Best Dresses For Petite Women Over 60

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Fit Guide: I am 5', 105 pounds. I usually wear XS-S top and XS bottoms.

Dresses for petite women over 60 should fit proportionate to their body. Waistlines should be accentuated with belts; same fabric belts are especially elongating because it does not create a break in the outfit. Hemlines of at least 3" above the knee create an elongating effect on the legs when paired with nude, gold, or neutral tones of shoes for a seamless look. Midi-maxi dresses should be fitted to the body with hemlines below the largest part of the calf, but several inches above the ankle, leaving ankles exposed for elongating legs. Petite women benefit from wearing v-necklines or scoop necklines to expose the neck which creates more elongation of a petite body. Wearing dresses is fun when you discover the best dresses for petite women over 60.

Abercrombie Dylan Dress in XS Petite-no hemming required

The exposure of the neck, chest, upper back, and ankles provides an elongating effect on a petite frame. The flow of the dress moves gracefully with a petite body and the 100% cotton fabric flows freely in the wind. The cut of the dress emphasizes the waistline without a belt. Paired with 1" Gold Sandals, this dress is the perfect dress for any summer outdoor function. A dress like this deserves to blow in the breeze!

For a more formal and conservative dress, a collared halter neck fitted dress is an attractive dress on a petite woman over 60. The v-neck collared neckline draws the eye down enough that the neck is exposed and the halter cut of the sleeves pulls the eye upward enough and takes emphasis off upper arms. The fitted cut of the dress along with the same fabric belt emphasize the waistline. The hemline is below the largest part of the calf, providing an elongating look of the legs of a petite woman.

Ann Taylor Midi Dress 2P & Amazon Kenneth Cole Reaction Sandals-6

Ann Taylor Midi Dress 2 Petite-no hemming required

Ann Taylor Petite Midi Dress

The black midi dress from Amazon (belt not included) in Small fits my 5'0" petite body perfectly with no hemming or tailoring needed. I paired with it fun Amazon's Kenneth Cole nude flower print wedge sandals, straw purse and Rayban Jr. sunglasses. I also added a leather reversible belt by Edited Pieces and used the black leather for a streamlined elongating silhouette, especially when paired with nude shoes.

Amazon Midi Dress (S), sandals & accessories Edited Pieces Leather Belt

Solid white and off -white with vertical wooden buttons are great dresses for petite women. At 5', I prefer simple dresses that emphasize my waist and fit proportionately to my body. These white dresses that hit several inches above the knee are perfect for elongating legs on a petite body. Paired with a neutral or gold sandal, these dresses are classics and can be dressed up with accessories.

Off-White Above Knee Dress

The vertical wooden buttons going down one side of the dress and the emphasized waist with the belt matching the buttons are just enough to give this dress the elongating , streamlining impact needed on a petite body.

The hem on this elegant sleeveless dress is the perfect above the knee dress for a petite woman. Amazon Michael Kors Sandals

Amazon Dress Wood Buttons-XS-no hemming required

Shirt dresses that hit 3" above the knee and emphasize the waist, especially with vertical stripes are very elongating on petite women. Petite women over 60 look polished and elegant in vertical striped shirtdresses. Most petite women can wear various lengths above the knee. Here are several shirt dresses hemmed above the knee at various lengths to show how they all look great and are elongating on a petite body. It depends on your comfort level for the hemline.

Amazon Shirtdress -S (hemmed 3" to fit my 5' petite body). See How To Hem A Petite Dress-Elongate Legs

Amazon Shirt dress-S  (hemmed 3.5 inches) for elongating legs. The vertical pattern contributes to the elongating look as well. This dress is a little shorter than I prefer, but is still pretty and youthful! Read: How To Hem A Petite Dress-Elongate Legs!

Amazon Shirt Dress-S (hemmed 3"). Read How To Hem A Petite Dress-Elongate Legs

Nordstrom Cover Up-S (no hemming required)

Crop Two Piece Skirt Set-XS (Mintpink crop top) & Mintpink miniskirt-no hemming required

Rachael Parcell Dress -no hemming required

Unfortunately, at this time the Rachael Parcell vertical striped mini dress is no longer available. However some great choices of vertical striped mini dresses that fit a petite body under 5' 3" are:

• Spanx Poplin Smocked Mini Shirt Dress

• English Factory Striped Mini Shirt Dress (Anthropology)

• Petite Maeve Mona Mini Shirtdress (Anthropology)

In conclusion, petite women over 60 look great and youthful in dresses when fitted proportionately to their body, emphasize the waist, and elongate their petite frame by exposing their legs, necks, and upper chest. In addition, wearing shoes that are neutral in color or similar shade to their legs also enhance a petite frame by making the whole look streamlined. Vertical, stripes, patterns, and buttons on a dress contribute to a taller-looking body with or without heels. Always keep accessories (jewelry and purses) small and in proportion to a petite body. You should wear the dress and accessories instead of the dress and accessories wearing you.

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What is your favorite summer dress? Do you prefer midi length dresses or mini length dresses? Do you feel wearing a dress gives you a feeling of confidence?