• Home
    • Start Here
  • Shop
    • Summer Capsule Wardrobe
    • The Petite Style Bible
    • Chi’s Picks
    • Lookbook
  • Styling Tips
  • Body Types
    • Hourglass Figure
    • Pear Shape
    • Apple Body Type
    • Rectangle Body Type
    • Inverted Triangle Body Type
    • Must Know
  • Youtube
  • Outfits
  • Style over 40
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Guest Post

Petite Dressing

Dress for your Body Type and Height

Last Updated on January 25, 2023 By Valery

The Dress Guide for Short and Curvy Women

17 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

If you are curvy petite, dresses are critical for your wardrobe, because they the essential piece to flatter someone who is short. Because of your curvy figure, however, you may find it a challenge to find the right styles.

I’m 5’2″, so I certainly understand tricky it can be to dress a short girl who also got curves. Here is the 11 types of dress that look the best on your body shape, and what you should avoid.

Table of Contents

  • Wrap dress
  • Belted dress
  • A-line dresses
  • Shirt dresses
  • Empire waistline dresses
  • Slit dresses
  • Maxi dresses
  • Sheath dress
  • V-neckline dresses
  • Avoid dresses with voluminous sleeves
  • Form-fitting dresses
  • Asymmetric dresses

Wrap dress

STYLE DRESS THAT LOOKS BEST IF YOU ARE SHORT AND CURVY-Wrap dress

One of the most flattering types of dress for any body type especially for a short and curvy figure is the wrap dress, and it is unique because of its basic features of a wrap below the bust and the v-neckline it has.

The wrap dress is not tight fitted nor too revealing but designed to accentuate the waist and bust. It also does so well in flattering the curves without causing any sort of discomfort around the curves.

Wrap dresses are a classic dress style that is uniquely designed to be very comfortable and suitable for a short and curvy woman and should be among the best pieces in her wardrobe.

Belted dress

This style of dress seems to be uniquely designed for curvy women because of the belt around the waist of the dress. Belts are often used to highlight the waist and in the process, the curves are accentuated.

Also, the belts should not be too bold, just a simple small-sized belt would be a perfect fit for the waist of the short and curvy woman.

STYLE DRESS THAT LOOKS BEST IF YOU ARE SHORT AND CURVY-belted dress

How to use a Belted dress?

Every short and curvy girl should own a belted dress and should add them to their wardrobe staple.

The belts should be wrapped high around the waist to make the upper body look shorter and in the same vein make the legs look longer

Dresses with vertical stripes

STYLE DRESS THAT LOOKS BEST IF YOU ARE SHORT AND CURVY-dresses with vertical stripes

Stripes on dresses could give them an aesthetic and beautiful feel. Vertical stripes on dresses are best for women who are short and curvy because the lines tend to create a visual balance on the silhouette, and as such, they could make your body look lengthened.

Vertical stripes are of better preference for this body type than horizontal lines because the latter tends to make the body look wider than normal. So if you desire the right silhouette that would accentuate the curves and make you look longer, then the vertical striped dress is the best option.

A-line dresses

This is a fit and flare pattern of dress that is designed to not be tight fitting throughout the entire body but designed to sit fitted at the upper part of the dress down to the waist and made to flare out downwards.

The A-line dress is effortlessly cool, and classy and can be well tailored to suit your body shape.

STYLE DRESS THAT LOOKS BEST IF YOU ARE SHORT AND CURVY-A-line dress

Why use an A-line dress?

They are flattering and do well in highlighting the waist, and are best in drawing attention away from the curves of the body.

They’re therefore recommended for a short curvy woman who doesn’t want a dress that would accentuate her curves.

Shirt dresses

STYLE DRESS THAT LOOKS BEST IF YOU ARE SHORT AND CURVY-Shirt dresses

Like the wrap dress, the shirt dress has features peculiar to it that make it the best fit for the short and curvy woman. The buttons that run down the dress create a vertical line that gives the illusion of a more elongated body.

It is also characterized by a neckline that is flattering and also makes the body look lengthened. Shirt dresses can be an easy-to-wear silhouette that is very comfortable and helps a curvy woman embrace her curves.

If you must pick a simple outfit for your body shape then the shirt dress is highly recommended.

Empire waistline dresses

This style of dress has the waistline fixed under the bust and this feature makes it an incredible choice for a short and curvy woman. The empire waistline dress sits comfortably on the body and makes the woman look longer than she already is because of the position of the waistline.

STYLE DRESS THAT LOOKS BEST IF YOU ARE SHORT AND CURVY-Empire waistline dresses

Why should you wear an Empire Waistline dress?

They are flattering and aside from lengthening the body, they conceal the natural waist and draw attention away from the curves.

They can make you look elegant and are a great choice for a short and curvy figure.

Slit dresses

STYLE DRESS THAT LOOKS BEST IF YOU ARE SHORT AND CURVY-slit dresses

A lady who is short and curvy can also wear a dress with a slit at the front. The slit exposes more of her legs and this can make her legs appear lengthened.

If you must go with a thigh-high slit dress make sure it is something you are comfortable with and you could also pair them with a high-heeled shoe, this combination would help accentuate your curves, lengthen the body and let your figure scream sophistication.

Your body shape is your asset and you should be confident in whatever you wear so if you’re not sure of what to wear for your figure, then a slit dress is a good option if you are short and curvy.

Maxi dresses

Choosing the right dress for any body shape can sometimes be overwhelming and that also applies to the maxi dress.

Maxi dresses although simple, should sit comfortably at the waistline and you should pick those with the v- neckline for a slimming effect and those that fit the shoulders and highlight the bust to make sure a balanced silhouette is obtained.

STYLE DRESS THAT LOOKS BEST IF YOU ARE SHORT AND CURVY-Maxi dresses

Why Maxi dresses is a must-have?

Maxi dresses are flattering dress styles that are designed to be long or knee length.

They are simple, trendy, classy, and made from free-flowing fabrics to allow for comfort on a short and curvy figure.

Sheath dress

STYLE DRESS THAT LOOKS BEST IF YOU ARE SHORT AND CURVY-Sheath dress

The idea of choosing a dress that is suitable for a curvy and short woman is to pick out those that help to accentuate her curves and lengthen her body and the sheath dress fits into all of those descriptions.

Sheath dresses are sexy and flattering for a short and curvy woman because they are designed to be fitting but not too tight, and are also best used to emphasize the curves and draw attention to the waist. It also helps to hide bumps around the body and further gives the body a lean and lengthened appearance.

They are a very simple and easy-to-wear silhouette that is recommended as suitable for the curvy and short woman.

V-neckline dresses

The v-neckline is the most flattering neckline design for any body shape and it is the best neckline design for a woman that is short and curvy.

The pattern on the dress is effortlessly stylish and gives the short and curvy woman the illusion of an elongated body. They give the shape the vertical impression of a leaner and elongated body that is great for a woman who is short and curvy.

STYLE DRESS THAT LOOKS BEST IF YOU ARE SHORT AND CURVY-V-neckline dresses

Why use a V-neck dress?

They are very comfortable and gorgeous dress design that draws attention to the chest area.

It also slims the waistline by making the neck of the woman appear longer and this in turn accentuates the woman’s curves.

Avoid dresses with voluminous sleeves

STYLE DRESS THAT LOOKS BEST IF YOU ARE SHORT AND CURVY-avoid voluminous sleeves

Volume in sleeves could lead to volume in the body shape and that could be a bad styling idea for a short and curvy woman. These sorts of sleeves would make your body look wide and less proportionate

Dresses with voluminous sleeves can be flattering if styled properly with the right dress but are not the best fit for a woman who is short and curvy.

Off-the-shoulder dresses

The skin revealed at the upper part of the dress makes the short and curvy woman look sexy and also makes her upper body look elongated. It is also best to make sure off-the-shoulder dresses do not cling tightly to the shoulders but should hang slightly off the body because this way, the body would look slim making it an option for the short and curvy woman.

STYLE DRESS THAT LOOKS BEST IF YOU ARE SHORT AND CURVY-off the shoulder dress

The reason why you should use an off-the-shoulder dress

This design of the dress is flattering and considered a classic and stylish dress that is perfect for a short and curvy woman.

The off-the-shoulder dress is designed to reveal the shoulders and necklines which in turn draws attention to the upper body of the woman.

Form-fitting dresses

One very important thing to do when choosing dresses for your body shape is to make sure the said dresses are not very tight on your body. Wear a form-fitting dress that gives comfort to your shape and does not add excessive volume to your figure.

Do not wear bodycon dresses, though may look sexy and sleek but are not the best dress choice for the short and curvy woman because they are very fitted and would only make your body look bigger.

The best wardrobe staple pieces are therefore those that are not too fitted but tailored to your shape and sit beautifully on your waist to accentuate the curves.

Asymmetric dresses

This dress style is a unique and trendy design that has its hem low at the front and high at the back and this makes them stylish and edgy. They are great for any body type, especially for a short and curvy woman.

Another way to add an extra splash to your asymmetric dress is to pair them with heels as this would automatically lengthen the body.

STYLE DRESS THAT LOOKS BEST IF YOU ARE SHORT AND CURVY-Asymmetric dresses

Why Asymmetric dresses is a must-have?

Asymmetric dresses reveal the skin in the legs and the structure of the dress gives a short woman the illusion of a longer body.

This pattern of the dress is effortlessly incredible and must be a wardrobe essential if you are short and curvy and want to look sleek in your outfit.

Hello there! My name is Chi Li, 5'2", author of "The Petite Style Bible" . Petite Dressing is an online petite clothing store and fashion blog for to help all women to understand their body shape and dress accordingly to look confident and chic. Start here if you are new. Click here to watch me on Youtube.

You’ll Also Love

petite fashion blogsBest Petite Fashion Blogs over 40
how to dress hourglass body shapeHourglass Figure: The Ultimate Styling Guide
what types of pants make you look slimmer10 Types of Pants That Make You Look Slimmer
Next Post >

I’m 5’2, this is how to Choose Tops if you are Short and Curvy

the petite style bible
petite style facebook group

Trending Now

  • best dress for short women I’m 5’2″, these are the 8 Best Dresses for Short Women
  • short girl 10 Fashion Mistakes Every Short Girl Should Avoid
  • best jeans for petite women I’m 5’2″, these are the 11 Best Jeans for Short Women
  • clothing to hide belly How to Hide your Belly: 21 Must Know Clothing Hacks

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Never miss a beat! Be the first to know about our weekly styling tips for petites!

Must Know

  • Petite Women’s Clothing Styling Tips
  • How to Dress for Your Body Type
  • Best Places to Shop
  • Petite Resources
  • Shoes for Small Feet
  • Petite Celebrities
  • Web Stories

Work With Me

  • Contact Us

Legal

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclaimer

Copyright © 2023 Petite Dressing · Theme by 17th Avenue

17 shares