Different Types of Petite Black Dresses

If you are a petite gal, you are in the right place; we are well aware that sometimes it is hard to find the right trends and pieces that flatter your smaller frame. Luckily, dresses and especially black dresses are such basic pieces that every woman should own a few, not minding how tall or small you are.

The convenience of a dress is simply undeniable. It’s a one-and-done outfit that takes mere seconds to throw on, and you can easily be out the door with minimal effort. And black dresses are even better because they can make you look put-together and incredibly stylish, for practically every occasion on your calendar, not minding the time of day. And as the saying goes, you can never have too many of them.

Black dresses are timeless and such great additions to any woman’s wardrobe. However, as easy as they make stepping out, finding the right one is another story, especially when you’re petite. The part where it gets a little tricky for petite ladies is finding a length and silhouette that works. So, peel your eyes and check out some of the best petite black dress options.

Types of petite black dresses

Wrap black dress

If you’re on the petite side, a wrap dress is a great choice because this style ensures that your look is falling just right.

The goal for Petites is to elongate the legs as much as possible; this type of dress draws the eye upward on the body, helping you create a taller effect.

We like this WEEPINLEE Women’s Long Sleeve Round Neck Ruffles Wrap Dresses Party Dress. This dress works great for work, club, holiday, and casual wear. Find it on Amazon.

Tailored black dress

A chic, well-tailored black dress looks good on any type but especially on someone petite. This is a great dressier option for someone with shorter legs.

A well-fitted dress will give you a great silhouette. Tight, slim silhouettes are good, especially those with deep necklines that can help you look taller.

We like this LunaJany Women’s Polka Dot Long Sleeve Wear to Work Office Pencil Dress. It is suitable for wearing on casual occasions. Find it on Amazon.

Mini black dress

Every woman has a little black dress at home, and Petites greatly benefit from this design. While a midi length can cut shorter legs in the wrong place, a mini length dress will give you the longer leg effect you’ve been looking for.

The short length of a mini dress elongates your legs visually and will give you the illusion of a few more inches to your favor.

We like this gorgeous Floerns Women’s Bodycon Sheer Mesh Glitter Mini Dress; it features long sleeves and a mock neck mesh which makes it fitting for everyday dressing. Find it on Amazon.

Belted black dress

Belted dresses make a petite girl’s life so much easier, and one that is black is the holy grail to make them appear on the taller side.

The key is to make sure the belt is positioned high enough to make your torso look shorter, and your legs look longer.

We like this Verdusa Women’s Plunging V Neck Bishop Sleeve Bodycon Belted Dress; it is an elegant and sexy style, suitable for work, formal, cocktail, and night dating wear. Find it on Amazon.

Vertical details black dress

Stripes that travel the length of your dress or other interesting details that run the center of your garment create a taller appearance.

They are great and very flattering on smaller women, also perfect for every occasion from work to after-hour office drinks.

We like this Floerns Women’s Tie Neck Short Sleeve Ruffle Hem Cocktail Party Dress. It is a special thin, lightweight, breathable fabric, comfortable for summer. Find it on Amazon.

Sheath black dress

A sheath black dress looks divine on petite women; it is a structured piece that is form-fitting and makes your body look elongated.

It is also excellent for a formal affair or a day at the office. A dress like this will make going from day to night an absolute breeze.

We like this Cinq a Sept Women’s Havana Dress. It has short puff sleeves with elastic cuffs, find it on Amazon.

Skater black dress

Skater dresses (also known as fit and flare dresses) are some of the best dresses for smaller women.

The silhouette looks good on women with shorter legs because it is form-fitting in your upper body, but it is also more forgiving for your lower body. They do not hug the curve of your bottom; thus, they will draw people’s attention away from your butt and thighs.

We like this OUGES Women’s V Neck Button Down, Skater Dress, with Pockets. It has a soft, light, and breathable fabric, making this button-down dress comfortable and feminine to wear. Find it on Amazon.

Maxi black dress

Maxi dresses are super feminine and pretty, especially maxi dresses in black. You can pair them with a belt and jacket and have a perfect outfit for casual, vacation, streetwear, cocktail, and daily life.

The key when you are a petite is to choose one that hits right below your ankles while wearing flats.

We like this GRECERELLE Women’s Sleeveless Racerback Loose Plain Maxi Dresses Casual Long Dresses with Pockets. It is high-quality fabric and high-waisted, a petite girl’s dream. Find it on Amazon.

Tips to shop for petite black dresses

Instead of tea-length dresses, always opt for hemlines that hit above the knee. A shorter hemline lends itself to the look of longer legs. Pairing it with some heels will only add to that effect if that’s what you’re going for.

Solid colors are often considered more flattering and give an overall statement look rather than loud prints that can overwhelm a small figure.

Pay attention to your armhole when shopping for dresses, make sure it doesn’t expose any of your bra.

Dresses in general are a perfect option for petite gals and also because well-fitting separates may be a pain to find.

Short dresses can be very effective for women with short legs.

A well-fitted dress will give you a great silhouette. Tight, slim silhouettes are good. If you want to wear a loose-fitting dress, make sure it at least nips in at the waist!

Buttoned shirt dresses that stop just above or at the knee will create a nice vertical line.

Try wearing a mini black dress, the short length elongates your legs visually, and an all-over pattern is a strong style statement with just one clothing item, rather than wearing lots of fabric.

Slimmer cut maxi dresses look great!

Read: Different types of petite sweater dress