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Updated Mar 11, 2024The Best Petite Dresses for Wedding Guest, According to a 5-Foot Tall Fashion Editor
Shopping for dresses can be a challenge when you're petite, but not when you have options like these.
Photos, left to right: Abercrombie & Fitch, Nuuly, Reformation
At five feet tall, I know just how difficult it can be to find the best petite dresses for wedding guests. Short dresses run long, midis look like maxis and maxis drag on the ground. While tall heels add some height, they don't always change the overall fit of the dress. For the longest time, I thought my only choice was to incur the additional costs that come with dress alterations. (Spoiler alert: It's not.)
The truth is that clothes should be made to fit all kinds of bodies—not the other way around. Thankfully, many designers and retailers are expanding their offerings to include more petite wedding guest outfits. So, as your resident wedding fashion expert (and a shortie myself), I went on a hunt to find the very best wedding guest dresses for petites.
From petite black-tie wedding guest dresses to casual everyday frocks, I found options that will look great for any occasion (and more importantly, fit like a glove). Keep scrolling to browse the 45 best petite size wedding guest dresses on the market right now and seamlessly shop your faves with the click of a button.
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10 Best Petite Dresses for Wedding Guests
In a hurry? Shop my top 10 favorite petite dresses for a wedding guest below.
- Best Petite Wedding Guest Dress Overall: Abercrombie & Fitch Giselle Convertible Maxi Dress, $160
- Best Cocktail Petite Wedding Guest Dress: Abercrombie & Fitch Corset Midi Dress, $130
- Best Formal Petite Wedding Guest Dress: Reformation plus Camille Rowe Petites Hugo Dress, $156
- Best Black-Tie Petite Wedding Guest Dress: Reformation Petites Oren Silk Dress, $348
- Best Semi-Formal Petite Wedding Guest Dress: Hutch Ruffle Sleeve Midi Dress, $238
- Best Petite Wedding Guest Dress for Spring: Abercrombie & Fitch Camille Strapless Godet Midi Dress, $120
- Best Petite Wedding Guest Dress for Summer: Nobody's Child Petite Beck Ruffle Shoulder Midi Dress, $85
- Best Petite Wedding Guest Dress for Fall: ASOS DESIGN Petite Velvet Midi Dress With Fallen Shoulder, $90
- Best Petite Wedding Guest Dress for Winter: Betsy & Adam Side Ruffle Long Sleeve Gown, $209
- Best Affordable Petite Wedding Guest Dress: ASOS DESIGN Petite Dropped Shoulders Draped Slinky Midi Dress, $75
In this article: 10 Best Petite Dresses for Wedding Guests | Where to Buy | Cocktail | Formal | Black-Tie | Semi-Formal | Petite Plus-Size
Where to Buy Wedding Guest Dresses in Petite Sizing
If you're tired of spending additional time and money on dress alterations, we've got good news for you. There are plenty of places to shop petite wedding guest dresses that will look good and fit even better. The best part is they all offer convenient shipping straight to your door. Here are a few of our favorites:
Abercrombie & Fitch: Did you know that *all* of Abercrombie and Fitch's iconic dress styles are available in petite sizing? That's right. Just one more reason to stop in during your next trip to the mall.
Reformation: Hello style; Meet size inclusivity. With one of Reformation's trendy wedding guest petite dresses, you'll be well on your way to earning the title of "best dressed guest."
Anthropologie: Not only does Anthropologie have plenty of petite wedding guest dress options, but they also carry shoes, handbags, jewelry and more. Consider them a one-stop-shop for all your wedding guest wardrobe needs.
Nuuly: There's no use spending hundreds on a dress if you only plan on wearing it once. Nuuly lets you rent affordable wedding guest dresses in petite sizes for a fraction of the cost. Plus, they've got plenty of designer options you're sure to love.
Old Navy: In case you didn't know, this beloved retailer now carries special occasion dresses in petite sizes. When it comes to affordable wedding guest dresses, they're quickly becoming our new go-to.
Related: Petite Wedding Guest Dresses for Women Over 50
Petite Cocktail Dresses for Wedding Guests
A cocktail attire wedding is a chance to put your most stylish foot forward. The dress code falls somewhere between formal and black tie (think: dresses and jumpsuits, but not necessarily evening gowns). In our books, you can never go wrong with a festive mini or midi dress. Because there is a bit more flexibility when it comes to cocktail attire, you really have the chance to lean into your personal style when picking out an outfit. Try experimenting with bold colors, patterns and textures. If you're in need of a little inspiration, we've got you covered. These 10 petite cocktail dresses for weddings will fit the occasion, and more importantly, they'll fit you.
Chestnut Brown Cutout Maxi Dress
Photo: Abercrombie & Fitch
Size range: XXSP–XXLT
Black Strapless Faux Feather Midi Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: 00P–22W
Midnight Blue Corset Midi Dress
Photo: Abercrombie & Fitch
Size range: XXSP—XXLT
Black Sweetheart Jacquard Midi Dress
Photo: Nuuly
Size range: XXSP—XL
Rust Velvet Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress
Photo: ASOS
Size range: 00P–12P
Blue Cowl Neck Satin Slip Dress
Photo: Ann Taylor
Size range: 00P–18
Gold Draped Slinky Midi Dress
Photo: ASOS
Size range: 00P—12P
Black Strapless Satin Dress
Photo: Nuuly
Size range: XXSP–3X
Midnight Square-Neck Sleeveless Midi Dress
Photo: Macy's
Size range: 2P–16P
Asymmetric Teal Midi Dress
Photo: Banana Republic
Size range: 00P–20
Petite Formal Dresses for Weddings
Deciding what to wear to a formal dress code wedding can be hard, especially when you're petite. You'll likely want to dress to impress, but that can feel near impossible when the majority of options out there have skirts that extend far past your feet. That's where petite maxi dresses for weddings come in. They're designed specifically for those 5' 4" and under, so you don't have to worry about tripping over excess fabric. Plus, they look oh-so elegant when paired with heels or wedges and a simple clutch. Below, shop our 10 favorite formal petite dresses for wedding guests.
Mahogany V-Neck Maxi Dress with Back Beading
Photo: Reformation
Size range: 0P–12P
Floral Sleeveless Metallic Maxi Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: 2P–16P
Midnight Blue Convertible Maxi Dress
Photo: Abercrombie & Fitch
Size range: XXSP—XLT
Pink and Red Floral Maxi Dress With Side Slit
Photo: ASOS
Size range: 2P–12P
Black Off-The-Shoulder Twofer Midi Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: 00P—26W
Asymmetric Floral Maxi Dress
Photo: Nuuly
Size range: XSP–3X
Floral Petite Maxi Dress for Wedding Guest
Photo: ASOS
Size range: 2P–12P
Red Metallic Maxi Dress With Short Sleeves
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: XSP–3X
Lilac Satin Chiffon One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
Photo: ASOS
Size range: 00P—12P
Hot Pink Metallic Maxi Dress
Photo: Karen Millen
Size range: XSP-LP
Petite Black-Tie Dresses for Weddings
As one of the most formal dress codes, a black-tie dress code typically calls for a floor-length gown. The problem is that for petites, it can be near impossible to find one that won't drag on the ground. Sure, tailoring is always an option, but depending on the silhouette, that could alter the look of the dress. Fortunately, there are plenty of petite maxi dresses for weddings made specifically for those 5'4" and under. When dressing for this type of event, it's best to stick to dark colors like maroon, navy and of course, black. Fabrics like silk and velvet can also help elevate your look. When in doubt, you can't go wrong with one of the ten petite gowns for wedding guests below.
Navy Blue Silk Maxi Dress With Matching Scarf
Photo: Reformation
Size range: XSP–3X
Floral Strapless Maxi Dress
Photo: Hutch
Size range: XXSP–3X
Dark Brown High-Neck Silk Maxi Dress
Photo: Reformation
Size range: XSP–XL
Navy Rosette Lace Cap Sleeve Maxi Dress
Photo: Alex Evenings
Size range: 6P–16P
Jade Halter-Neck Metallic Crinkle Gown
Photo: Nordstrom
Size range: 2P–14P
Wine Velvet Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress
Photo: Alex Evenings
Size range: 4P–16P
Green Floral Maxi Dress With Sheer Long Sleeves
Photo: Karen Millen
Size range: 0P–12P
Forest Green Long Sleeve Gown
Photo: Nordstrom
Size range: 2P–14P
Burgundy Ruffled Maxi Dress
Photo: Nordstrom
Size range: 2P–16
Fuchsia Maxi Dress With Oversized Bow
Photo: Karen Millen
Size range: 0P–12P
Petite Dresses for Semi-Formal Weddings
Like I said, finding petite semi-formal dresses for weddings is no easy task. So, when you do happen to find a look that fits just right, you'll want to hang on to it. Luckily, a semi-formal attire event offers the perfect excuse to break out that go-to look. Because the dress code falls somewhere between formal and casual, there's a good chance you'll be able to work with pieces that you already own. A classic petite midi dress, for instance, can easily be dressed up with heels for a semi-formal event. If you're in the market for a new petite semi-formal dress that you can rewear for a number of events, I found plenty of shoppable options for you to browse.
Blue and Brown Reversible Slip Maxi Dress
Photo: Abercrombie & Fitch
Size range: XXSP–XLT
Pink Floral Wrap Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: XXSP–3X
Black Floral Puff-Sleeve Midi Dress
Photo: Nuuly
Size range: XXSP–3X
Pink Floral Strapless Midi Dress
Photo: Abercrombie & Fitch
Size range: XXSP–XXLT
Abstract Print Asymmetric Maxi Dress
Photo: Never Fully Dressed
Size range: XSP–XXXL
Black Petite Floral Dress for Wedding
Photo: RIXO
Size range: 2P–16
Black Maxi Dress With Ruffled Collar
Photo: Ann Taylor
Size range: 00P–18
Magenta Drop Waist Fit and Flare Midi Dress
Photo: Nuuly
Size range: XSP—XL
Black Stretch-Crepe Flutter-Sleeve Maxi Dress
Photo: Banana Republic
Size range: 00P–16T
Floral Ruffle Shoulder Midi Dress
Photo: ASOS
Size range: 2P–14P
Petite Plus-Size Dresses for Wedding Guests
It's totally possible to find a petite size wedding guest dress that fits well and flatters your curves. In fact, there are actually a number of brands that specialize in petite plus-size dresses for wedding guests. Below, I've rounded up a few of my favorite shoppable options.
V-Neck Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress
Photo: Lane Bryant
Size range: 12P–28
Black Lace Trim Satin Midi Dress
Photo: Talbot's
Size range: 14P–22P
Wine Long-Sleeve Mock-Neck Maxi Dress
Photo: Lane Bryant
Size range: 10/12P–38/40
Black Ponte Embroidered Dress
Photo: Talbot's
Size range: 14P–22P
Black Metallic Tweed Midi Dress
Photo: Lane Bryant
Size range: 12P–28
