The 15 Best Fall Dresses for Petites, According to a 5’0” Editor

Name: J.Crew Crepe Sheath Dress
Brand: J.Crew
Price: 228 USD

Starting at $25

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By Chelsea Candelario

•

Updated Oct 16, 2024

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Lands' End/Tuckernuck

As a 5’0” editor, I often have trouble shopping for jeans or maxi skirts. But when it comes to dresses, my closet is chock-full of them, especially during the fall. Whether they’re knitted or suede, I find there are so many more options for us petite gals. The length is super important so I look for styles that lay nicely past the knee or graze right by the ankle. Since my favorite time of the year is here, I went on the hunt to find the best fall dresses for petites—starting at $25.

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petite fall dresses french connection a-line dress

Nordstrom

1. French Connection Harry Suiting A-Line Dress

French Connection

This A-line dress is the perfect length for petites. The hem lands right above the knee, which works well with a pair of tights and tall boots. It has a deep V-neckline and crisscross back straps for a flattering fit. It’s a great transitional dress that can be worn alone or layered over a stylish button-down shirt. As one petite gal shares, “I love this dress! It's so unique, so professional, classy and fits like a glove. I bought a small [since I’m] 5'3", 140 lbs [with an] athletic build. It's perfect. You have to add this to your wardrobe!”

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to L

~~$128~~; $83 At Nordstrom

petite fall dresses lands' end midi denim shirt dress

Nordstrom

2. Lands’ End Petite Soft Denim Midi Shirt Dress

Lands' End

According to Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth, denim is having its moment for autumn and I’m ready to jump on the trend. This midi dress lands right at mid-calf, so I can rock it without it dragging down the streets of NYC. It’s made of 99 percent cotton and one percent spandex for a soft, comfortable fit. Design-wise, it has a button-front placket, classic collar and two functional chest pockets—plus, it comes with a belt for a stylish flair.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XL

$110 At Nordstrom

petite fall dresses betsy and adam metallic gown

Nordstrom

3. Betsy & Adam Metallic Crinkle Gown

Betsy & Adam

If you’re looking for a fall wedding guest dress, look no further than this Betsy & Adam gown that was made especially for petites. It comes at 58 inches long, and petite shoppers say it’s a great option—no alterations needed. The gown has a shimmery crinkle finish with cutaway shoulders and a halter neckline that would be a hit at a reception. For one happy shopper, they found it be a great choice for a *very* special occasion: “This is my 5’2” daughter’s prom dress and I bought it in 4P. It fits perfectly, true to size, no alterations needed. Absolutely gorgeous.”

Fast Facts

Size Range: 2P to 14P

$269 At Nordstrom

Cupshe

4. Cupshe Faux Suede Mini Dress

Cupshe

Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Stephanie Meraz is anticipating that suede is going to be everywhere this season and this mini dress is proof. The soft faux suede, along with the V-neckline and patch pockets can work for apple picking or afternoon brunch. I wear it with a turtleneck sweater, tights and brown booties.

Fast Facts

Size Range: S to XL

$25 At Cupshe

Cupshe

5. Cupshe Plaid Mini Shirt Dress

Cupshe

I don’t care what anyone says, plaid will always be a staple print for fall. This shirt dress features a collared neckline, long sleeves and a waist tie for an oh-so chic finish. Made with a blend of polyester and cotton, the dress can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Fast Facts

Size Range: S to XL

$28 At Cupshe

petite fall dresses abercrombie and fitch mini sweater dress

Abercrombie & Fitch

6. Abercrombie & Fitch The A&F Madeline Crew Mini Sweater Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch

It’s officially Meg Ryan Fall, so it’s time to switch your wardrobe entirely to sweaters, including this cozy number from Abercrombie & Fitch. The material is a soft blend of nylon, wool, polyester and elastane, along with a relaxed fit to take a morning stroll or relax on the couch. Other chic features include a crew neckline, cable stitching and long sleeves (with ribbed hems). The sweater dress comes in four autumn shades, but I’m leaning towards the cream color to imagine I was an extra in When Harry Met Sally.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XL

$90 At Abercrombie & Fitch

petite fall dresses abercrombie and fitch brown

Abercrombie & Fitch

7. Abercrombie & Fitch Maxi Sweater Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch

Sense a theme here? I love a sweater dress for fall and this one ranks high on my list. The thought of wearing a maxi dress scares me, but thankfully A&F has an entire petite section so I can wear this one all season long. It has a slim-fitting design to accentuate my curves and a soft material that keeps me cozy for the weather. I’d like to add all four colors to my wardrobe, but the brown shade is always a winner for fall, especially with a nice pair of matching boots.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XL

$130 At Abercrombie & Fitch

petite fall dresses abercrombie and fitch paloma mini dress

Abercrombie & Fitch

8. Abercrombie & Fitch The A&F Paloma Mini Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch

Leopard is making a comeback for fall and this mini dress should be on your radar. Shoppers say it’s true to size and works well for both petites and tall girlies. It’s made of cotton-modal fabric and has a slim-fitting design that works for a night out with friends. You’ll also notice a mock neckline, side-ruching details and a thigh-high slit that’s oh-so sultry. Hepworth says it’s considered a neutral print that can be mixed and matched with anything, from bold heels to a statement-worthy handbag.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XL

$70 At Abercrombie & Fitch

Tuckernuck

9. Tuckernuck Croissant Tweed Jackie Dress

Tuckernuck

Senior Commerce Editor (and fellow petite) Stephanie Maida predicts this tweed dress is going to be a hit for fall, especially anyone under 5’3”. The viral dress has a thick, polyester tweed material that she says feels sturdy without being stiff or itchy. Although the A-line silhouette is flattering, she suggests going down a size for a comfortable fit. “All in all, I can see why this style has taken off in the nation’s capital—and why it’s sure to be heading to a closet near you this autumn,” she wrote in her rave review.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXXL

$268 At Tuckernuck

Tuckernuck

10. Hyacinth House Chocolate Denim Midi Dress

Hyacinth House

Have I mentioned how much I love brown for fall? Well, this midi dress is a gorgeous shade to rock all season long. Made of cotton and spandex, the dress comes with stretchy material, short puff sleeves and a partial front zip closure. Consider dressing it down with flats or jazzing it up with some pointy-toe heels. One buyer raves, “It’s so flattering, fits perfectly and is so well made. I’m obsessed with this dress!”

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXL

$168 At Tuckernuck

Ann Taylor

11. Ann Taylor Shift Dress

Ann Taylor

Senior Editor Dana Dickey (who’s 5’3”) has spotted all the fall finds for petites at Ann Taylor and I’m loving this shift dress from her list. The long sleeves, crew neckline and 19-inch length that hits right above the knee is the work attire I’ve been looking for. I also love the plum rose color that just screams fall. Similar to the model above, I would sport some black pointy flats to really bring the whole look together.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 00 to 16

~~$139~~; $83 At Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor

12. Ann Taylor Fern Flounce Shift Dress

Ann Taylor

While every shade of brown and red will dominate fall, you don’t want to sleep on purple hues either. This shift dress comes in a pretty mauve rose with a botanical print suitable for the season. Aside from the rich color, I appreciate the dress’s bouncy silhouette, crew neckline and dainty sleeves. I can very much see myself pairing this with a leather jacket or a blazer.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 00 to 12

~~$159~~; $111 At Ann Taylor

Anthropologie

13. By Anthropologie Tie-Neck Column Midi Dress

By Anthropologie

When it comes to shopping for petite fall dresses, Dickey says you shouldn’t rule out midi (or maxi) styles. This Anthropologie find is a nice starting point for me and it's the stunning print that really drew me in. The entire dress is decorated in flowers surrounded by gold frames that add brightness to the overall black midi. Made of viscose, the flowy number has tie neck straps and boatneck neckline that will complement any accessory you layer on.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XL

$168 At Anthropologie

Amazon

14. Amoretu Tunic Dress

Amoretu

With more than 31,000 5-star reviews, this top-seller is a favorite for petites. It’s made of 100 percent dacron (a type of polyester fiber), which shoppers say is super soft and comfortable to wear all day. The stretchy material gives it a flowy silhouette that can be worn with sneakers, flats or low booties. Plus, the deep-V neckline, lantern sleeves and ruffles are the icing on the cake. Note: Shoppers say it runs big, so definitely size down.

Fast Facts

Size Range: S to XXL

$39 At Amazon

J.Crew

15. J.Crew Crepe Sheath Dress

J.Crew

Your fall capsule wardrobe calls for this stylish black dress. The sheath style offers professionalism and elegance fit for a day in the office. Crafted in viscose, elastane and polyester, shoppers say it’s true to size, and, at 41 ¼ inches, it falls right below the knee. One customer says it best: “If there’s one thing J.Crew is consistently good with, its petite dresses. This one hits the mark and it’s perfect. The lining is super light and [the] material is quality. I’m 5'1”, 120 lbs, A cup with an athletic build and [petite] 2 fits like a glove.”

Fast Facts

Size Range: 00 to 12

$228 At J.Crew

Chelsea Candelario

Beauty and Cultures Editor

Writes trend stories, product reviews and how-tos across beauty, cultures, fashion and entertainment
Over 5 years of experience as a Beauty Editor
Studied journalism with a minor in creative writing at SUNY New Paltz

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