This Alice + Olivia dress is my current go-to for a special occasion. I love its feminine embroidery details, curve-hugging faux wrap, and fluttering sleeves. But the best part? This high-low dress is perfect for petites!
What Is a High-Low Dress?
A high-low dress has a hem that is shorter in the front than it is in the back. At 5’2”, it is one of my favorite silhouettes for formal and semi-formal occasions, because it never has to be hemmed! In general, most high-low dresses can be worn right off the hanger, with no alterations. (Sign me up!) Additionally, the long back elevates the look and makes high-low dresses perfect for cocktail hours, wedding guest attire, or fancy dinner dates. (Which I’m greatly looking forward to once the world opens up again!)
Review of Alice + Olivia High-Low Dress
Alice + Olivia was founded in 2002 by Stacey Bendet. I love the brand’s design aesthetic. Their pieces “juxtapose the whimsical and flirty with the sexy and sophisticated,” and that aesthetic is readily apparent throughout the entire line. The brand features gowns, shoes, handbags, accessories, and eyewear. Alice + Olivia is also a favorite of celebrities, who have worn the brand to red carpet events and TV appearances. Clothing and accessories from Alice + Olivia can be purchased on their main website. You can also find the brand at department stores such as Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Alice + Olivia Sizing and Fit
Since this was my first purchase from Alice + Olivia, I ordered this high-low dress in both a size 0 and 2. I found that that size 0—my normal size—fits perfectly. The dress is fully lined on the bodice and partially lined on the skirt. However, the chiffon overlay is sheer throughout the whole garment. I love the proportions of this high-low dress on my petite frame, as well. It is 48 inches long in the back, and 31 inches at its shortest in the front lining. The lining does ride up quite a bit when moving around, though, so be prepared to adjust a lot!
I appreciate that the zipper in the back is easy to close. In addition, the dress’s slim fit across the waist is snug enough to hug my figure without being uncomfortable. The dress also includes a removable sash that ties at the waist. I’ve opted to tie it at the side in these photos, but you could also tie a bow in the front or back of the dress for a slightly different look.
The top portion of the dress features a V-neck in both the back and the front. The front V-neck does fit slightly looser than the rest of the dress, so I’d suggest using fashion tape to keep everything in place. (I highly recommend Hollywood Fashion Secrets tape. I’ve used it in sweltering hot, 100+ degree temperatures, and it doesn’t budge.)
Fabric and Care
The sheer overlay features a gorgeous embroidered design and is 65% silk + 35% cotton. In contrast, the lining is 94% polyester + 6% elastane. The fabric is incredibly lightweight and not stretchy, though it feels delicate.
This high-low dress is dry clean only. It does wrinkle easily, though. Instead of taking it to the dry cleaners to get it pressed every time I wear it, I put my hair dryer on high and blow dry the wrinkles out. It works like a charm!
Styling the Alice + Olivia High-Low Dress
I’ve chosen to complement the gorgeous electric blue of this dress with strappy black sandals from Nine West. (Side note: These sandals are incredibly comfortable, and I highly recommend them!) You could also pair the dress with silver or nude sandals. I added cubic zirconia earrings and a petite-length bracelet to elevate the look, as well.
Where to Purchase + Similar Dresses
I purchased my Alice + Olivia dress at Nordstrom Rack, though this color is currently sold out. However, the dress also comes in a whimsical peach color and is still available in multiple sizes at Harvey Nichols, Net-a-Porter, and Farfetch.
If you want an aqua-colored high-low dress like this Alice + Olivia one, this sleeveless CeCe dress is almost identical in color and embroidered overlay. ASOS has several high-low dresses, including this long-sleeve teal wrap dress. If you want something a bit less formal, I suggest this Abercrombie & Fitch Flutter Chiffon Midi Dress or this Lulus floral print high-low dress.
What do you think of this dress? And will you be adding a high-low dress to your own collection?
Disclosure: Posts on ElegantlyPetite.com may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. These links in no way affect my review of the product. If you do click on the link, it helps support my blog and allows me to keep making posts. Thank you for your support!