According to the Office for National Statistics, the average height for a female in the UK is 164.3cm in 2023. That’s just over 5ft3 (5ft3.9 to be precise) and yet the market for petite fashion is remarkably limited.
There is a real lack of brands offering clothing specifically designed for those of 5ft3 and under, the fashion world’s definition of ‘petite’. This makes shopping for the likes of jeans, jumpsuits and dresses particularly challenging, especially when it comes to midi length styles of the latter.
Head to the high street and a traditional midi dress will likely drown a petite frame, reflecting that of a maxi and either dragging on the floor or sitting at an awkward place. But that doesn’t stop the cut being so covetable - you just need to know where to look.
Midi dresses have almost replaced their shorter hemline counterparts, especially when it comes to dressing for the office. Whether you pair with trainers, strappy sandals in summer or heels, the knee-skimming designs have the ability to elongate the body, giving the appearance of a taller, slimmer frame.
With brands like Reformation, Oasis and ASOS providing midi dresses aplenty, we’ve gathered styles to suit all occasions - whether you’re looking for that perfect wedding guest dress, a sophisticated style to see you through the 9 to 5 or floral frocks to fill your holiday wardrobe.
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Best wedding guest dresses: The stylish wedding guest dresses and outfits to shop now
Reformation Petites Frasier Dress
This sophisticated midi is wedding guest dressing nailed. When formal dress codes come a-calling, this is your sartorial solution with its retro button detail, flattering ruched side detail and thigh-high slit to bring a sensual touch. The all-season wardrobe staple that you’ll want in your arsenal has capped sleeves to see you through rain or shine.
Buy now £278.00, Reformation
ASOS DESIGN Petite strappy ruched bust midi dress in red and white floral
With the long-awaited arrival of spring comes the need to fill your wardrobe with summery floral frocks and this affordable strappy number from ASOS fits the bill. The burgundy red colourway is universally flattering, while the ruched self-tie feature at the bust keeps everything securely in place.
Buy now £24.00, ASOS
Oasis Petite Mono Spot Satin Halter Neck Midi Dress
Polka dots are a timeless print and, set on this silky fabric, make for a dress that you’ll wear for years to come. When those formal dress codes pop up, this hard-working frock will be on hand with its halterneck silhouette and open back.
Buy now £62.30, Oasis
Nobody’s Child Petite Blue Sicilian Lemon Lucia Midi Dress
This dress belongs in the Amalfi Coast. The lemon print beauty will be all the motivation you need to book yourself on a flight to mainland Italy (or Sicily, we’re not picky). The pattern is set on a cornflower blue hue with a sweetheart neckline and ruffle trim. Now all we need is some sunshine.
Buy now £49.00, Nobody’s Child
ASOS DESIGN Petite open back slip midi dress in mixed prints
This ASOS dress looks remarkably similar to a Rixo number - but just at a fraction of the cost. The green-blue colourway and floral print has a vintage touch but it’s given a modern twist with the v-neck and tie back silhouette.
Buy now £30.00, ASOS
Oasis Petite Paisley Floral Tiered Lace Trim Midi Dress
Whether you’re looking for a frock for your summer office rotation or to see you through the innumerable al fresco celebrations or nuptials that are filling your diary, this is the type of piece you’ll be relieved to have on hand. The paisley design takes a slightly different approach to the not-so groundbreaking floral print that dominates summer fashion, while the tiered nature adds structure and sophistication.
Buy now £98.10, Oasis
New Look Petite lace trim midi dress in black floral
Have this floral dress on hand and you’ll never step a foot wrong in the sartorial stakes. The wearable style, whether you pair with white trainers or sandals, takes an effortless approach to summer dressing. The black colourway keeps it classy, while the floral print is classic. Work to the weekend approved.
Buy now £27.99, ASOS
Reiss Aleen Floral Print Linen Midi Dress
Reiss is the brand to know for your sophisticated dressing needs as the Aleen shows with aplomb. The beauty of this style is that paired with strappy sandals and heels and you have a style to suit formal codes. But, it works just as well for throwing over a swimsuit and heading to a far flung tropical destination, especially given the linen construction.
Buy now £168.00, Reiss
Petite Stripe Rib Tie Neck Ruched Midi Dress
You can never go wrong with stripes. The design is perennially chic, easy to wear and will have you covered no matter what your diary has in store. The classic style is given a pastel twist at Oasis with this dreamy combination that brings it in line with the latest trends. There’s also a key hole detail and tie neck for added interest.
Buy now £10.00, Oasis
Warehouse Petite Floral Flippy Mock Neck Midi Dress
Cast your mind back to a couple of summers ago when that Rixo dress was absolutely everywhere. Well, Warehouse is giving that frock a run for its money with this Pop Art-inspired floral print that will be all over the race course or wedding scene - watch this space. The icing on the cake is the ruffle trim high neck.
Buy now £62.30, Warehouse
New Look Petite Black Floral Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
Breeze through the summer with as many floral frocks as your wardrobe’s capacity will allow. The warm weather staple may not count Miranda Priestly among its fan base but it takes any stress or extensive thought out of the daily dressing process. This puff sleeve piece from New Look is a sure-fire win.
Buy now £29.99, New Look
Oasis Rachel Stevens Petite Volume Sleeve Split Dress
Forget the LBD. The MBD is the wardrobe staple you need when you’re looking for a sophisticated style for all occasions. If you like your all-black uniform with a touch of drama, see this midi from Oasis that is part of the high street hero’s collaboration with S Club 7 alum Rachel Stevens. An elevated take on the basics, it has puff sleeves and a front slit.
Buy now £30.00, Oasis
Nobody’s Child Petite Brushstroke Floral Delilah Midi Dress
This tea dress has vintage appeal with its floral print, puff sleeves and frill hem but it’s the hidden design details that make it a win for us. There’s a touch of stretch to the construction that ensures its ultra-wearability and the material - a viscose blend - is a specialised responsible fabric that gives it durability in your collection. This frock will form the foundation of your summer wardrobe for years to come.
Buy now £55.00, Nobody’s Child
New Look Petite Red Ribbed Long Sleeve Midi Polo Dress
Preppy styles are taking over this season and combined with knit constructions makes for a style that hits all the latest trends on the head. The ribbed design is flattering for the figure, while the red hue is both dramatic yet not daunting to those who shy away from bold colours. The jersey fabric has a lovely soft skin-feel.
Buy now £22.99, New Look
Oasis Petite Stripe Rib Twist Back Midi Dress
Inject colour into your wardrobe without it feeling daunting with this stripe midi from Oasis. The combination of hues adds something slightly different for those whose wardrobes are typically dominated by black without veering too far away from the comforting shade - in fact it’s even featured. The silhouette has a side slit from ease and an open back twist back that makes it all the more appealing.
Buy now £10.00, Oasis
Reformation Petites Baxley Dress
Reformation has one of the most extensive selection of petite frocks on the market and always brings with them the laid-back LA charm that is the label is known and loved for. The Baxley is no different with this floaty construction and ditsy floral print. The cornflower blue shade is also universally flattering as is the slit to flash your pins.
Buy now £255.00, Reformation
Boden Ruched Bodice Midi Dress
This dress will be a workhorse in your collection. The timeless style has got your back when you just can’t decide what to wear. It has a bold red colourway and a fitted ruched bodice that is effortlessly chic, while the linen-blend fabric is lightweight and breathable when the heatwave hits.
Buy now £96.00, Boden
River Island Petite twist front midi t-shirt dress in white
T-shirt dresses will help you breeze through those casual occassions but they can often fall into sleepwear territory in terms of aesthetics. To avoid looking like a nightie, this option from River Island is given a flattering detail of a twist front, plus side slits to show some skin.
Buy now £32.00, ASOS
Nobody’s Child Petite Lilac Heart Print Annalise Midi Dress
This floral frock is one you’ll pack in your holiday wardrobe. The mood-boosting pink hue and scattered heart print will serve you from city exploration to beach break with a touch of romance, while also seeing you through the summer for darling office attire. It follows suit in the shirting department with an oversized collar and fitted sleeves but has a midaxi ankle-length hem.
Buy now £47.20, Nobody's Child
Vero Moda Petite abstract printed midi dress in multi
One look at this dress and you’ll be planning your next night out on the tiles, just to have an excuse to wear this abstract print number. Style with biker boots and punk jewellery to give it the edge it deserves.
Buy now £35.00, ASOS
