Last Updated on September 16, 2026 by Eve Dawes
Norma Kamali dresses first came onto my radar when I was putting together my And Just Like That Season 1 edit. The one-shoulder blue dress Carrie Bradshaw wore in Season 1 Episode 7 was the Norma Kamali Diana dress, and it was love at first sight. I loved the elegant simplicity, flattering ruching and asymmetric silhouette, and just like that it ended up in my wardrobe. Since then, I’ve added both the Norma Kamali Diana dress and Diana gown to my wardrobe, and after getting so many questions about them on YouTube, it was time to update my Norma Kamali dress review with everything I’ve learned from actually wearing both styles. I’m 5’2″ and wear my normal size XS in both, so I’ll cover Norma Kamali sizing, whether the Diana dress runs small, the difference between the Diana dress and gown, where each length hits on me, the built-in bodysuit, the best selling styles right now, and whether I think Norma Kamali dresses are worth the money.
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Norma Kamali Diana Dress review
I’ve now owned both the Norma Kamali Diana dress and Diana gown, and the thing that initially attracted me to the style is still what I like most about it: the ruching. It’s incredibly flattering and gives what is essentially a very simple one-shoulder silhouette much more shape and interest. I’ve also always been impressed by the quality of the fabrication and material for the price.
Both of mine run true to size. I wear an XS in the Diana dress and the Diana gown, which is my normal size, although there are some noticeable differences in how the two lengths fit and feel on me. At 5’2″, the Diana dress’s asymmetric hem hits from around mid-calf to the bottom of my calf rather than just below the knee like it does on the model. The Diana gown hits around my ankles, so petites should definitely pay attention to the actual length rather than relying solely on how it looks in the product photos.
I also find the neckline comes up considerably higher on me than it does on the model, however much I try to pull it down, so on me it’s actually a fairly modest one-shoulder style. The gown is also noticeably harder to get into simply because there’s so much more fabric to wiggle your legs through.
One of the Diana’s most distinctive features is its built-in bodysuit, which helps hold the dress in place. People seem divided on it. Some have a tailor cut it out to avoid VPL and make bathroom trips easier, while others love the extra security it gives the dress. It doesn’t really bother me either way, so I’ve left mine intact. And no, you don’t have to take the whole dress off to go to the bathroom. You can just move the bodysuit to the side.
Norma Kamali Diana dress vs gown: What’s the difference?
Norma Kamali’s Diana comes in a few different lengths, including short, midi and gown length, but where each one actually hits will obviously depend on your height. I own both the Diana dress and Diana gown, and at 5’2″ there’s a noticeable difference between how the lengths look on me versus on the models. If you’re petite or deciding between the Diana dress and gown, my try-on below shows both lengths on me side by side, along with the fit differences I’ve noticed from actually wearing them.
Norma Kamali Diana dress length
On me, the Diana dress’s asymmetrical hem hits from around mid-calf to the bottom of my calf, versus sitting just below the knee on the model. So if you’re petite, expect the midi to look noticeably longer than it does in the product photos. See comparison photos below.
Norma Kamali Diana gown length
The Diana gown hits around my ankles versus just above the model’s ankles. I’m wearing the Norma Kamali Diana gown in an XS in orchid pink. I initially thought I might be able to play around with the ruching to adjust the length a little, but the weight of the fully lined dress tends to hold it down. I also find the neckline comes up a lot higher than on the model, however much I try to pull it down. So it’s definitely a modest style.
Does the Norma Kamali Diana dress work for petites?
Yes, I think both lengths can work if you’re petite, but don’t expect them to hit you where they hit the models. At 5’2″, I don’t need to have either of mine altered, but the Diana dress wears more like a longer midi on me and the gown comes down to my ankles. I wear an XS in both, which is my normal size, and find both the Norma Kamali Diana dress and gown run true to size. The gown is noticeably harder to get on simply because there’s so much more fabric to wiggle your legs through.
What about the built-in bodysuit?
All lengths of the Norma Kamali Diana dress have a built-in bodysuit, which helps hold the dress in place. People seem divided on whether they love or hate this part of the design. Some people have a tailor cut it out to avoid VPL and make going to the bathroom easier, while others love the extra security it gives the dress. It doesn’t really bother me either way, so I’ve left mine intact.
PS: You don’t need to take the dress off to go to the bathroom. You can just move the bodysuit to the side.
Are Norma Kamali dresses worth it
Based on the Diana dress and gown I own, I think Norma Kamali dresses offer good value for the quality. Both of mine feel well made, the fabric and construction feel substantial rather than cheap, and the ruching and built-in bodysuit make them more interesting than a basic one-shoulder dress.
For me, they’re also the kind of styles that don’t feel tied to one particular season or trend. The Diana silhouette has been around for years, and I’d rather spend on a dress I can pull out again for weddings, parties and events than something I’ll wear once and immediately feel is dated.
Shop the best of Norma Kamali
There are over 600 pieces in the current Norma Kamali collection, but these are some of my favorite Norma Kamali dresses, gowns, tops, and jumpsuits from Revolve, along with the best selling styles on my ever-expanding wishlist. They tend to carry the most extensive range of clothes from this designer and there’s a few pieces on sale right now too. I tend to gravitate towards her more glamorous pieces because the ruching, draping and clean silhouettes make even relatively simple designs feel special. There are also plenty of styles that work beyond one occasion, whether you’re shopping for a wedding guest dress, black-tie event, holiday party or an elevated night-out look.
Norma Kamali Gown
This streamlined halter gown is such an elegant, minimal style and really shows what Norma Kamali does well. The clean silhouette makes it feel timeless rather than tied to one particular trend, and it’s the kind of gown you could restyle for different occasions simply by changing your shoes, bag and jewelry.
Photo FWRD.
Pink Norma Kamali Dress
If you prefer a mini, this off-the-shoulder ruched Walter dress is a much sexier take on the Norma Kamali aesthetic. I love the pink, but it’s really the combination of the off-the-shoulder neckline and signature ruching that makes this style stand out.
Sexy Red Norma Kamali Gown
They don’t get much sexier than this slinky red satin gown. The backless silhouette makes a statement without needing much styling, and it’s the kind of timeless red dress that would work beautifully for black-tie events, formal parties and the holidays. But if you want it, get it now as it’s almost sold out.
Norma Kamali Jumpsuit
How beautifully cut is this belted, long-sleeve black jumpsuit? It’s one of those pieces that’s easy to dress up with heels or style more casually with flats, and the waist-defining belt keeps the silhouette polished.
I’d wear it for a chic office outfit, then add killer heels for the evening and potentially swap the original belt for one of my designer belts like this Valentino belt.
Who is Norma Kamali
Norma Kamali is a female fashion designer who started back in 1974 with retro beachwear collections which have got sexier over the years. Before expanding into dresses, jumpsuits and other wardrobe essentials.
Her lines are elegant and colorful, timeless yet fashionable and flattering ruching an integral part of many of her designs. The price points are pretty reasonable too and I’ve always been impressed by the quality of the fabrication and material.
Shop Norma Kamali dresses and clothing
If you want to see more from the brand, I’ve rounded up more Norma Kamali dresses, gowns, jumpsuits and clothing below. I’ll keep this edit updated as new styles arrive and older pieces sell out, including sale finds whenever I spot them because you know I love a good sale.
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If you have any questions I didn’t answer in this Norma Kamali dress review, feel free to DM me on Instagram so that I can add the answer here.
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