Looking chic in the heat is hard for the best of us, but when you’re petite there’s even more challenges to come up against. If you’re under 5’3” like me, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Long, floaty dresses can overwhelm our shorter frames, and even with minis and midis it’s hard to get the proportions right. Loose wide-leg trousers, which seem to be an effortless warm-weather office option for most, drag on the floor, hiding our sandals and taking away from that polished look. My shirt or light jacket sleeves are always rolled up and jeans usually require a good few inches hacking off.
All of these added stresses can really take the fun out of summer wardrobe shopping, and on top of that, knowing which brands have dedicated petite sections to aim for can be hard. More often than not you won’t find them in store and you have to dig through menu options to find them online. I wouldn’t blame you for giving up— but before you turn to that old faithful mini dress or pair of denim shorts again, I’m coming to the rescue with some fresh, expensive-looking pieces to add to your summer rotation.
To save you the hassle of failed orders and time-wasting returns, I’ve done a deep-dive into some of our favourite summer brands to find their petite sections, and then edited those collections down to 30 beautiful buys that— get this— will actually fit. And keep you looking elevated, even on the hottest days of the year.
From dreamy wedding-guest options, to everyday staples and dresses galore, keep scrolling to see the 30 best petite summer buys that come fashion editor approved…
These airy linen trousers will fall on the ankle just at the right place.
A good slip skirt is such a versatile summer piece.
A white midi dress works for everything from picnics to pub drinks.
The perfect wedding-guest dress.
Wide leg trousers that actually fit shorter legs!
Another easy skirt to pair with basics and look instantly chic.
I have this thing for white dresses.
A classic pair of blue jeans, that have short and extra short length options with waist sizes from 23 to 37.
Wear this open as a beach cover up, too.
A classic white shirt which should sit correctly on the shoulders!
I fell for this dress as soon as I saw it recently— then I realised it came in a petite option too!
Heading to Wimbledon? Or a garden party? I’d wear this.
A piece you can take across seasons.
This works for events or date night with heels but also for holidays and warm weekends with lace up or chunky sandals.
These classic jeans will elongate your legs.
I love the idea of this skirt paired with a bikini top on the beach.
Just add a simple vest top.
A great pair of cropped tailored trousers are an essential in any woman’s wardrobe.
Hello, wedding-guest dress of dreams.
This is such a polished dress for office days and important meetings.
M&S don’t have a dedicated petite section, but most of their trousers now have a ‘short’ length option.
Fun but still elegant.
This pink shade has won me over.
A great petite suit is hard to find. Wear it with a tank top now and layer with a roll neck in winter.
Finding a jumpsuit that fits a petite frame is a challenge: enter this Topshop number.
A cute layering piece that works will with high waisted trousers.
Nobody’s Child do the best day-to-night dresses, and lots come in petite options too.
