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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To expect to find a dress that suits a short person?

46 replies

CornishGem1975 · 04/07/2021 16:38

So frustrated trying to find something to wear to a wedding.

I'm short. The current trend for maxi dresses and midi dresses doesn't work for me. Neither does the trend for wearing a smock that looks like you're wearing a giant billowy tablecloth. Tight fitting dresses are also out thanks to the mum tum.

There seems to be little outside of this. Not helped by the death of the high street.

Where can I find something flattering that doesn't cost the earth? Budget is max £70.

OP posts:
Lilypansy · 04/07/2021 17:04

How about something like this, teamed with a good jacket? High waisted dresses tend to suit short people.

futurofashion.co.uk/gb/midi/25-sukienka-retro-z-wysokim-stanem.html

StoneofDestiny · 04/07/2021 17:22

Interested in the responses- you are correct, maxi/midi dresses really cuts down options.

DogsSausages · 04/07/2021 17:25

Boden have a petite range

cinders15 · 04/07/2021 17:27

What about a skater style of dress? I'm short and I like these?

NothingEverChangesButTheShoes · 04/07/2021 17:29

I tend to avoid and wear something more fitted otherwise I look like Dobby's fashion victim cousin.

MaggieFS · 04/07/2021 17:30

Precis Petite was my go to for smart work dresses and occasions for years but they don't seem to be around anymore 😢.

I'm short all over, but especially in the body. If I have the waist of a dress sitting correctly the straps/ tops of sleeves are doubled over. If the top is resting on my shoulders, the waist is too low and doesn't fit over my hips. It's a bloody nightmare.

Whitchurch · 04/07/2021 17:32

I have found some good ones in Klass. A lot too long for me but also a reasonable selection that weren't.

user1471541711 · 04/07/2021 17:33

Try cath kidston I’m 5 ft 2 and the tie waist dresses are the perfect length

user1477249785 · 04/07/2021 17:34

Maybe ask on the personal shopper thread on AMA? She's excellent and is bound to have ideas.

shenanigans5 · 04/07/2021 17:34

I have this in petite. It’s actually nice, I’m not usually a Boden person.

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/lucinda-jersey-midi-dress-black-summer-chintz/sty-j0815-bla?cat=C1_S2_G4

RandomMess · 04/07/2021 17:38

I wear above the knee slight A line style.

I can't wear wrap or skater style as my waist is the fattest point.

motogogo · 04/07/2021 17:41

My mum swears by M&S petite

SaborDeSoledad · 04/07/2021 17:42

I hear you.

Tea dress?

SaborDeSoledad · 04/07/2021 17:43

New Look have some pretty printed ones.

DuckonaBike · 04/07/2021 17:45

What about a mini dress? French Connection and Other Stories both do some nice mini dresses that are indecently short on the tall models but just above the knee on a short arse like me.

CurbsideProphet · 04/07/2021 17:48

I'm 5ft so I feel your pain. I trawl through the Petite sections of the high street online retailers and usually don't buy anything. Unfortunately it can be hit and miss whether they've bothered to create anything nice for the Petite section.
Debenhams and Wallis used to be reliable for a nice quality dress to wear for a wedding, but I don't imagine they are now that they've been brought by Boohoo.

VanCleefArpels · 04/07/2021 17:48

Search “petite midi dress” - at worst they will be maxi length depending on your height.

Or learn how to sew! Seriously, it’s not that difficult to hand sew a straight hem (steer clear of pleats, hanky hems etc) so that widens your horizons. It’s what I have done for many years

BlitheringBlathers · 04/07/2021 17:48

I am a short and I second the suggestions of skater dresses and tea dresses!

LookItsMeAgain · 04/07/2021 17:50

Something like this:
www.chichiclothing.com/collections/pink-dresses/products/chi-chi-yohana-dress

Ermmmmname · 04/07/2021 18:00

www.asos.com/prd/22019030?acquisitionsource=pasteboard
I’ve got this one, the ruching hides the tum, looks amazing, also comes in maroon and grey. Was tempted to get all the colours. The price goes lower too, I got it for about £35

Pinuporc · 04/07/2021 18:03

Shortie here and my preferred length is just above the knee.i might consider maxi if I could get one that fitted, but midi , for me, is uber unflattering. The 2 linked above I think would be mid- low calf length for a shortie.

Original poster
CornishGem1975 · 05/07/2021 09:02

Thanks all, I'll take a look at the suggestions. Really struggling because the petite ranges are rubbish and anything I do find doesn't seem to look formal enough.

OP posts:
CeeceeBloomingdale · 05/07/2021 09:06

I’m 5’2” and find dresses quite easy compared to trousers from example. I rarely buy petite ones though. I find H&M is great for dresses that fit me well. They may not sit at the same length on me e.g. a midi may fit me like a maxi for example but it’s still flattering