Short on height but not on style? Reach for maxi skirts, floor-grazing staples that work wonders for small frames. These pieces elongate your silhouette to create the illusion of being taller—and they suit everything from casual brunches to backyard weddings.
Read on to discover the best long skirts for petite women, complete with styling tips and standout models to consider. Then, thrift your favorite styles on ThredUp.
Dress for your body type with these eight maxi skirts for short women.
This maxi skirt from Reformation is a dream for petite women. It’s fitted at the waist, with a full skirt and an ankle-length hem—and it has pockets! Plus, it was designed specifically for shorter women, and it looks just as good with a sweater as a tank top, making it versatile for various events.
Sizes: 0–12
Material: Organic cotton and spandex or polyester and wool
Colors: Black, white, and charcoal wool
Styling tips: Style this long skirt with a fitted crop top in a neutral tone to balance out the flowy bottom half of your silhouette. Add platform sandals and accessorize with a straw bag for a daytime look you can wear to lunch with friends or the farmers’ market. If the weather is chilly, swap the crop top and sandals for a fitted long-sleeve top and flat boots.
Anthropologie’s Tilda Maxi Slip Skirt is available in a petite fit for shorter women. Its bias-cut design is French-inspired and drapes the body beautifully. The silhouette is slim, there’s a side zipper, and the ankle-length hem prevents it from dragging on the ground.
Sizes: XXS Petite–XL Petite
Material: Viscose
Colors: Silver, honey, light blue, lavender, black motif, red, navy, and more
Styling tips: Dress it up for an evening event with a black fitted blazer, tucked-in camisole, and strappy heels, which are great shoes to wear with a maxi dress or skirt. Complete the look with minimalist jewelry in a contrasting metallic shade and a clutch.
This casual yet stylish maxi skirt from Gap has a tiered design and crinkly fabric, offering texture, flow, and a petite-friendly fit. This skirt sits low on the waist and hits just above the ankle to create a balanced look for shorter frames.
Sizes: XXS–XXL
Material: Unknown
Colors: Indie pink, new off-white, black, and laurel wreath green
Styling tips: This maxi skirt for petite women is perfect for summer because of its lightweight fabric. Pair it with a linen button-down shirt—knot it at the waist for extra fashion points—and add a floppy hat and crossbody bag. Wear it with sneakers, which look great with dresses and skirts, for a day on the town.
Banana Republic’s Petite Poplin Maxi Skirt is one of the best long skirts for petites because it has a defined waist and long vertical pleats that draw the eye down and make you look taller. This pleated maxi skirt is comfortable and great for dressing up or down, depending on your plans.
Sizes: 0–20
Material: Poplin
Colors: White and coral beach
Styling tips: For a polished office look, pair this skirt with a tailored white blouse and block-heeled mules. Accessorize with a leather tote bag and statement belt. And for something more casual, wear it with a white T-shirt, a denim jacket, and ballet flats.
The Crepe Tuxedo Maxi Skirt from Talbots is beautifully tailored and features welt front pockets and a hidden back zip closure. It has a stunning pencil silhouette, and the petite fit suits small statures. It's lined, and the hem reaches just above the ankle. Plus, the stretch crepe fabric makes it extra comfy.
Sizes: 0–16
Material: Polyester and spandex
Colors: Ivory
Styling tips: This maxi skirt is perfect as workwear for the office and client dinners. Style it with a black turtleneck, gold jewelry, and plaid pumps. For a business dinner, add a clutch or small crossbody bag.
This maxi skirt is an everyday essential from Old Navy. It's made of soft crinkle fabric and has an elastic high waist, making it one of the most comfortable items on our list. Plus, it’s affordable if you’re on a tight budget, and the petite fit ensures it won’t overwhelm smaller frames.
Sizes: XS–4X
Material: Unknown
Colors: Calla lilies, blackjack, lavender aura, sapphire sky
Styling tips: Keep it fresh and summery by pairing this skirt with a colorful crop top and espadrille wedges. For a weekend getaway look, add a woven sun hat and tote bag.
This 100% linen skirt is perfect for warm-weather destinations. Its high-waisted cut flatters petite figures, while the straight hem provides a clean silhouette. The skirt is fitted at the waist with a relaxed body, and the elastic waistband makes it easy to take on and off.
Sizes: XS Petite–XL Petite
Material: Linen
Colors: White, black, oatmeal
Styling tips: Pair this skirt with a ribbed tank top and leather sandals for a minimalist vacation look. Add a lightweight scarf, a bucket bag, and oversized sunglasses to complete the outfit—perfect for sightseeing or outdoor dining.
Loft’s Paisley Side Slit Midi Skirt comes in a petite style with a scaled print and tailored waistline. While this piece is a midi skirt—meaning it hits the mid-calf instead of the ankle—it flows well on small frames. The side slit isn’t too high, and it has relaxed, drapey fabric, a side zipper, and a fun pattern.
Sizes: 00–18
Material: Polyester
Colors: Emerald essence
Styling tips: Style this midi skirt with boots that hit just below the knee to show off the slit. Wear it with a fitted black T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt (depending on the weather) and a black leather shoulder bag. This outfit is great for art galleries, museums, and fun events with friends.
Long skirts can transform your wardrobe, offering petite frames a flattering option for almost any occasion. From casual outings to formal events, the right maxi skirt creates an elongated silhouette for a stylish look every time.
Find maxi skirts for petite women on ThredUp—the top spot to buy dresses, skirts, and more online. Our thrift store drops 50,000+ new items daily, with an extensive range of sizes and styles available from brands like Free People, ASOS, and more. With advanced search filters like “Skirt Length,” “Waist,” and “Style,” finding the perfect long skirt has never been easier.
Visit ThredUp today to explore thousands of preloved options that combine quality, affordability, and sustainability—all in one place.