Mini dresses are the ultimate little everything dress that every petite plus-size babe needs in their wardrobe. This style guide will help you find the best one for you!
I’m so excited to be writing today’s petite plus style guide, all about Mini Dresses!
I personally love a good mini dress, I designed my own for my petite plus size collection, MoraRae and it’s one of my go-to dresses for so many different occasions.
Mini dresses are such a fun, flirty, and flattering dress style for petite plus-size babes. Today’s style guide is going to help you find the perfect mini-dress for you:
- A-line & Fit-and-Flare Mini Dress Silhouettes
- Empire Waist Mini Dress Silhouette
- Shirt Dresses for a Mini Dress Vibe
- Choosing the Best Neckline & Sleeves
- Print & Pattern for your Mini Dress
- Shoes to Wear with a Mini Dress
- Best Layers for a Mini Dress
- Best Accessories for a Mini Dress
I’ll also help you find the right mini-dress length for petite plus size, give you some mini-dress outfit inspiration and guide you on where to shop for your next mini-dress!
This petite plus size style guide is all about the best mini dress styles for short and curvy body types.
DISCLOSURE: MORARAE STUDIO IS FUNDED BY MY READERS, SO THANK YOU! ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN AND EVERYTHING I WRITE IS MEANT TO HELP AND INSPIRE YOU. SOMETIMES I RECOMMEND RESOURCES THAT I THINK WILL BE BENEFICIAL FOR YOU USING AFFILIATE LINKS. IF YOU CLICK ONE AND MAKE A PURCHASE, I MAY RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.
How to Wear a Mini Dress When Petite Plus Size
What is a Mini Dress?
A mini dress is a dress with a hemline that stops above the knee level.
This can be as short as just a few inches below your crotch level or as long as 2-3 inches above the knee.
Keep reading to get the best mini dress length for curvy petite body types.
The Best Mini Dress Length for Petite Plus Size
Opt for mini dresses that stop anywhere from 3-6 inches above the knee rather than super short mini dress styles.
This length will help elongate your legs and maintain an overall balanced proportion. If you go too short, the focus of your outfit will be solely on your legs, which if you have thick thighs that save lives, might not be what you want.
Add Shorts for Comfort & Security
If you find that wearing mini dresses makes you uncomfortable from fear of having a Marilyn Monroe moment, or not being able to bend over, try adding some shorts underneath.
I like to wear biker shorts under my mini dresses because they ensure that I won’t be exposing anything I don’t want to, while also providing comfort and preventing thigh chaffing which happens a lot in the hot summer months.
Related: Wear these Shorts if You Have Thick Thighs that Save Lives
Mini Dress Style Tips for Petite Plus Size
Try A-Line and Fit-and-Flare Silhouettes
These dress silhouettes are, in my opinion, generally more flattering for petite plus-size figures, no matter the length. You can read more about the best dress styles for petite plus size here.
This is because they cinch at the waist and flare out, creating a balanced and proportional look. They also provide movement and flow, enhancing the overall outfit while also providing comfort.
Opt for an Empire Silhouette
I personally love a good empire waist or babydoll style dress for my petite plus-size shape.
The way the empire waistline hugs me just under my bust line and gently flares out–as you can see here in my Miah dress–is one of the most flattering dress styles for my petite plus-size apple shape.
The key to wearing an empire waist when plus size is to not choose one that has a slim or narrow skirt.
You want some flare and a little volume to help draw attention to your bust and legs vs your midsection.
For You: Clothing for Short Curvy Women, The MoraRae Story
Shirt Dresses with Waist Definition
Another great way to try a mini dress style is to wear a shirt dress. One bonus to being on the shorter end of the spectrum is sometimes being able to take a man’s larger dress shirt and turn it into a shirt dress.
You can do this by going to a thrift store and looking for a ‘big and tall’ men’s dress shirt or one that will be oversized on you. Then you want to add a belt or tie to help cinch your waist.
Shirt dresses are one of those classic dress styles that never really go out of style and are a sexy and sophisticated way to get a mini dress look when you are petite plus size.
You Might Like: Petite Plus Size Guide to Maxi Dresses
Choose a Flattering Neckline & Sleeve Length for Your Mini Dress
Open necklines will always be the most flattering for a petite plus-size shape. In particular, v-necklines or scoop necks can visually elongate the neck and draw attention upwards toward your gorgeous face.
As for sleeves, try styles like cap sleeves or three-quarter sleeves that can be flattering for larger and shorter arms.
Strapless and no-sleeve mini dresses can also be a great option, as long as you have enough support for your bust with a great bra or built-in underlayer.
Best Print and Patterns for Your Mini Dress
When it comes to wearing a mini dress with a print or pattern, choose smaller or medium-sized prints and patterns. Larger prints can overwhelm a petite frame and essentially camouflage your shape.
Floral patterns, polka dots, or geometric prints are really fun options and can add personality to your overall look. Don’t be afraid to try out funky and trendy prints either, you never know what might become your new favorite!
You can also try column dressing and choose patterns with vertical elements to help elongate your figure. This works by drawing the eye up and down, following the vertical elements in your outfit, making you appear longer and leaner.
Choosing Shoes for Your Mini Dress
Wear nude color or skin tone matching flats or heels to help elongate the look of your leg. You can take it up a notch by opting for heels or wedges to elongate your legs further. A coordinating color to match your dress is also a good choice.
Try an over-the-knee boot or knee-high boot to draw the eye up and help to balance your overall look while providing additional coverage for your legs, if that’s what you prefer.
Related: Best Shoes & Boots for Petite Plus Size
Consider Adding a Long Layer
Longer layers can provide some visual contrast to the shortness of your mini dress. They can also be used to add some texture, pop of color, or pattern as well.
All of these style elements can help take your mini dress look to the next level while also balancing your overall outfit.
Some of my go-to mini dress layer pieces are:
- Knee or Midi-length Cardigans
- Hiplength or Boyfriend Style Blazers
- Knee or Midi-length Trench Coats
Add a Small Accessory
Pair your mini dress with accessories that enhance the overall look. Belts can define your waist, adding shape and structure to the dress.
You can also add simple jewelry to highlight smaller areas of your body such as your neck, wrist, and hands.
For purses, choose smaller styles like clutches or mini crossbody style bags.
Mini Dress Outfit Inspiration for Petite Plus Size
Here a just a few examples of how I’ve styled my Miah Mini dress. It’s my favorite dress to throw on, no matter the season or occasion because there are just so many ways to transform it.
Make sure you give mini dresses a try! Mine has really helped me to embrace my body, even more than I had before 
Where to Shop for Petite Plus Size Mini Dresses
Below are some of the places I like to shop for petite and plus-size-friendly maxi dresses:
Remember, fashion is all about self-expression and having confidence in your appearance. If you find a mini dress you love and feel great in, don’t hesitate to wear it and shine bright like the diamond that you are.
I hope you’ll step out of your comfort zone a little bit and give mini dresses a try. If you do, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
This is your go-to guide to finding the perfect mini dress style for your petite plus size shape.
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