Best Petite Summer Fashion Picks at Target Under $40

I’ve been slowly but surely building my summer wardrobe over the last several weeks. However, I’m still on the hunt for a few more staples to round out my rotation. Target is always my go-to destination for affordable yet elevated pieces, but, as a 5-foot-tall gal, it takes some digging to find styles that are reliably petite-friendly, especially while shopping online.

I sifted through all of Target’s new fashion arrivals and loaded my cart with linen pants, sundresses, and breezy skirts that come short-shopper-approved. Even better? All of my versatile picks are priced safely below $40, so they’ll quickly pay for themselves in cost-per-wear. Below, shop nine petite summer staples I’m eyeing at Target, starting from $20. 

Target Petite Fashion New Arrivals

Wild Fable Pull-On Linen Pants

Linen pants are a non-negotiable for me in the summer because they’re lightweight in the heat, warm in the rain, and can easily be dressed up for work or date nights. This $25 pair from Wild Fable features an easy pull-on design, with a drawstring waistband, side pockets, and a universally flattering wide-leg silhouette. Two 5’3” shoppers said they “had no issue with length” while wearing the style with flats, and another 5’3” fan said they make for “the perfect summer pants.” Plus, after a two-hour car ride, they “still looked good” with minimal wrinkles. 

Universal Thread Rib-Knit Maxi Bodycon Dress

Warm weather dressing is all about ease and comfort, so I can already tell this “super flattering” maxi bodycon dress, per reviews, will prove essential in my rotation. It’s available in two striped and four solid color options and has a modest side slit, stretchy rib fabrication, and sleeveless high neckline, which offers a casual yet chic canvas for dressing up or down, depending on the occasion. And don’t be scared by the maxi hem—a 4’11” reviewer said it “does not touch the floor,” while one who’s 5’2” raved it’s “the best $20 spent!”

Wild Fable Linen Side-Tie Wrap Skort

My love for skorts knows no bounds because they’re the perfect balance between function and fashion thanks to built-in shorts. This linen side-tie wrap design is so cute and impressively affordable, and you can grab the matching linen top to create a complete, vacay-ready outfit. I’m planning on pairing it with simple white tanks, breezy blouses, and more summer tops.

A New Day Maxi Picnic A-Line Skirt

Consider a white midi skirt the summer version of staple blue jeans—it goes with virtually everything, with effortless comfort to boot. This style has a cotton blend seersucker fabrication, so you won’t have to worry about wrinkles while traveling, plus a comfy elastic waistband and handy side pockets. A 5’4” shopper said it “fits perfectly,” adding that the white color option is fully lined, while others agree the material is “lightweight” and ideal for beating the heat. 

Below, shop more petite-friendly Target fashion finds I’m buying for the season ahead, including an airy shirt dress and a gingham A-line skirt.

Universal Thread High-Rise Drawstring Denim Beach Shorts

Shade & Shore Gauze Cover Up Shirt Dress

Universal Thread High-Rise Utility Barrel Jeans

Universal Thread Openwork Midi Sweater Dress

Universal Thread Smocked Maxi A-Line Skirt