Whether you’re a petite girl or an average Joan looking to flatter your figure, you’ll want to harness the power of a fashion optical illusion. Lengthening styles are the secret to making you look longer, narrower and leaner overall, and with the right combination of cuts, patterns and fits, you can appear at least two inches taller — no heels needed.
However, if it were easy to find these kinds of designs, everyone would look and feel 6-foot-2. So, we did the heavy lifting for you and discovered 19 lengthening dresses that are ultra-flattering and guaranteed to have you ready to hit the runway. Most of these options are loose, billowy and lightweight, so you’ll be comfy and classy as you strut your stuff.
Read on to find your new go-to, height-boosting outfit for spring, summer and beyond!
Long Dresses
1. Wrapped Up: Every street will be Compliment Avenue when you rock this short-sleeve bestseller. You can even adjust the waist tie however you’d like to fake a longer bottom half.
2. Crowd Favorite: If you love designer pieces, you’ll adore this petite-friendly option that seriously looks like Zimmermann.
3. High-Waist Hero: Long-sleeve dresses are all sorts of classy, and maxi dresses are elongating by nature. Wear this flattering find to weddings, baby showers and birthday parties.
4. Frills and Fuss: Swiss dots add a dynamic flair to this long, solid-colored V-neck pick. Clip the coupon for a discount before checkout!
5. Pattern Princess: Good luck choosing just one of these vintage-inspired prints. This dress has an empire waist to lengthen as well as flutter sleeves and a breezy bottom.
6. Country Club Chic: You’ll look like you attend polo matches and high-class galas when you wear this ribbed tank dress with a lengthening striped skirt.
7. Ruffles Galore: Obsessed is an understatement. This ruffle-sleeve dress has a smocked bodice and flowy skirt to cinch your waist.
8. Pretty and Pleated: Why choose between pleats and Swiss dots when you can have both? Pleated detailing is the secret to faking model-long legs.
9.Midi Must-Have: Nautical and chic, this breezy dress has a vertical stripe design and pleated detailing that draws the eye up and down, giving you a taller appearance.
10. Girly Girl: Short puff sleeves, ruffle tiers, a vibrant pink hue and a modest maxi length are a few highlights of this Amazon’s Choice dress.
11. Simple Style: The best things in life are simple. This short-sleeve, V-neck maxi will go with every sandal in your wardrobe!
19 Loose Spring Dresses That Secretly Flatter Your Waist
Short Dresses
12. Floral Fiend: It’s love! This Cupshe dress has a high-waisted wrap design to make you look long and lean, while dainty mesh sleeves add to its appeal.
13. Everyday Outfit: We wouldn’t be surprised if you grabbed two of these elastic-cuff minis — there are endless spring colors to choose from!
14. Sunny Disposition: Darling tie sleeves coupled with ruffle tiers give 1960s dancing energy. Own it, girl!
15. Sexy Lady: If you’re looking for a bodycon dress that narrows your waist without squeezing, this drapey off-the-shoulder pick has your name on it.
16. Traveling Abroad: A smocked design has lengthening powers, and this pick will have you looking like an Italian rich mom, whether you’re headed to the Amalfi Coast or not.
17. Super Stripes: Thick stripes, a crew neckline and a relaxed fit make this T-shirt dress a casual must-have.
18. Lantern Sleeves: Somewhere between a skater and swing dress, this figure-enhancing option flatters your waist without squeezing.
19. Sporty Aesthetic: Just picture this striped mini with white sneakers and an oversized tote. So chic!
17 Ultra-Flattering Spring Dresses for Athletic Body Types
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