Pretty florals are always relevant.
The botanical prints and puff sleeves are so chic.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next: I'm 5'2", and I've Figured Out How to Wear This Difficult Trouser Trend

Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her top-selling column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working for Who What Wear UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily interned at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she managed the fashion team and travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
-
I Tried On So Many Pretty Dôen Dresses—These 5 Are the Crème de la Crème
Easy, breezy, beautiful.
By Emily Dawes
-
It Might Be Déjà Vu, But I Think This Simple Dress Trend Is Destined to Rule Summer
It has some noteworthy fans.
By Natalie Munro
-
Attention, Everyone Under 5'4"—I've Found the 6 Chic Skirt Styles Petite Women Are Swapping Their Jeans For
No tailoring required.
By Ava Gilchrist
-
European Women Have Convinced Me That This Is Spring 2025's Most Elegant Jacket Trend
And it goes perfectly with jeans.
By Charly Suggett
-
No Lie—This Throw-On Linen Dress Is the Chicest Thing on the High Street Right Now
Hear me out.
By Natalie Munro
-
I've Done The Research—These 21 Trench Coats Are The Epitome Of Luxury
Spring into action.
By Sophie Robyn Watson
-
I’ve Worked In Fashion for 18 years—Here’s What I’m Obsessed With This Month
Smart buys for smart people!
By Hannah Almassi
-
Here's Everything Our Editors Wore to Paris Fashion Week
Straight from the streets of Paris.
By Brittany Davy