Style Types for Short Ladies Dresses

When choosing a style of dress to flatter a woman who is short in stature, there are several things to look for. A dress that falls above the knees can help make the legs appear longer.  Features such as v-necks and vertical stripes help give the illusion of height.

Empire Waist

Dresses with an empire waist are a great style of dress for shorter ladies to wear. While natural waistlines tend to cut the body in half and make the body appear shorter, the empire waist sits just underneath the bustline. This high waistline makes the body appear longer and leaner. This type of dress is also great for hiding a heavier midsection, due to the way the fabric flows from the waistline over the stomach.

Wrap Dress

The wrap dress is a great dress to flatter short ladies. The wrap dress has a deep v-neck, which draws the eyes upward and makes the woman appear taller. Wrap dresses may come in an A-line or straight cut, both of which are great for petite women. The dress wraps around the body and has a tie closure making it an easy dress to wear.

Shirt Dress

A shirt dress that falls just above the knees is great for making the legs appear longer.  Dresses that fall to the mid-calf or mid-ankle tend to make the legs appear shorter.  Shirt dresses with vertical stripes or buttons down the front are great features to help lengthen the body.

Mermaid Dress

A mermaid dress is a type of dress that is fitted from the chest down to the knees, where it flairs out at the bottom. This dress is great at making a woman appear taller and leaner.