If there's one dress style that always flatters petite women, it's the minidress. These thigh-grazing styles have leg-lengthening effects and are a particular favourite of ours for the holiday party season. Naturally, we just had to design a couple of playful minidresses for our latest POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's [1], including this POPSUGAR Surplice Mini Dress [2] and POPSUGAR Printed Mesh Dress [3], both of which cost $58 or less!
Pretty and playful, these affordable minis stray from the expected shimmer-and-shine dresses we're accustom to seeing this time of year, though in that fresh-feeling way that's unexpected and stand out. Sequin dresses? We've been there! Our fiery fuchsia wrap (with a subtle sheen) and leopard-print mini (with sheer mesh sleeves) are spot on if you're after an alternative party look. But the best part? They're ultraflattering for petite shapes whether you're for styling one with glittery heels and tights or luxe-looking boots and a mini bag.
To illustrate just how flattering these minidress are on a petite frame, our 5'1" fashion editor Sarah Wasilak put both styles to the test. Ahead, witness her refreshingly festive looks starring affordable dresses from POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's [4]. Then, shop her exact pieces (plus some affordable alternatives) to get yourself party-ready for December.
The Petite Party Dress: A Faux-Wrap Mini
"I love a modest silhouette in a splashy in colour and this faux-wrap style hits in that perfect spot, right above the knee." — Sarah Wasilak
The Petite Party Dress: A Faux-Wrap Mini
"I love the glitzy tights and shimmering heels for a festive touch — they instantly give me height and feel perfectly glamorous for a party." — SW
POPSUGAR Surplice Mini Dress
POPSUGAR Surplice Mini Dress [6] ($58)
Aera Alexandra Heels
Aera Alexandra Heels [7] ($395)
Zara Vinyl High Heeled Sandals With Jewels
Zara Vinyl High Heeled Sandals With Jewels [8] ($70)
Simply Vera Vera Wang Runway Metallic Pinstripe Tights
Simply Vera Vera Wang Runway Metallic Pinstripe Tights [9] ($10, originally $16)
Mango Croc-Effect Bag
Mango Croc-Effect Bag [10] ($40)
Barbela Diamond Lira Ring
Barbela Diamond Lira Ring [11] ($910)
Amy O Audra Ring
Amy O Audra Ring [12] ($95)
The Petite Party Dress: A Faux-Wrap Mini + Faux-Fur Coat
Keep the glamour going by layering on a faux-fur coat in cold weather.
The Petite Party Dress: A Faux-Wrap Mini
For a playful finish? Colourful jewellery and a croc-effect mini bag!
POPSUGAR Faux Fur Coat
POPSUGAR Faux Fur Coat [13] ($49, originally $98)
Roxanne Assoulin Drip Drop Gold-Tone Swarovski Crystal Clip Earrings
Roxanne Assoulin Drip Drop Gold-Tone Swarovski Crystal Clip Earrings [14] ($90, originally $180)
Stella + Ruby Graduated Drop Earrings
Stella + Ruby Graduated Drop Earrings [15] ($39, originally $56)
Barbela Isa Decade Necklace
Barbela Isa Decade Necklace [16] ($295)
Express Three Stone Layered Necklace
Express Three Stone Layered Necklace [17] ($12, originally $25)
The Petite Party Dress: A Leopard-Print Minidress
"I love a long-sleeved dress in cold weather and this monochromatic print felt unexpected for a holiday party with tall croc-effect boots." — SW
POPSUGAR Printed Mesh Dress
POPSUGAR Printed Mesh Dress [18] ($30, originally $60)
Glamorous Faux Croc Waist and Hip Jeans Belt
Glamorous Faux Croc Waist and Hip Jeans Belt [19] ($13)
ALDO Adroenia Knee-High Boots
ALDO Adroenia Knee-High Boots [20] ($110, originally $220)
Calzedonia 20 Denier Action Tights
Calzedonia 20 Denier Action Tights [21] ($20)
The Petite Party Dress: A Leopard-Print Minidress
"By breaking this dress up with a thick belt (also faux-croc!), I feel as though I elongated my torso and added some dimension. It's a welcome change from a simple LBD." — SW
The Petite Party Dress: A Leopard-Print Minidress
Aold bracelets, sparkly rings, and a faux-fur mini bag are so-fun accents!
Zara Faux Fur Mini Crossbody Bag
Zara Faux Fur Mini Crossbody Bag [22] ($40)
Roxanne Assoulin Golden Hour Bracelet
Roxanne Assoulin Golden Hour Bracelet [23] ($80)
Lele Sadoughi Jet Velvet Padded Headband
Lele Sadoughi Jet Velvet Padded Headband [24] ($75)
Forever 21 Velvet Padded Headband
Forever 21 Velvet Padded Headband [25] ($5)
Barbela Diamond Portia Ring
Barbela Diamond Portia Ring [26] ($1,580)
Tai Jewellery Triple Gold And Opal Stack Rings
Tai Jewellery Triple Gold And Opal Stack Rings [27] ($80)
Executive Style Director: Dana Avidan Cohn
Styling and Market: Laura Lajiness
VP, Creative Director: Jenny Anna Ung
Art Director: Davianna Absera
Photographer: Matthew Kelly
Producer: Cassie Doyle
Digital Tech: Guang Xu
Makeup: Glamsquad [28]