Spice things up with these steamy flicks.
Updated Oct 14, 202427 Chic Petite Party Dresses for Women Over 50
Find your perfect fit without a trip to the tailor.
Photos, left to right: Amazon, Macy's, Nordstrom
Now that you're older and wiser, you probably know that a properly fitting outfit is key to feeling your best as a wedding guest. But finding petite party dresses for over 50s can be tricky, whether you're looking for a maxi that won't drag on the ground or a mini that falls perfectly above the knee. Lucky for you, we're here to help.
Petite dresses are made with smaller body types in mind, not just when it comes to the hemline, but also the overall fit of the garment (think: a dress with long sleeves that don't extend past your hands or a waist that doesn't drop too low). If you're looking for something stylish that won't require professional tailoring, we've got you covered with the best petite dresses for older women. Keep scrolling to shop our favorite looks on the spot, plus, find out where you can find more mature and petite looks near you.
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT
In this article: Top 10 Petite Party Dresses for Over 50s Wedding Guests | Where to Buy | Gowns | Cocktail | Bohemian | Midi | With Sleeves
Top 10 Petite Party Dresses for Over 50s Wedding Guests
Whether you're searching for a simple cocktail dress you can count on for many weddings to come or something showstopping for your next black-tie soirée, you can't go wrong with one of these 10 best petite dresses for wedding guests over 50.
- Best Overall: XSCAPE Petite Off The Shoulder Sleeveless Dress, $259
- Best Casual Dress: Ann Taylor Petite V-Neck Ruffle Maxi Dress, $150
- Best Semi-Formal Dress: Boden Lucille Tulle Midi Dress, $199
- Best Cocktail Dress: White House Black Market Petite Strapless Lace Midi Dress, $300
- Best Formal Dress: Adrianna Papell Beaded Blouson Gown, $179
- Best Mini Dress: Karen Kane Petite Size V-Neck Scallop Lace Dress, $138
- Best Midi Dress: Hutch Off-The-Shoulder Twofer Midi Dress, $268
- Best Maxi Dress: XSCAPE V-Neck Side Ruched Gown, $249
- Best Budget Dress: Old Navy Side-Drape Jersey Jaquard Midi Dress, $50
- Best Splurge: Karen Millen Petite Stretch Sweetheart Neckline Midi Dress, $479
Where to Buy Petite Wedding Guest Dresses for Over 50 Women
Not every brand or retailer offers petite sizing, but there are definitely options out there. The below brands each have a wedding-worthy selection of petite party dresses for women over 50, plus petite mother-of-the-bride dresses you'll love.
Nordstrom: For a good mix of designer options and budget-friendly picks, shop Nordstrom's selection of petite dresses for women over 50. While they don't have quite as large of a selection as some other department stores, they do offer some nice picks from upscale brands including Karen Kane, Alex Evenings and Michael Stars.
Macy's: Macy's offers a wide range of mature ladies dresses for wedding guests with petite figures, with prices ranging from under $100 to around $300. They carry numerous popular brands, including R&M Richards, XSCAPE, Jessica Richards, Betsy & Adam and Alex Evenings. Bonus: Macy's has frequent sales.
Boden: Boden has an impressively large selection of petite special occasion dresses for older ladies. Many are on the trendier side, and prices are typically between $100 and $500. If you're on the hunt for a statement piece, be sure to check out this site.
Anthropologie: Anthropologie sells a wide range of dresses for petite mature women, ranging from trendy and cool to more classic and simple. You'll find everything from casual maxi dresses to more formal options here, and there are also a lot of unique picks for those who want a dress that stands out.
Reformation: With a focus on sustainability, Reformation is a stylish option for those who want to shop consciously. The retailer has a wide variety of styles to offer, from casual options to petite formal dresses perfect for older ladies.
Ann Taylor: For versatile petite size dresses for older women that can be worn to cocktail parties, weddings or even to work, Ann Taylor is a great spot to check. There are petite party dresses and more casual options, and everything comes at a reasonable price point.
Best Petite Gowns for Wedding Guests Over 50
One of the hardest parts of shopping for a formal gown when you're under 5'4" is finding one that won't drag on the grown or drown you in fabric. Fortunately, there are plenty of formal dresses for older petite ladies that are designed with these specific proportions in mind. Below, we've rounded up a few of our favorites.
Navy Blue Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress
Photo: Macy's
Size range: 4P–16P
Black Asymmetric Maxi Dress With Ruffle Details
Photo: Macy's
Size range: 4P–16P
Navy Sequin Lace Capelet Dress
Photo: Nordstrom
Size range: 6P–18P
Black Beaded Maxi Dress
Photo: Macy's
Size range: 0P–12P
Blue Lace Maxi Dress With Ruffle Details
Photo: Amazon
Size range: 4P–16P
Black Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress With Ruffles
Photo: Amazon
Size range: 4P–16
Best Petite Cocktail Dresses for Older Ladies
If your calendar is packed full of weddings and events for the upcoming season, it can't hurt to stock up on a few extra cocktail dresses. Below, we've rounded up a few of our favorite cocktail dresses for women over 50 that will have you set for any venue or vibe.
Green Tulle Midi Dress With Polka Dots
Photo: Boden
Size range: 0P–22
Striped Silk Blend Short-Sleeve Midi Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: XXSP–3X
Pink Maxi Wrap Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: XSP–3X
Black Strapless Lace Midi Dress
Photo: White House Black Market
Size range: 00P–22P
Black Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress With Pleated Skirt
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: 00P–14P
Black Side-Drape Jersey Jacquard Midi Dress
Photo: Old Navy
Size range: XSP–XXLT
Best Petite Bohemian Dresses for Older Women
Whether you're looking for a boho mother-of-the-bride dress or a laidback look to wear to a casual beach ceremony, there are countless petite options to choose from. Here, we've rounded up a few that will pair perfectly with your favorite dressy sandals and some stylish sunnies.
Light Blue Ruffled Midi Dress
Photo: Ann Taylor
Size range: XXSP–XXL
Velvet Tea Dress
Photo: Boden
Size range: 0P–20/22
Pink and Black Floral Maxi Dress
Photo: Gap
Size range: XSP–LT
Floral Button-Front Midi Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: XXSP–3X
Pleated Floral Midi Dress
Photo: Karen Millen
Size range: 0P–12P
Best Midi Petite Wedding Guest Dresses for Over 50
Midi dresses are known to be some of the most flattering styles for smaller frames. That being said, it's important to find ones designed specifically for petites to avoid having them look like floor-length gowns. Here, we've rounded up some that perfectly fit the bill.
Black Sleeveless Lace Midi Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: XXSP–3X
Floral Long-Sleeve Midi Dress
Photo: Macy's
Black Ruffle-Sleeve Fit & Flare Midi Dress
Photo: Old Navy
Size range: XSP–XXLT
Blue Linen-Blend Midi Dress
Photo: Banana Republic Factory
Size range: XXSP–XL
Red Halter Neck Midi Dress
Photo: Karen Millen
Size range: 0P–12P
Best Petite Wedding Guest Dresses for Over 50 with Sleeves
Heading to an outdoor event? Skip the excessive layers (which can sometimes overwhelm petite frames) and instead opt for a dress with sleeves. The long-sleeve petite wedding guest dresses for over 60s we rounded up below are the perfect blend of fashion and function.
Navy Blue Maxi Dress With Long Sleeves
Photo: Amazon
Size range: 4P–16P
Black Wrap Front Midi Dress with Long Sleeves
Photo: Rent the Runway
Size range: 0P--16P
Black A-Line Midi Dress With Long Sleeves
Photo: Karen Millen
Size range: 0P–12P
Black Lace Mini Dress With Sleeves
Photo: Karen Kane
Size range: XSP–XLP
Pink Floral Organza Midi Dress With Long Sleeves
Photo: Nordstrom
Size range: 0P--14P
Additional reporting by Sofia Deeb.
Additional market work by Doireann Mangan.
