Petite Mother of the Bride Dresses

For women under 5' 4" or so, it's important to find dress styles that are designed for your body shape.

For a special occasion, rather than buy a regular style that's been altered to suit the petite woman, you may find a better fit and design with some of the petite clothing ranges that are now available in store and online.

Style Choices

To make the most of your figure, choosing an outfit in matching colours or similar shades can help flatter and ensure you look perfectly in proportion.

For most petite women, a simple tailored style or little black dress will work well. Avoid frills and big sleeves, these could swamp the smaller figure.

Styles that you can wear include wrap dresses, A-line and empire dresses - these can flatter your figure.

If you're wearing a two piece suit, choose matching items, rather than separate colors. Avoid wearing a belt or anything emphasizing your waist, as this will break up the clean line that will help you appear taller than you are.

You don't need to go for the expense of designer names such as Paul Vasseur, choose a simple stylish "Jackie O" style shift dress and team it with a jacket for that classic & elegant look.

Adding co-ordinating accessorises such as shoes, with a heel, can flatter your legs and ankles.

Jewelry for you is likely to be an understated necklace and simple earrings, try and avoid big statement jewelry.

Keep clutch bags or purses small, simple and co-ordinating.

Stores for Petite Dresses & Outfits

You may already have your favorite store where you shop regularly, whether it's in the shopping centre or online .

Some great online stockists for petite women or small sizes include Petite Sophisticate, Ann Taylor and EDressMe.   Do check out their size charts to see what sizes you are likely to need, as well as checking their returns policy, in case you need to return items.

For designer dresses, checkout the latest clothing collections from Jones New York and outlet store, Net a Porter, which offers discount designer fashion online in all the latest styles & fashions.

Accessorizing Your Outfit

You may choose to wear smaller hats with smaller crowns and brims that will not overwhelm them.

For that something elegant if you don't feel comfortable wearing a hat, find a fascinator in a matching color (or have it dyed to match), for a semi-formal look.

Recommended Resources

Little Black Cocktail Dress Styles - the perfect style for petite proportions