cool summer dresses if you’re not 6ft tall!

[hibernatingbear]

Can anyone help me find a cool summer dress, preferably cotton, for daytime, that won’t swamp me? I’m 5ft3 & about to return a dress that trailed the floor when I walked. I can’t do puffy sleeves because they make me look like a giant child (not sure if this is my height or having narrow shoulders). I also don’t want to look like a milkmaid. Not fixed on a waist but a waist could be nice. Has anyone seen anything?

Have a look at FatFace - I'm not normally a massive fan but they have some decent stuff this summer. I have the Anna Spirit midi dress and have had a lot of compliments (I wear it with the v at the front).

I just got this dress in the yellow and the black, I'm 5ft2 and it just about touches the ground on me, it's very comfy and reasonable price.

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1050871005.html

H&M seem to have some other nice floaty dresses too. I also just got a couple of shorter ones from New Look:

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/petite-pale-blue-jersey-strappy-mini-dress/p/829452645

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/purple-ditsy-floral-strappy-tiered-mini-smock-dress/p/832720659

M&S thin cotton dresses work for me, and I am shorter than you, OP!

Thank you! Really looking for cotton so the fat face and H&M & New Look ones won’t work for me (although they do look lovely)…and the M&S ones look quite milkmaidy…but if you’ve seen ones that aren’t I would love a link! Thanks again.

I have been browsing at M&S and found this: https://www.marksandspencer.com/v-neck-short-sleeve-midi-tea-dress/p/clp60542148?

I'm 5,3 and every time I wear this I get so many compliments, it's also comfy & cooling I feel.
I'm overweight & this makes me feel nice.

Seasalt do petite length, cotton dresses and no puffy sleeves

SIL is about 5'2 and has this one

www.seasaltcornwall.com/long-sleeveless-printed-organic-cotton-maxi-dress

I feel your pain, I have the same issue being 4ft 11" shein do dresses in all different lengths make sure you check the reviews for quality though. Also I buy midi dresses from next and they are full length for me.

www.weirdfish.co.uk/p/women/i/kalee-organic-cotton-plain-dress-sea-green-19355

This?

I bought this one in pink last week, and got so many compliments, I’ve also ordered the black one. Very flattering on the boob area 😄
Not cheap, but the quality and fabric is lovely.

www.freepeople.com/uk/shop/new-in-town-midi/?category=dresses&color=001&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

Forgot to say, I’m also 5ft 3, and the length is perfect!

Here’s the deep pink one I got.
I think it may be my favourite summer dress ever!

www.freepeople.com/uk/shop/new-in-town-midi/?category=dresses&color=062&type=REGULAR&quantity=1&cm_mmc=rakuten--affiliates--Skimlinks%20%28Variable%20Pricing%29-_-1&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=rakuten&utm_campaign=Skimlinks%20%28Variable%20Pricing%29&utm_term=820878&utm_content=1&utm_kxconfid=v3sdm8r4u&ranMID=43247&ranEAID=tv2R4u9rImY&ranSiteID=tv2R4u9rImY-6yWUPIfc.ab1ce3kl97Cpg

Have a look at Sainburies. They have some lovely stuff this year and their petite range is always impressively varied.

I'm hoping they'll start a tall range soon!

Thank you! Esp @tigerbear because I thought Free People was all for tall people! That dress is lovely.

You’re welcome @hibernatingbear (just noticed we’re two bears 😄🐻)
Please update if you get one.
I didn’t really know about Freepeople either, until I went into their Covent Garden store last week. I’m kind of obsessed now, and ordered loads of stuff when I was drunk the other night 😄

Ha! @tigerbear I didn’t know there was a shop. I might go then I can actually try things on.

They don’t have a massive range in stock, but it’ll give you an idea of what suits you and what the fit is like, then just order anything else online.

I haven't bought this one as I haven't got any money spare atm so am wearing last year's M&S floaty numbers - but this kind of thing www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-floral-v-neck-midaxi-dress/p/clp60549050?prevPage=srp

@tigerbear that dress is absolutely wonderful!

It looks incredibly low cut though. Is it as low in real life? How practical is that neckline with everyday activities, bending down, stretching over etc?

@Branster correct, it is indeed very low cut, however inbetween the buttons on the bust area, there are tiny hooks and eyes, so it fits wonderfully, with no gaping.
I wore it to an event at my DD’s school, and it didn’t look obscene. I received compliments from everyone on it (even my exH’s wife!). One friend said it made me look tiny all over, and another said it made my boobs look incredible, so win win! 😃

For reference, I’m a size 8/10, with 34B bust, and a bit of a tummy, and bought this in a size Medium. Because it’s low cut, I don’t wear a bra with it.

Thank you @tigerbear, that's very reassuring.
There's £80 I was not aware I'd be spending when I got up this morning!
Nothing beats going braless in this heat but so few dresses give enough concealment for decency's sake.

I've had some nice ones from Next, they have a good petite section.

@Branster which colour did you go for?

It's called Rouan Rouge, a dark reddish brick colour.
In my half asleep state when I looked this morning, I thought I saw a pale sage green option but it doesn't exist or maybe sold out.
I'm only a 32A and chose XS hoping it will be tight across the top to avoid any gaping.

Same. Very small, can't find anything.