So, you’ve received an invitation to a wedding — what an honor! Going to a wedding means finding a beautiful dress for the occasion.
If you want to look and feel your best, then having a dress that fits perfectly is essential. It should be a non-negotiable!
For women looking for petite dresses, this is usually easier said than done. Petite dresses aren’t always easy to come by, and the in-store options usually aren’t ideal.
But, the right outfit is most definitely worth the time spent searching for a great, comfortable, and flattering fit that doesn’t require too many alterations.
Below we’ve gathered up a few of the most flattering and cute styles that will suit all kinds of wedding occasions, whether that be a low-key barbecue, a sparkling summer’s night, a formal winter ball, or a beachy blowout!
Best Short Formal Dress — Jasambac Off-The-Shoulder Midi Dress
This stunning off-the-shoulder dress is the perfect length for those that need a little bit of flexibility in their hemlines!
Sitting pretty at a low calf length, this dress works equally well for those on the shorter side!
With its dramatic sleeves and soft, shimmery material, you’re bound to feel your absolute best in this classic and timeless 1960s style.
It also has the added benefit of being an absolute steal price-wise and comes in a huge range of colors. Here we’ve chosen a beautiful Cinderella blue (our personal favorite!)
This dress ticks all the boxes for an easy-to-throw-together look that looks a million bucks!
As with most dresses you buy online, it might be best to purchase it before you try to get shoes and accessories if you are planning to have an exact color match for your outfit!
All of these dresses have lots of photos of customers in them for weddings and other formal occasions so you can get a good idea of what it looks like and how it may suit your frame.
For a petite woman, this asymmetrical hem is perfect as it gives a chance to show off your legs without having to opt for a very mini dress, something that may not be appropriate for formal occasions!
Pros
- The perfect dress for every occasion, from formal do to beach wedding and late night dancing!
- Tiered length is flattering, shows off legs without being too risky
- Very good price
- Highly reviewed by customers
- Fast delivery worldwide
- Comes in a huge range of colors
- Available in both velvet and a comfortable polyester mix
- Incredibly flattering, with lots of review photos so you know what you are receiving!
- IT HAS POCKETS!
Cons
- Not specifically made for petite bodies, though asymmetrical hem is perfect for those who need a flexible length
- Be careful when selecting colors as some come in velvet, others come in polyester mix
- Waist can be a little loose if you have an hourglass figure
Also available from…
Barbeque Wedding Dress — Summery Pretty Garden Ruffled Dress
Known for their sweet floral prints and flattering styles, this Pretty Garden dress is the perfect answer to what to wear to an informal summer wedding or low-key barbecue.
Specifically designed with petite frames in mind, this light and airy dress is the perfect solution to feeling stuffy and hot during a long outdoor ceremony whilst still feeling classy, and covered from the midday sun.
And, before you ask, they do offer very speedy worldwide shipping!
This dress is another incredibly affordable option, and has lots of reviews raving about it.
The just-above-ankle length is great for varying heights.
A perfect dress for a more informal occasion where you still want to stun and feel your best.
The light material makes it great for hot days, and long waits in the sun, as you’ll still be covered up from the rays whilst wearing a light and breathable fabric.
The flattering length is perfect for all shoe types and great if you want to be sure your dress won’t be dragging on the floor!
Pros
- Light and breathable fabric
- Flattering wrap dress style
- Perfect length for both flattering shoes and heels
- Casual enough for outdoor barbecue events but formal enough for a wedding ceremony
- Comes in a huge range of colors and sizes
- Ruffled hem adds additional detail
Cons
- Not many photos from customers, though reviews are all very high
- Can only be hand washed, or washed on cold
- No pockets
Bar And Cocktails — Calvin Klein Petite Velvet Cocktail Dress
This expensive looking, stylish offering from Calvin Klein’s petite range, is the dress to wear for a more low-key wedding affair of bar cocktails and jazz.
Sitting pretty with a flattering high neck, this dress won’t fail to impress, whilst still looking classic and elegant enough for a wedding do.
This dress is another one that is easy to dress up and down according to the theme of the night, making it a great addition to your wardrobe if you want a bit more wear out of your outfit!
This beautiful aubergine colored velvet is also a perfect fabric to wear between seasons, as it works for any winter occasions just as well as evening summer events.
With a flattering above-the-knee length, it’s hinting at sexy without being garish or over the top for a wedding ceremony, and the flattering skater cut skirt is great for those who want a bit of spring in their step during the dancing!
This is a simple, yet classic design that is guaranteed to look flattering and glamorous whatever the occasion!
Calvin Klein are known for their high quality dresses and this one is no exception. For an easy throw-on dress that looks elegant and well thought out, this is a great one to bring to any friend’s special day!
Pros
- Beautiful designer piece to wear to any occasion
- Perfect for a winter event, or bars and cocktail evening
- Sheer inserts add a bit of extra glamour to the look
- Also available in bright blue and indigo
- Flattering above the knee cut
- Designed specifically for petite bodies
Cons
- Designer dresses unfortunately come at designer prices
- No pockets
- Simple design but easily elevated with accessories
Also available from…
Beach Ceremony — Blooming Jelly Floral Turquoise Ruffled Dress
With its beautiful deep v-neck at the front and asymmetric hem details, this dress will be sure to turn heads wherever you go.
Perfect for those who are looking for something a little different, but not too far removed from their usual style.
This dress also features a lovely split and a flattering neckline, so you can feel dressed up and glamorous whilst still looking wedding-appropriate.
What makes this perfect for a beach ceremony is the fabulous ruffle detail and the light chiffon fabric!
Not only is it immensely flattering and light, but it’s also perfect for when the weather starts to heat up and you don’t want to be roasting!
With a criss-cross back that is easy to adjust, this is a great option for those who want to be cool on the day but still look dressed to kill!
If you are looking for a dress that walks the line of formal and semi-formal, this is the one to go for.
It’s flattering, cute, and guaranteed to get you a thousand compliments without you looking overdressed or feeling uncomfortable.
Team with a pair of wedges or slip on sandals and you’ll be sorted for a beautiful beachy wedding! It’s also a very fair price, and you can easily wear it on many different occasions after the wedding day!
Pros
- Easy to wear style with stretchy bodice fabric
- Adjustable straps to feel secure
- Underskirt under chiffon layers for added modesty
- Available in 6 striking patterns
- Light enough to wear all day and easy to accessorize throughout the night
- Tie front detail
- Flattering asymmetrical length is perfect for petite figures
Cons
- Doesn’t come in a huge range of sizes
- Beware – not great for those with large breasts as hard to wear a bra with the cross strap back
Also available from…
Black Tie Wedding — Alex Evenings Petite Beaded Dress
Does your wedding invitation state Black Tie? Then this is no time to be coy about dressing up to the nines! Think Oscar-worthy dresses and Gala-themed evening gowns that wow the audience.
Make your bride and groom proud and make an effort by stunning in this classic Hollywood glamour dress in beautiful pastel pink.
Part of the petite collection, this dress is made for shorter women who still need a floor-length gown that won’t trip them up!
With a fitted shape, empire waist style, and stunning color, this is the dress that shows you went to a lot of trouble to dress to impress, as is expected for a photo-worthy formal do.
If you are looking for a fabulous gown to sashay the night away in, this is it! It’s a flattering and conservative cut that still shows off your figure so you’ll feel at your best all night long.
The dress also has many customer review photos so you can have a good idea of what you are purchasing before you receive it.
The matching shawl instantly ties the outfit together and the dress looks absolutely classic and sparkles under lights.
As it is specifically designed for petite women, you shouldn’t have any issues with the cut and bias of the dress, but it’s always worth checking the given measurements, especially if you are spending a lot of money on a dress.
Pros
- Beaded detail elevates the dress style
- Comfortable fabric to dance the night away
- Delicate floral print
- Flattering v neckline
- Comes in 5 stunning colors
- Shawl Included
Cons
- Higher price than other dresses on this list
- Check your height against the listing before buying
Also available from…
Buyers Guide
There you have it, 5 great choices to choose from, across a wide variety of budgets and styles bound to suit any wedding occasion.
And all perfectly tailored for petite women! But you may still be unsure how to pick one, so let’s discuss the matter in more detail.
What Does Petite Mean For Clothing?
Petite doesn’t just mean ‘small sized’.
Petite dresses are designed for women who have a smaller bust size than most standard sizes. They are usually cut on the bias so that they fit snugly around the torso.
Petite dress sizes are smaller than standard women’s dresses; they are usually between 0 and 2 inches shorter in length.
Petite dresses are designed for women who have an average height of 5’4″ (1.63m) and below. They can come in a range of sizes, however, from 0 through to larger sizes.
So whatever your size, you’ll be looking for something flattering, stylish, and wedding-appropriate that suits your petite frame!
How To Find Your Perfect Dress Size
The first thing you need to do when shopping for a dress suitable for special occasions is to determine your actual dress size. This will help you choose the best style and fit for your body shape.
You can measure yourself using these steps:
Stand up straight with feet together. Take one measurement from the top of your shoulder down to where you would like the hemline to fall.
Make sure the tape is parallel to the floor. You may also take this measurement while standing with your back against a wall.
Stand up tall with your shoulders back and arms by your side. Measure from the center of your chest over your bra line to the fullest part of your hips. This measurement is called the bust.
Measure your waist. Wrap a measuring tape around your natural waistline, keeping it level across your front. You may also wish to measure your hip circumference.
Once you have all of your measurements, you can compare them with a size chart to see whether you fit into a petite category (usually shorter limbs and a smaller inseam) or not, and get a good idea of your overall dress size.
Top Tip – Every dress designer and high-street brand makes clothing in a slightly different size (we know, so frustrating), but they almost always have a size chart on their website, so if you are looking for a dress for your friend’s big day, be sure to compare your measurements to the size chart so that you can get the right size!
This is especially true in plus size and petite ranges as every shop seems to have different rules as to what this means!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know What To Wear?
Above all else, read your wedding invitation! It should give you an idea of the style and theme of the day.
If not, ask your wedding planner or venue staff and use your common sense about where the event is being held!
If it is on the park grounds, for example, stilettos may not be your first choice for walking around!
Is A Cocktail Dress Suitable For A Wedding?
If you’re going to a wedding where you need to wear semi-formal attire (i.e., a suit jacket and tie), a cocktail dress is a great choice.
Cocktail dresses are easy to dress for a look that you’ll continue to wear for years to come. They’re effortless yet elegant.
This dress style can be described as one that usually falls just above or below the knee. It’s usually on the shorter end.
It can be difficult for petite women to find this sort of length however because a normal length can run too long, hitting at the awkward shin bone level instead of looking cute and sassy!
Likewise, getting a long dress that floats above the floor without the use of skyscraper heels can also be a real struggle, and both of these options for straight-sized clothing tend to require some sort of hemming or alteration which can be a real pain!
Not interested in hemming up or taking down your garments? Buying from a designer or retailer who offers petite lengths eliminates having to spend any extra cash on alterations—which means more of your money can go towards accessories or shoes!
What Colors Should I Avoid In A Wedding Guest Dress?
As stated above, unless specifically written otherwise on the invitation, don’t wear white to someone else’s wedding, and don’t wear black unless given the go-ahead!
These two colors are traditionally seen as an insult to the bride and groom, one thing you’ll probably want to avoid on their big day!
Can I Wear Short Dresses?
Again, it depends on the kind of day it is! Cocktail dresses and short dresses are absolutely fine for semi-formal and more relaxed wedding occasions, however, definitely avoid short dresses if black-tie or very formal attire is expected.
If in doubt, get in contact with the bridal party, but try to avoid adding extra stress to the bride or groom’s big day as they probably have a million things on their mind!
Final Thoughts
We hope this list has given you a good idea of what petite dresses are available for a wedding guest!
We’ve tried our best to cover everything from classic silhouettes to modern twists on traditional designs, so hopefully, there’s something here that will tickle your fancy!
Remember, whatever you decide to wear, make sure it fits well and looks flattering on you. If you feel your best, you’ll be far more likely to enjoy your day!
