Here at Anomalie, we believe there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing the right dress design. The right gown will be, unsurprisingly enough, the one that feels right. And what better way to highlight your favorite features than with a dress that compliments your figure? If you’re a petite gal, seek styles that stylize your frame and hug you rather than drown you. Don’t know where to start? We’re here to lend a hand!

Keep scrolling to see which dresses flatter your petite frame!

Bride and groom. Bride wears lace sheath dress and a tulle, lace-trimmed veil.

Anomalie bride, Grace, looked stunning in her lace sheath dress. Photo: Lauren DeMoss Photography

Sheath or Column

Because sometimes less is actually more. Want to go with something simple and sleek that does your body justice? A chic sheath will hug your waist and skim your figure from the hips down.

Bride and groom holding hands. Bride wears fit-and-flare lace dress with an open back.

Sarina gave us major glam vibes in her Anomalie fit-and-flare dress with an open back. Photo: Kristin Maria

Trumpet, Mermaid & Fit-And-Flare

Looking for a little extra va-va-voom? Then seek the figure-flattering effect of the trumpet, mermaid, or fit-and-flare dress. The trumpet flares out mid-thigh while the mermaid breaks out at the knee—same drama, different style. The fit-and-flare dress flares out higher, just below the hip.

First dance. Bride is wearing a blush champagne circle dress with lace sleeves.

Anomalie bride, Stephanie, chose a blush champagne fabric for her ethereal (and convertible!) circle dress. Photo: Cupcake Photography

Circle Skirt & A-Line

While these are slightly different, they’re similar in the sense that they’re the perfect petite-friendly alternative to a ballgown. The circle skirt and A-line silhouettes give you tons of skirt flair without adding too much volume to your figure (a wider skirt can shorten your frame).

Bride taking selfie with groomsmen. She wears a tea-length lace gown.

Christine designed her Anomalie dress in a lovely tea length! Photo: ein photography and design.inc

High-Low, Short & Midi Dresses

We’re raising the hemline! A high-low dress is shorter at the front and longer at the back (you decide how much longer). Want to keep it short and sweet? You can go with a mini or a slightly longer style, just as long as it doesn’t hit right at your knees. As for the midi (also known as tea length), you’ll be surprised at how elongating it can be—pro tip: try a sheath midi!

Bride and groom. Bride wears a sleek column dress with a plunging neckline.

Anomalie bride, Christine, designed her dress with a jaw-dropping plunging neckline. Photo: Red Eye Collection

Let’s Talk Necklines…

We love the ultra-elongating effect of a V-neck or plunging neckline. Other honorable mentions? Explore cowl neck, scoop neck, off-the-shoulder and strapless—yes, sweetheart! (Pun totally intended).

winnie miller (shoes)

Anomalie bride, Winnie, wore pointed-toe, low-heeled pumps in a light, low-contrasting neutral. Photo: Mint Photography

And About Those Shoes…

Nude’s the word. But anything that doesn’t add too much contrast between leg and foot is pretty much a safe bet (especially if you’re flaunting your legs). Try a pointed-toe pump for mile-long gams!

Ditch the Rules

You might be petite but your body is 100% unique! Remember that this is just a guide and there’s a different sweet spot for everyone. Try on dresses to find that perfect silhouette-hemline symbiosis, and partner with your Stylist to create the look you love! Like we said, there is no “right” or “wrong” when it comes to wedding dresses. At the end of the day, what matters is how YOU feel in the dress. 

–Featured image by Red Eye Collection

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