Picking a prom dress as a short girl can be difficult as many dresses are not made for petite figures. However, with a little consideration and careful shopping, you can find a prom dress that embraces your natural figure and lets you feel your most confident. Our article gives you tips for finding a prom dress if you are on the shorter side.
What Should I Consider When Shopping for Petite Prom Styles?
Women with shorter stature need to keep a few extra things in mind when they consider their prom dresses and the types of prom styles that will flatter them the most. After all, drowning in fabric or picking a style that is not suited for a shorter body can lead to being uncomfortable and unhappy throughout prom night.
If you are on the shorter side, you can keep these shopping tips in mind when you think about your prom dress:
- Avoid dresses with lots of skirts and large ball gowns, as these can weigh down your figure and make you appear shorter
- Consider adding high heels to your prom outfit to give you an extra boost of height
- Avoid busy patterns and lots of embellishments that take away from your natural features and overwhelm your figure
- Consider dresses with high-waisted designs to give the illusion of more height
- Choose a neckline that isn’t too high, as this can make your figure seem blocky and less elongated
- Consider a sheath dress or another form-fitting dress to enhance and embrace your natural height
What Prom Dress Looks Best on a Short Girl?
There are a few different styles of prom dresses that can look great on short women, most of which you can find in Sherri Hill’s prom collection. We give you an overview of the top prom dress styles to try out that can help short girls look and feel their best while wearing a formal outfit.
- Empire waist styles – These styles have a high waist that allows the legs to look longer and reduces heavy skirts bunching around the legs.
- V-neck or scoop neck styles – This neckline design elongates the upper body and can provide the illusion of extra height plus unique embellishment opportunities.
- Slim-fit dresses – These dresses follow the natural contours of the body and highlight natural petite features instead of weighing down short stature with lots of fabric.
- Slit skirt dresses – Dresses with a high slit can help shorter girls show a lot of leg and show off a great pair of shoes, adding plenty of style and the illusion of extra height.
You should also keep in mind that solid colors and smaller patterns generally flatter petite women more than bright, bold, and very busy patterns that can overwhelm smaller statures.
How Much Will Alterations on a Prom Dress Cost?
Alterations on a prom dress can range in price depending on what needs to be done to the dress to ensure it fits you properly. In most cases, basic alterations like adding straps, taking a dress in or letting it out, or adding zippers can cost between $50 and $150. Hemming a dress may be anywhere from $50 to $100 depending on the fabric.
If you need alterations on your prom dress, make sure to contact a reputable tailor well ahead of your prom night to ensure that your dress is finished and fitted by the time your big night rolls around.
Which Stores Provide the Best Petite Prom Dress Options?
Plenty of stores provide petite prom dress options, as do many online prom dress retailers. With an online prom dress retailer, you could find a seller that will customize a dress to your measurements, allowing you to skip alterations once you receive your dress.
You can look through thrift stores for cocktail dresses and other formal dresses with a shorter hemline, or you can visit boutique stores and speak to a staff member about your concerns and preferences. They will be able to help you find a style that fits your needs and flatters your height, rather than hiding it and drowning it in fabric.
Finding a Prom Dress to Embrace Your Natural Features
For many girls who are shorter, shopping for formal dresses can be a struggle. This is because many formal and semi-formal gowns utilize plenty of fabric and floor-sweeping styles. While these styles can be gorgeous, they may not always be the best solution for someone on the shorter side.
As you start to think about your prom dress, keep in mind that dresses with shorter hemlines, lighter fabrics, and high-heeled shoes can help you embrace your natural features and wear your chosen dress comfortably. Consult a tailor if you need help making adjustments to your dream prom dress.
