16 Best Petite Summer Maxi Dresses, Because We’re Tired of Getting Everything Hemmed (2024)

The Ellie Nap Dress

As it turns out, the viral Ellie Nap Dress from Hill House is also one of the best petite summer maxi dresses. Since the dress is more of a long midi style, its hemline is short enough for petite bodies so you don’t have to worry about the bottom ruffle touching or dragging on the floor. In addition to its shorter hemline, the Nap Dress is constructed from a light and breathable 100 percent cotton material, available in an in inclusive size range of 2XS through 4XL, and comes in over 30 colors and prints, so there’s a style for everyone.

Sizes: 2XS-4XL
Colors: 32
Material: 100% cotton

Time and Tru Women’s Tie Shoulder Midi Dress

On Sale 20% off

This dress is adjustable in two ways. First, there are the adjustable straps that can make the dress shorter or longer in length as you see fit. Then, there’s the tie around the waist that will create an instant shape that’s tailored to your measurements. For summer, we’re loving the soft candy-colored stripe pattern, although the dress does come in two solid colors, too. And at $20? All those features for a petite dress are unbeatable.

Sizes available: XS-XXXL
Colors: 4
Material: 49% Linen, 47% Lyocell, 4% Other Fibre

Loveappela, V-Neck Jersey Maxi Dress

On Sale 29% off

This dress is available in so many different colors and in petite sizing specifically. We love the classic V-neck fit and the way that it hugs the wait—and note that it’s made with spandex, so it’s got some give (not a lot worse than a too-snug maxi dress, IMO). This is a do-it-all dress that pairs gorgeously with some statement jewelry and any footwear. Customers note that it runs pretty true to size, so go ahead and pick up a few in different colors so you always have the perfect summer maxi for any occasion.

Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 10
Material: 95% rayon, 5% spandex

Cupshe, Floral Print Knotted V-Neck Maxi Dress

On Sale 9% off

Need a maxi dress that’s screams “I’m on vacation”? Meet your match. This dress from Cupshe is lightweight, so it’s perfect for warmer weather, and it has the cutest details, like a knotted front tie for extra dimension and cut-out in the back (ooh-la-la). Plus, the under 5’5 girlies are raving about it. One shopper wrote, “Super cute dress. I am 5’1 and it falls just at the top of the foot so i can wear it with flats or heels.”

Sizes available: XS-XL
Colors: 2
Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex

Anthropologie, The Somerset Maxi Dress

Coming in petite, standard and plus-size options, the Somerset dress is truly made for every body. What we mean by this: the design has a smocked waist that accentuates curves and adds even more shape to the A-line number. It’s also just nice to have at least one maxi dress in your arsenal with sleeves—ya know, to switch things up. Choose between patterns that pop out like lemons (see above), flowers, lush leaves, and more.

Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: 9
Material: Cotton

A New Day, Crepe Puff Short Sleeve Midi Dress

Here’s an instance where a midi dress on an average-height person can become a maxi on a petite person. Since the hem of this dress cuts way above the ankles, you can still wear it as a petite maxi. What else we love about it: The “puff” short sleeves are slightly longer, and this look, combined with the V-neck feel a touch more elegant than your standard T-shirt dress. While we like the black-and-white polka dots, we’re also eyeing the black and brown floral pattern (goth summer, anyone?).

Sizes: XS-4X
Colors: 4
Material: 100% rayon

ASOS, ASOS DESIGN Petite Bandeau Ruffle Maxi Dress

On Sale 65% off

Want to add some drama to your wardrobe? Behold: this navy maxi dress with a ruffly side-slit. It’s zesty, it’s sexy, and it’s definitely eye-catching. Unlike a lot of bandeau dresses, which can be quite rigid (thinking back to the bodycon dresses of early 2000s), this one is crafted from 3 percent Elastane, giving it some stretch.

Sizes: 00-12
Colors: 1
Material: 97% polyester, 3% Elastane

Pretty Little Thing, Satin Wrap Detail Maxi Dress

On Sale 61% off

I already love PrettyLittleThing because of how inclusive their sizing is, but their petite range really sweetens the deal. This satin maxi wrap dress comes in three colors, but I prefer it in black. Save this one for a fancy night out (like a summer wedding!). The wrap detail and split side give this dress a bit more dimension, and you can easily adjust it based on how you want it to sit on your body.

Sizes: 00-10
Colors: 3
Material: 95% polyester 5% Elastane

BTFBM Women One-Shoulder Summer Dress

Plenty of petite shoppers have raved about this BTFBM maxi dress from Amazon’s large selection of dress options. As one reviewer wrote, “For size reference I am 5’4”, 34C, weigh about 133 lbs and ordered a small. It fits very nice and I’m very happy with it.” The one-shoulder design makes it feel unique, and the smocked stretch waist gives it a casual feel.

Have your pick from 28 different patterns, from the above brightly colored option to more neutral shades.

Sizes available: S-XXL
Colors: 28
Material: 100% polyester

Reformation, Petites Kourtney Dress

I could never forget about Reformation’s petite range—they really do have a large variety to choose from. This sage floral pick has the classic Reformation silhouette and is oh-so-versatile. Wear it to weddings, birthdays, brunches and anything else you have on your summer agenda.

Sizes: 0-12
Colors: 3
Material: 100% viscose

Revolve, L*Space x Revolve Nico Dress

If you’re petite, might I suggest shopping a midi dress and turning it into a maxi? This L*Space dress hits at the perfect length and comes in so many different vacation-ready colors. What else we love: the twisted bust detail, the zesty cut-out above the abdomen, and the fact that you can just pull this dress on, no zipper needed (thanks to the 10 percent Elastane giving it a nice stretch).

Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 4
Material: 90% lyocell, 10% Elastane

Johnny Was, Katie Tiered Dress

On Sale 30% off

For anyone who’s most comfortable in black but likes to experiment with color every once in a while (*raises hand*), this color-flecked maxi from Johnny Was is perfect for summer. Pair it with your most colorful pair of sandals or heels for an extra pop of color.

Sizes: XS-XXL P
Colors: 1
Materials: 100% cotton

Nic + Zoe Scribble Bouquet Tiered Maxi Dress

On Sale 59% off

Tiered dresses are so cute for summer because they appear flow-y while keeping you extra cool at the same time. This floral number is perfect for the transition from spring into summer. Plus, you can even dress it up for a special event with heels.

Sizes: XS-XXL, petite-specific sizes
Colors: 1
Material: 67% recycled polyester, 33% polyester

Pink Queen Women’s Cutout Crew Neck Dress

Leave it to Amazon to offer up one super cute dress style (that cute cut-out!) in about a million different color ways. And by a million, we mean 29, which is pretty close. If you’re petite, we’d suggest sizing down from your usual size in this number. Since it’s made of 80% viscose and 20% nylon, it’s super stretchy so you can get a more customized fit for your smaller frame.

Sizes: XS-4X
Colors: 29
Material: 80% viscose, 20% nylon

The Tommie Cap-Sleeve Smocked Front-Zip Shirt Dress

If you’re looking for a fun and versatile dress for the summer, go with this adorable cap-sleeve leopard dress from Anthropologie. The Tommie Cap-Sleeve Smocked Front-Zip Shirt Dress is constructed from a lightweight cotton with a soft modal lining. It features a smocked waistline for added comfort (and improved fit), and a fun front-zipper detail, too. We love it as an elevated casual option that you can wear to the office, to brunch, or on vacation.

Sizes: 2XS-XL (petite); Also available in standard and plus sizes
Colors: 8
Material: Cotton, modal

Brea Stripe Cotton Maxi Sundress

The Brea Stripe Cotton Maxi Sundress from Nordstrom is another dress that isn’t technically for petite sizes but, because of its shorter hemline, it’s still a great choice. The dress is constructed from 100 percent cotton and features a versatile fit and flare silhouette. It also features adjustable straps for a better fit.

Sizes: S-XL
Colors: 1
Material: 100% cotton