women's petite cocktail dresses London Times Summer Ruffle Short Dress | Dress for Women or a night out Petite Cocktail Dresses Nordstrom Petite

Instead, I look for button-front dresses, smocking (stretch is key!), or straps that can untie

I already had a couple shirt dress patterns on hand, but since one of my favorite sewing bloggers, Emily Hallman, has said good things about this one, I went with Simplicity 8014

Shirts were worn tight, pants had a flare, and lapels were wide

Clutches and Bags: A sleek clutch in a complementary color or metallic finish adds a touch of sophistication while keeping your essentials close

With a surplice V-neck and flutter sleeves, this elegant number has a wrap-fitted bodice for a straight-from-the-tailor, waist-defining fit

If you want to walk down the aisle with a bit of glitter, this is the perfect design to slip into