Best petite dresses for wedding guests

Those of us with petite statures know all too well the challenge of finding occasion wear that fits – and with the seemingly never-ending array of nuptials filling our calendars, the wedding guest dress stress is real.

Choosing an off-the-rack style will usually require a tailor on standby in order to nip, trim and shorten the areas that gape, drown us or drag on the floor – a cost that is never welcomed. This also removes the possibility of borrowing an outfit from any of the current fashion rental services, so where does that leave us?

Petite fashion has come on leaps and bounds in recent years. You no longer need to compromise to be able to find a dramatic piece for your formal occasions. For I Do celebrations, parties or proms, you can find a frock for every dress code and in line with the latest trends.

Whether you prefer a figure-flattering pared-back item or a frothy frock with all the tulle, embellishments and sequins to honour the special occasion, we have got you covered.

Shop our edit of the best petite dresses for wedding guest dressing and beyond.

Reformation Petites Kourtney Dress

Reformation has one of the most extensive petite dress offerings with styles to suit every element of the nuptials, from ceremony to reception. This head-turning number comes in a cherry red hue with a fitted bodice and wrap skirt. If you are looking for something slightly less attention-grabbing (thereby avoiding the bride’s wrath), there’s floral patterns of the same silhouette too.

Buy now £248.00, Reformation

Hobbs Petite Alva Belted Dress

You can never go wrong with an all-black number and this option from Hobbs is great to keep in your wardrobe for celebration stresses. It has a classic aesthetic with a shift silhouette, crew neck and waist belt for cinching.

Buy now £139.00, Hobbs

ASOS DESIGN Petite seamed mini skater dress in black floral

With the oversized shoulders and puff sleeves, this dress has the miraculous ability to give a most statuesque look to petite frames. This is further enhanced by the mini hemline and the bold, larger floral design.

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Buy now £40.00, ASOS

Nasty Gal Petite Cowl Neck Split Hem Midi Dress

This midi dress from Nasty Gal has a minimalistic look and so gives a blank canvas for you to dress up or down as needed to suit the dress code. It comes in black or the tangerine orange hue pictured and has a cowl neck detail for seduction – helpful if you find yourself on the singles table. The side slits ensure it won’t feel restrictive as you take to the dancefloor.

Buy now £31.20, Nasty Gal

Warehouse Petite Floral Print Voluminous Midi Dress

For warm weather settings and more casual elements of the nuptial festivities, Warehouse has this frothy floral frock in a cotton fabric. It has a flattering cinching, nipping in at a high waist as well as puff sleeves with elasticated cuffs. The is one to bring colour to the pre-party celebrations.

Buy now £47.40, Warehouse

Reformation Petites Sigmund Dress

Designed to flatter a smaller frame, may we introduce you to the Sigmund dress – a failsafe winner in the wedding guest dressing leagues. It has a slim fit and hugely flattering square neck as well as a timeless splatter pattern that is a contemporary take on the polka dot print. The skirt is relaxed with a high slit for a sensual element.

Buy now £248.00, Reformation

Reiss The Waist Bodycon Midi Dress

When it calls for a more demure option with shoulders covered, Reiss has this midi length bodycon that still flashes the subtlest amount of skin at the waist and the plunging neckline. This serves to highlight your silhouette with the added bonus of a tie-front for detail. It has a lightweight linen construction and so will work well for warm weather destination weddings.

Buy now £198.00, Reiss

Karen Millen Petite Fluid Crepe Wrap Woven Maxi Dress

Green may not have previously featured in your wardrobe but has taken over the fashion world this season, appearing across the high street and high end on covetable pieces. This dress from Karen Millen has an expensive emerald look without the price tag to match. It also has a high-neck halter silhouette but an open back.

Buy now £71.20, Karen Millen

4th & Reckless open back long sleeve mini dress in black and silver sequin

Bring the disco fever with this party-ready dress from 4th & Reckless. Covered in glitzy sequin embellishments, this will stand out on the dancefloor yet still remains demure thanks to the black colourway for the colourphobes among you.

Buy now £60.00, ASOS

Petite Funnel Neck Jersey Midi Dress

This slinky midi dress is all business at the front with its funnel neck and covered-up appearance, but at the back, there’s a draped crossover construction and an asymmetric skirt that takes you from the possibly pious service to the after-hours debauchery with ease.

Buy now £79.20, Karen Millen

Forever New Petite cut out satin ruffle hem dress with bow back in red

Bring drama to your wedding guest dressing without upstaging the bride with the help of this bold satin mini dress. It has voluminous details in the form of the puff sleeves and XL bow tie detail at the lower back with a romantic red hue that’s perfect for the occasion.

Buy now £85.00, ASOS

Warehouse Petite Twist Neck Jersey Crepe Midi Dress

Pair this midi black dress with any array of colourful accessories and strappy heels and you will create a new look each time – ideal if the quantity of celebrations start racking up. The twist neck detail adds an interesting touch to an otherwise clean, classic and elegant silhouette.

Buy now £33.00, Warehouse