3 Summer Dress Styles for Petites | Work, Wedding & Weekend

Harmfreefashion shows how to style trending dress styles for summer
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What better way to battle the dog days of summer than in a chic, comfortable, and easy to style dress?

Dresses are great because they can work as a statement piece without too much effort, thus allowing for extra creativity when it comes to your accessories.

Below I’ve styled three trending dress styles fit to take you from work to weekend, to wedding and everywhere in between.

Work dress style | Tent dress + colorful purse & loafers

Harmfreefashion models vegan & thrifted fashion (checkered black and white halter neck dress, red cat-eye sunglasses, red vegan loafers, red Angela Roi Barton mini bag.)

A tent style dress is just the thing for short girls.

Select a dress that sits above the knee for the most flattering length and if you feel overwhelmed by fabric, a belt is always a safe bet.

Harmfreefashion models vegan & thrifted fashion (checkered black and white halter neck dress, red cat-eye sunglasses, red vegan loafers, red Angela Roi Barton mini bag.)

While red, white, and black can be a bit bold for a summer palette, the dress’s short length and halter neck expose enough skin to make these colors work during the hottest of months.

If your office is like an ice box, through on a chunky cardigan and/or leggings to beat the chill.

Harmfreefashion models vegan & thrifted fashion (checkered black and white halter neck dress, red cat-eye sunglasses, red vegan loafers, red Angela Roi Barton mini bag.)

– OUTFIT DETAILS –

RED LOAFERS | By Blanch (similar by Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather and Carmona Collection)

PURSE | Angela Roi (current styles by Angela Roi)

Weekend dress style | Black maxi dress + hot pink retro-style sneakers

Harmfreefashion models vegan & thrifted fashion (black maxi dress with colored buttons, pink belt, silk-free scarf, red cat-eye sunglasses, vegan Saucony pink Shadow sneakers, Sans Beast bag.)

A black maxi dress might seem like an odd choice for summer but the assistance of colorful accessories lightens the whole look.

Black and hot pink are a dream color pairing and fuchsia is a perfect color to counteract the heaviness of a black dress.

Harmfreefashion models vegan & thrifted fashion (black maxi dress with colored buttons, pink belt, silk-free scarf, red cat-eye sunglasses, vegan Saucony pink Shadow sneakers, Sans Beast bag.)

To make sure your petite frame is highlighted, cinch any looser fitting dresses with a belt and pair your dress with retro-style tennis shoes, ballet flats, or wedge sandals to keep the look current. 

Harmfreefashion models vegan & thrifted fashion (black maxi dress with colored buttons, pink belt, silk-free scarf, red cat-eye sunglasses, vegan Saucony pink Shadow sneakers, Sans Beast bag.)

– OUTFIT DETAILS –

PURSE | Sans Beast (current styles by Sans Beast)

Wedding dress style | 1950s retro-style truck dress + silk-free headscarf

Harmfreefashion models vegan & thrifted fashion (royal blue retro dress, thrifted silk-free headscarf, red cat-eye sunglasses, Matt and Nat vegan gingham mules, Sans Beast bag.)

With retro-style dresses trending, the best way to embrace this type of dress is by scouring the second-hand, vintage shops, and flea markets. How better to show off retro style than with an authentically vintage frock that will undoubtedly be much better quality than a new dress.

While this ’50s style truck dress is a statement piece on its own, some complementary accessories help to accentuate this centerpiece. 

Harmfreefashion models vegan & thrifted fashion (royal blue retro dress, thrifted silk-free headscarf, red cat-eye sunglasses, Matt and Nat vegan gingham mules, Sans Beast bag.)

Headscarfs continue to be trending so tie one around your head, ponytail, or bag handle for another bit of retro elegance. The inspiration here is a little more Grace Kelly and a lot less “Bridget Jone’s Diary.” 

Select a primary-colored pair of cat-eye frames for an even more impactful accessory.

Royal blue and post-box red is not the color combo for everyone, but these are two shades that look surprisingly well together.

Harmfreefashion models vegan & thrifted fashion (royal blue retro dress, thrifted silk-free headscarf, red cat-eye sunglasses, Matt and Nat vegan gingham mules, Sans Beast bag.)

– OUTFIT DETAILS –

MULES | Matt & Nat (current styles by Matt & Nat)

PURSE | Sans Beast (current styles by Sans Beast)

Final Thoughts

A dress is the perfect throw-on-and-go style that you can bring to life with accessories.

Looking for more summer styling inspiration? Check out my other posts on How to Style Green Clothing for Summer; Summer Shorts Styles Here to Stay; Timeless Skirt Lengths for Summer; Track Jacket Summer Style Ideas; Dad Shirt Style Tips; How to Wear Pink for Summer; Easy Summer Vacation Outfits; and Black & White Outfits for Summer.

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Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to leave a kind comment! 💛


michelle-rothenburger-of-harmfree-fashion-vegan-fashion-blogger

Michelle Rothenburger

Michelle Rothenburger is a vegan fashion blogger whose work has been featured in such publications as Marie Claire, InStyle, Woman & Home, and Vilda. Find out more by reading Michelle’s full story (from bullied to fashion influencer) and feel free to send her a personal message.


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