A Complete Summer Shopping Guide for Petite Women

last updated 28 June 2022

As a petite woman, I can pretty safely say that I've experienced all the pros and cons that come with my stature. Sure, I might not be able to see over the crowd at a concert, but I know I'm the one having the last laugh when there's always ample legroom on a long-haul flight or cross-country train journey.

While there are some issues I have just learned to accept (reaching the top shelf of the kitchen cupboards is a losing battle), there are other realities I refuse to give up on. One such example is finding well-fitting clothing. Thankfully, with every passing year, there seem to be more and more options for women who stand below 5'4", which, by the way, is a large percentage of the British female population, as the average height of women in the UK is actually 5'3".

From beloved high-street brands like ASOS and M&S to in-demand contemporary labels like Reformation and new kids on the block including The Shortlist, now more than ever, there are labels catering specifically to those of us on the shorter side. And better yet, they're making clothes we actually want to wear.

With summer in full swing, I made it my duty to track down the best petite pieces available online now to bring you a concise edit of warm-weather essentials, from midis to minis to slip skirts to linen trousers. Keep scrolling for my favourite petite summer shopping picks.

1. Midi Dresses

Reformation

Petites Gitane Linen Dress

A white midi dress will never fail for summer.

Nobody's Child

Petite Cream Floral Print Rosie Cut Out Dress

Such a pretty print.

M&S Collection

Linen Blend Striped Square Neck Midi Dress

The perfect warm-weather dress to wear with chunky sandals.

Topshop Petite

Square Neck Slip Midi Dress in Black

This one has a party at the back.

Reformation

Petites Twilight Dress

Hello, wedding-guest dress.

2. Mini Dresses

Kitri

Harlow Orange and Pink Check Mini Dress

It's a best seller for obvious reasons.

New Look

Petite Pink Daisy Strappy Mini Smock Dress

The comfiest dress around.

Asos Petite

Jacquard Tiered Mini Dress With Bellow Pockets

It's the colour of the season.

Gina Tricot Petite

Mini Dress

Such a fun print.

The Shortlist

Erin Minidress

The Shortlist is one of my favourite small brands.

3. Skirts

Reformation

Petites Zoe Skirt

This one comes in so many prints.

Karen Millen

Petite Side Split Woven Cady Mini Skirt

Naturally, I want to wear it as the full set with the matching top.

Reformation

Petites Pratt Silk Skirt

So sleek.

The Shortlist

Millie Spots Skirt

I would wear this on a night out with mules and a cami top.

Even & Odd Petite

Wrap Over Bodycon Skirt

Love, love, love this little retro mini.

4. Trousers and Jumpsuits

Boden

Pink Petite Sharona Jumpsuit

So comfy.

Nasty Gal

Petite Pleat Front Wide Leg Pants

The colour of 2022.

Nobody's Child

Petite Blue Denim Printed Floral Hope Jumpsuit

I would wear these on repeat throughout summer and beyond.

Bershka

Petite Pocket Detail Chino Cargo Trouse

Cargo trousers are everywhere this season.

New Look

Petite Light Green Pleated High Waist Wide Leg Trousers

Such a fresh, summery shade.

Asos Design

Petite Sweetheart Neck Jumpsuit

Can't beat a bit of gingham for summer.

Reformation

Petites Scarlett Linen Two Piece

Such an effortless two-piece.

Next up, see our top shopping tips for petite women.

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Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.