If I’m ever looking for petite styling inspiration—and, as a fashion writer with a circle of petite friends, I often am—Nicola Coughlan is always my first port of call. Wearable and always elevated, her outfits often make their way into my group chats. And now, as we settle into summer, the actor has stepped out in the dress-and-shoe combination I’ll be recommending to my petite friends all season long.
Attending an event in London this week, Nicola stepped out in a petite-friendly minidress. Designed with long sleeves and a voluminous bubble-hem skirt, the playful style elongated her legs, creating a balanced silhouette. Rather than leaning into obvious sandals or Mary Janes, however, Nicola elevated the look with a pair of sleek pointed-toe heels.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The elongated toe shape extends the line of the leg, enhancing the lengthening effect of the shorter hemline. Whilst the bubble-hem dress tapped into one of the season’s biggest trends, it was the sophisticated shoe pairing that made the outfit feel especially chic.
Elegant and uncomplicated, read on to shop my edit of the best bubble-hem minidresses and pointed-toe heels below.
Shop Bubble-Hem Minidresses and Pointed-Toe Heels:
Stradivarius
Short Balloon Strap Dress
Style with black pointed-toe heels to get Nicola’s look.
Marks & Spencer
Buckle Detail Kitten Heel Pointed Court Shoes
The short heels adds a little bit of height without sacrificing comfort.
Reformation
Babette Dress
Every great wardrobe starts with a LBD.
H&M
Pointed Leather Court Shoes
Be quick! These won’t stay in stock for long.
Free People
Struttin’ Bubble Mini Dress
This also comes in eleven other shades.
Reformation
Joyce Slingback Heel
The eel shoe trend isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
Arrange
Halter Bubble Hem Mini Dress
Shop this now and wear it all summer long.
Christen
Helix 95 Croc-Effect Patent Leather Pumps
These also come in cream.
House of CB
Le Puff White Cotton Tulle Mini Dress
You can adjust the size, cup size and length of this dress, so you can find your perfect fit.
Loewe
Origami Cubic 85 Leather Pumps
These sculptural shoes are already in Tracee Ellis Ross’s rotation!
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