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Updated Mar 04, 2025These Petite Wedding Guest Dresses Are Huge on Style
This list has the seal of approval of editors all under 5' 4.
Photos, left to right: Anthropologie, Reformation, Abercrombie & Fitch
A fun fact about The Knot Editors: Most of our team is well under 5 '4, so we're bonafide experts at selecting petite wedding guest dresses for ourselves. Short dresses run long, midis look like maxis and maxis drag on the ground. And while tall heels add some welcome height, they can't change the fact that a dress thinks your hips sit *much* lower than they do.
The list below is curated to help you look gorgeous, feel confident and avoid spending extra cash on yet another tailoring session. From petite black-tie wedding guest dresses to petite wedding guest attire suited for the beach, our team sourced options that are fit for a wedding and fit like a glove, plus a shortlist on where to buy wedding guest dresses that wow beyond the below.
Loved by The Knot Editors: The Best Petite Dresses for Wedding Guests
In a hurry? Find petite dresses for a wedding guest selected by The Knot Editors right here.
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT
- Best petite wedding guest dress overall: Reformation Petites Daniela Silk Dress, $398
- Best cocktail petite wedding guest dress: By Anthropologie Lace Midi Dress, $228
- Best formal petite wedding guest dress: Reformation Petites Jillian Silk Dress, $378
- Best black-tie petite wedding guest dress: Reformation Petites Daniela Silk Dress, $398
- Best semi-formal petite wedding guest dress: Maeve Clara Printed V-Neck A-Line Midi Dress, $148
- Best petite wedding guest dress for spring: Mac Duggal Petite Light Pink Floral Brocade Bow Strap Midi Dress, $338
- Best petite wedding guest dress for summer: ASOS DESIGN Petite Chiffon High Neck Double Layer Maxi Dress, $85
- Best petite wedding guest dress for fall: Ann Taylor Petite Lace Trim Satin Midi Slip Dress, $209
- Best petite wedding guest dress for winter: Petite Navy Short Sleeve Micro Ruffle Midi Dress, $698
- Best affordable petite wedding guest dress: ASOS DESIGN Petite One Sleeve Maxi Dress with Pleat Waist Detail, $85
In this article: Loved by The Knot Editors | Cocktail | Formal | Black-Tie | Semi-Formal | Petite Plus-Size | Where to Buy
Petite Cocktail Dresses for Wedding Guests
A cocktail attire wedding is a chance to put your most stylish foot forward. You can never go wrong with a festive mini or midi dress and, because there's a bit more flexibility when it comes to cocktail attire, you really have the chance to lean into your personal style when picking from a slate of potential petite wedding guest outfits. Try experimenting with bold colors, patterns and textures. If you're in need of a little inspiration, we've got you covered. These wedding guest dresses below are petite and cocktail-wedding worthy.
1. Black Lace Overlay Midi Petite Wedding Guest Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: XXSP–XLP
2. Yellow Flowy Petite Cocktail Dress for Wedding Guest
Photo: Abercrombie & Fitch
Size range: XXSP–XLP
3. Floral Midi Slip Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: XXSP–XLP
4. Flower Asymmetrical Petite Beach Wedding Guest Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: 00P–16P
5. Pale Pink Bow-Strap Brocade Midi Petite Floral Dress for Wedding
Photo: Mac Duggal
Size range: 0P–12P
6. Mock-Neck Slim Midi Dress With Keyhole Back
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: XXSP–XLP
7. Blue Drop-Waist, Lace Trim Petite Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: XXSP–XLP
8. Beaded Cowl-Neck Petite Maxi Dress for Weddings
Photo: Karen Millen
Size range: 0P–12P
9. Black One-Shoulder Ruffle Detail Dress
Photo: Nuuly
Size range: XSP—XLP
10. Midnight Square-Neck Sleeveless Midi Dress
Photo: Macy's
Size range: 2P–10P
Petite Formal Wedding Guest Dresses
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, these wedding guest petite dresses look oh-so elegant when paired with heels or wedges and a simple clutch. Below, shop our favorite formal petite dresses for a wedding guest.
11. Green Silk Halter Petite Long Dress for Wedding
Photo: Reformation
Size range: 0P–12P
12. Floral Scarf Detail Maxi Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: XXSP–XXLP
13. Magenta Halter Neck Open Back Maxi Dress
Photo: Karen Millen
Size range: 0P–12P
14. Pink and Burgundy Cowl-Neck Petite Long Wedding Guest Dress
Photo: Ann Taylor
Size range: 0P–18P
15. Orange Floral Chiffon Maxi Dress
Photo: ASOS
Size range: 00P–12P
16. Tomato Red Drop-Waist Pleated Maxi
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: 00P–14P
17. Block-Print Blue and Brown Petite Formal Dress for Wedding Guest
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: 00P–14P
18. Asymmetric Floral Maxi Dress
Photo: Nuuly
Size range: XSP–XLP
19. Purple Long-Sleeve Pleated Handkerchief Dress
Photo: Mac Duggal
Size range: 2P–16P
20. Burgundy One-Sleeve Petite Fall Wedding Guest Dress
Photo: ASOS
Size range: 00P—12P
Petite Black-Tie Dresses for Weddings
As one of the most formal forms of attire, 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 in excess. 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 gowns for wedding guests made specifically for those 5'4 and under. For this style 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 a petite dress for a wedding guest from the selection below.
21. Pink Silk Halter Maxi
Photo: Reformation
Size range: 0P–12P
22. Lavender Blue One-Shoulder Satin Maxi Dress
Photo: ASOS
Size range: 00P–12P
23. Mermaid Halter Gown With Bow
Photo: Mac Duggal
Size range: 2P–12P
24. Beaded Floral Scoop-Neck Gown
Photo: Mac Duggal
Size range: 0P–14P
25. Green Floral One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
Photo: Adrianna Papell
Size range: 2P–16P
EXCLUSIVE CODE: THEKNOT25 FOR $25 OFF ANY PURCHASE OF $100.
26. Navy Pleated Chiffon Gown
Photo: Mac Duggal
Size range: 2P–14P
27. Floral Flutter-Sleeve Petite Green Dress for Wedding
Photo: Mac Duggal
Size range: 2P–16P
28. Midnight Blue Lace Embroidered One-Shoulder Gown
Photo: Mac Duggal
Size range: 2P–16P
29. Black Halter Satin Elegant Petite Dress for Wedding Guest
Photo: Nordstrom
Size range: 2P–14P
30. Green Bow Detail Mermaid Gown
Photo: Mac Duggal
Size range: 0P–16P
Petite Dresses for Semi-Formal Weddings
A semi-formal attire event offers the perfect excuse to break out that go-to look. Because the dress code falls between formal and casual, there's a good chance you'll be able to work with pieces that you already own. If you're in the market for a new wedding guest dress that's petite and semi formal, I found plenty of shoppable options for you to browse.
31. Patterned V-Neck Midi Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: 00P–16P
32. Tie-Strap A-Line Petite Wedding Guest Dress
Photo: Abercrombie & Fitch
Size range: XXSP–XLP
33. Black Scarf Detail Midi Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: XXSP–XLP
34. Burgundy Lace-Trim Silk Petite Dress
Photo: Ann Taylor
Size range: 00P–18P
35. Sweetheart Petite Wedding Guest Dress With Sleeves
Photo: Reformation
Size range: 0P–12P
36. Navy Ruffle Petite Wedding Guest Dress With Sleeves
Photo: Mac Duggal
Size range: 2P–16P
37. Black Floral Puff-Sleeve Midi Dress
Photo: Nuuly
Size range: XXSP–XLP
38. Blur Print Crinkle Georgette Midi Dress
Photo: Karen Millen
Size range: 0P–12P
39. Floral Ruffle Short Sleeve Midi Wedding Guest Dress
Photo: ASOS
Size range: 00P–12P
40. Black Long-Sleeve, Short Velvet Dress
Photo: ASOS
Size range: 0P–12P
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 wedding guest dresses. Below, I've rounded up a few of my favorite shoppable options to help you build out your petite wedding guest attire wardrobe.
41. Petite Plus Cold-Shoulder Maxi Dress
Photo: Roaman's
Size Range: 14/16P–42/44P
42. Red Wrap-Front Midi Dress
Photo: Catherine's
Size range: 14/16P–38/40P
43. Navy Floral Embroidered Gown
Photo: Mac Duggal
Size range: 2P–18P
44. Black Lace Petite Plus Wedding Guest Dress
Photo: Talbots
Size range: 14P–22P
45. Floral Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress
Photo: Nordstrom
Size range: 16P–34P
Where to Buy Wedding Guest Dresses for Petite Sizing
If you're tired of spending additional time and money on dress alterations, we've got good news: There are plenty of places to shop petite wedding guest dresses that 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.
Boden: British brand Boden absolutely nails it in the petite wedding guest dress department, with thoughtful tailoring and proportions that suit smaller frames well appearing within their frocks.
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 a go-to.
Related: Petite Wedding Guest Dresses for Women Over 50
Additional market work by Doireann Mangan.
