'I'm a 5'4 stylist and these are the best summer dresses for petite women.'

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Shopping for summer dresses when you're petite (technically, if you're 5'4" - or 164cm - and under, you fall into this category) can feel unnecessarily challenging.

A "mini" turns into a knee-length dress, a "midi" suddenly feels like a maxi, and you always (ALWAYS!) end up returning clothes you bought online or have to pay more for tailoring every outfit. Ugh, the struggle.

WATCH: Leigh Campbell explains why Forever New is in its best era yet. Post continues below.

The best summer dresses for petite frames.

Finding the perfect summer dress shouldn't be this hard. After all, shopping should be fun, right?!

According to personal stylist Emelia Morris, who's 164cm herself, it can be, if you keep a few key tips in mind.

"For women in the petite category, fabrics, fit, and proportions are everything. Tiny tweaks can completely change how a dress sits," she told Mamamia.

Here's everything to look for — and where to shop — if you're petite and on the hunt for the perfect summer dress.

Emelia's favourite dress brand for short women.

Rather than chasing trends, Emelia recommends focusing on shape and structure.

Look for dresses that play with proportion, like mini dresses, as these often land at a knee length on petite women, making them far more wearable than expected.

Emelia's favourite place to shop is Forever New's Petite range, which offers a huge selection of summer dresses specifically made for those who are 164cm or shorter.

Forever New Curve Kassie Curve Boat Neck Mini Dress, $89.95.

Image: Forever New.

Forever New Petite Riley Petite Structured Halter Neck Mini Dress, $159.

Image: The Iconic.

Defined waists (fit-and-flare styles).

She also suggests prioritising styles with definition.

"Fit-and-flare options to give a waistline rather than ultra floaty styles with lots of volume and no shape, which can often overwhelm a smaller frame."

Dresses that create shape through the waist help balance proportions and prevent smaller frames from getting lost in excess fabric.

Elka Collective Alessandra Mini Knit Dress Chocolate Stripe, $269.

Emelia styles this with a crochet scarf to define her waist. Image: Instagram @emeliamorrisstylist.

Emelia styles this throw-on-and-go mini dress with a crochet scarf to define her waist.

ASOS Lace & Beads Petite Bow Shoulder Tulle Maxi Dress, $220.

Image: ASOS.

High or well-placed waistlines.

Another common trait among petite women is that they have longer torsos and shorter legs (although this doesn't apply to every petite girlie out there). But keeping this in mind can help balance things out.

"Wearing your pants a little higher on the waist, mid-rise or high-rise, can give the illusion of a longer leg line," she explains.

"And pairing them with slimline shoes instead of chunky styles can help balance your silhouette."

This same concept applies to dresses. So, pay attention to those made with waistlines, as even a slightly higher waist can elongate your legs and create a more balanced silhouette.

Target Petites Australian Cotton Channel Tie Maxi Dress, $65.

Image: Target.

A great example is this dress from Target, which is only $65. A bargain!

Decjuba Allie Linen Blend Maxi Dress, $169.95.

Image: Instagram @emeliamorrisstylist.

Emelia loves this Decjuba maxi dress — you can find similar styles on The Iconic.

Obus Travel Club Shirt Dress, $279.

Image: The Iconic.

If you're a fan of colour, this shirt dress with a waist tie works well on petite frames because it defines the waist and gives the illusion of longer legs without overwhelming a shorter silhouette.

Sleeves and necklines.

Small adjustments to sleeves and necklines can dramatically change balance, too.

These subtle design details can make a dress feel either overwhelming or perfectly proportioned on a petite frame.

For example, a V-neck naturally draws the eye up and down, rather than side to side, so the vertical focus makes the whole body look more elongated.

Exhibit A: this elegant sleeveless summer midi dress, featuring a V-neck and V-back.

Seasalt Cornwall Multi Sky Beyond Dress, $175.

Image: The Iconic.

Target Petites Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress, $65.

Image: Target.

For a more affordable option, you can't look past this elegant, flowy dress from Target.

Subtle vertical lines.

Look for subtle vertical elements like seams, stripes or button details, as these can all help lengthen the silhouette and draw the eye up and down rather than side to side.

Forever New Petite Embroidered Dress, $189.99.

Image: The Iconic.

Take this gorgeous white dress with subtle vertical seams and a fit-and-flare silhouette.

Reformation Petites Woodson Dress, $520.

Image: Reformation

This Reformation dress is also a perfect example for those looking for a dress with button details.

Obus Foundation Shirt Dress, $249.

Image: The Iconic.

For a more casual fit, you can't look past this comfy dress from Obus.

Leina and Fleur Nitelle Maxi Dress in Tang Stripe, $299.

Image: Leina and Fleur.

Emelia loves the brand Leina and Fleur. They have a dedicated petite dresses edit on their website, too.

The styles petite women should avoid.

Emelia is clear on one thing: there are no hard "don'ts".

"I never tell women to avoid anything; personal style is individual," she stresses. But she does acknowledge the frustration many shorter women feel when shopping.

"At 164cm, I'm just on the edge of petite, and so much clothing is made for taller women. The difference really is all in the proportions."

If a dress feels overwhelming, small styling shifts can help. A midi can often feel more balanced than a full-length maxi, and swapping chunky shoes for slimline styles can prevent that harsh visual break at the ankle that can shorten the leg line.

"It's about experimenting and finding what feels comfortable and works for you."

Tips for shopping online.

If you're shopping online, Emelia says the details matter more than ever.

"There's so much information available now — fabric, care instructions, and the model's specs, like her height and the size she's wearing."

Reading through all of these details will help you shop smarter and avoid unnecessary returns.

She specifically points to brands like Forever New's Petite range, which lists measurements such as rise, leg opening and overall length.

"You'll usually notice the rise on a regular, non-petite option is longer, so having this info helps you shop smarter and find pieces that actually work for your proportions."

In saying all of this, Emelia says it all comes down to one thing:

"At the end of the day, it's about finding what makes you feel confident."

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For more fashion tips, listen to the Nothing To Wear podcast or watch Nothing To Wear on YouTube.

Feature image: Instagram @emeliamorrisstylist.