BEFORE you know it, it's wedding season and searches for dresses that flatter and fit a summery, yet formal occasion dominate my browser history.
As someone who's 5'2, I used to think that longer lengths would swallow up my frame.
But I love the elegance an ankle-grazing dress gives and find it perfect for a wedding, especially as it's a more formal situation.
I've now found several long dresses that fit me without making me feel like I'm swimming in material.
If you have a smaller frame, the key is to find dresses with a more form-fitting silhouette or a flared design, so that it both elongates and balances out proportions.
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Finding a wedding guest dress can feel overwhelming, and some assume finding the best petite wedding guest dress will be difficult, but over the years several retailers have expanded their ranges to include petite, tall and plus-size garments.
Petite sizes are typically designed for those who measure 5'4" and below.
Numerous retailers do petite clothing remarkably well, but if you are looking for the best petite dresses for wedding guests we recommend heading to ASOS, New Look, John Lewis, Nobody's Child, among others.
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Where to buy the best petite dresses for wedding guests
Whistles
Whistles has plenty of stunning garments, and accessories, to shop, for and an impressive range of petite designs too.
The dress selection at Whistles is one of those impressive collections, and the petite range is included.
From day dresses to evening wear, mini to midi length, there are creations perfectly designed to suit petite shoppers.
What we love is the designs come in the same style and print for regular and petite shoppers, which is ideal for those who want to find the perfect fit.
- Petite Nellie Frill Detail Midi Dress, £189 - buy here
- Petite Sequin Keyhole Midi Dress, £99 (Was £199) - buy here
- Petite Maya Plisse Midi Dress, £95 (Was £139) - buy here
ASOS
If you want a broad selection of petite dresses to wear to a wedding as a wedding guest ASOS has an abundance to shop - over 300 pieces, which is quite the selection.
ASOS stocks its own brand designs, as well as other fashion labels, which makes it a dream to shop a wide variety of styles in one place.
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Plus, ASOS has super speedy delivery options to ensure you get your wedding outfit to your door as quickly as possible.
The other best part is that ASOS's selection of petite wedding guest dresses ranges in price too, so you don't have to spend a fortune on an occasion dress for one occasion.
- 4th & Reckless Petite exclusive bandeau cut-out dropped waist maxi dress, £55 - buy here
- Vero Moda Petite sleeveless lettuce edge mesh dress, £38 - buy here
- Lace & Beads Petite tiered ruffle midaxi dress, £110 - buy here
- ASOS DESIGN Petite one-shoulder maxi dress, £50 - buy here
New Look
New Look is the place to shop for more purse-friendly fashionable items, including petite wedding guest dresses, and Nadine Coyle's latest fashion collection too.
New Look has dresses for almost every occasion, from flattering day dresses and t-shirt dresses, as well as satin slip dresses, and much more, all of which are available in petite.
We have also shopped plenty of footwear from New Look for weddings, including bridesmaid duties, so it is our one-stop shop for all wedding guest essentials.
- Petite Off White Floral Tiered Ruffle Midi Dress, £42.99 - buy here
- Petite Brown Satin Scoop Neck Midi Dress, £33.99 - buy here
- Petite Navy Satin Wrap Pleated Midi Dress, £39.99 - buy here
Marks & Spencer
M&S has upped the ante in our books, especially as every item in its latest new collection has been added to our basket - yes, it's that good.
The longstanding retailer has every fashion category covered, from dresses to skirts, tops and jumpers, swimwear to athleisure, and much more.
For those shopping for petite dresses, M&S has you covered, as there are over 200 to stock up on.
- Floral V-Neck Tie Waist Maxi Wrap Dress, £49.50 - buy here
- One Shoulder Midaxi Bodycon Dress, £45 - buy here
- Printed V-Neck Midaxi Dress With Linen, £89 - buy here
Nobody's Child
Nobody's Child is known for being an eco-conscious fashion retailer, with stunning designs made from sustainable fabric.
Fearne Cotton has collaborated with the fashion house on numerous collections, and everyone is even better than the last.
While Nobody's Child has plenty of designs to shop across dresses, trousers, skirts, and co-ords.
The selection of petite dresses is simply stunning, and there is plenty to wear to your next wedding.
- Petite Blue Floral Tile Print Linen-blend Starlight Midi Dress, £89 - buy here
- Petite Green Lemon Print Sandra Midi Dress, £45 - buy here
- Petite Red Linen-blend Rory Jumpsuit, £120 - buy here
John Lewis
John Lewis stocks thousands of products from a plethora of brands, both affordable and luxe brands.
From John Lewis' brands to Whistles, Phase Eight and Hobbs, there are numerous fashion labels to fill your wardrobe with, and that includes petite wedding guest dresses.
There is a wide selection of petite wedding guest dresses perfect for UK weddings, destination weddings, winter dos, and every other formal occasion.
- Hobbs Emilie Petite Floral Print Dress, £89 (Was £149) - buy here
- Phase Eight Petite Lina Floral Midi Dress, £169 - buy here
- Phase Eight Petite Elsie Spot Dress,, £109 (Was £145) - buy here
Reiss
Reiss is the retailer to shop more formal attire, which is super chic, and elegant, perfect for wedding season.
The high-end fashion house is on the more expensive scale of the budget when it comes to high street stores, but it is worth it for standout pieces.
The best part is Reiss has a wide variety of petite garments to shop, across tailored jackets, and blazers, as well as trousers, skirts, shorts, and, of course, dresses.
Reiss also has an impressive collection of wedding attire for the brides.
- Stacey Ruched Midi Dress, £228 - buy here
- Delilah Printed Ruched Waist Midi Dress, £248 - buy here
- Tiller Side Pleat Asymmetric Midi Dress, £198 - buy here
- Hanna Printed Front Split Midi Dress, £248 - buy here
Warehouse
If you are shopping for the best petite wedding guest dress on a budget, Warehouse has plenty of affordable options to shop thanks to their huge sale.
Warehouse petite dresses span across simple designs, as well as bold and patterned creations. From puff sleeve designs to strappy dresses, midi, maxi and mini styles.
- Petite Shadow Floral Print Premium Satin Batwing Dress, £25 (Was £89) - buy here
- Petite Ruffle Strap Tie Back Printed Broderie Dress, £29 (Was £99) - buy here
- Petite Occasion Floral Halterneck Jacquard Midi Dress, £47.40 (Was £79) - buy here
- Petite Ruffle Maxi Dress, £31.99 - buy here
Never Fully Dressed
Never Fully Dressed is best known for its stylish pieces, which have been designed to be multifunctional and worn in various ways.
While some may typically wear their wedding guest dresses the once, Never Fully Dressed is a great place to shop to get more cost per wear out of your outfit and style in different ways.
Wrap dresses and skirts are the most versatile design from the label, as they can be worn as a wrap dress, wrap top, kimono, or wrap skirt.
While others may prefer the bold designs and prints on other creations to stand out for a summer wedding.
- Blue Linen Blend Mimi Dress Petite, £109 - buy here
- Green Jacquard Mini Vienna Dress Petite, £89 - buy here
- Denim Jacquard Monty Dress Petite, £79 (Was £149) - buy here
Boden
Boden has an impressive variety of on-trend garments to shop, and even Kate Middleton, as well as Amanda Holden, are fans of the brand.
Boden's dresses span across maxi designs, midi shirt creations, and ruffle designs, all of which are also available in petite.
What we love about the dresses is you can dress them up or down, pair them with trainers or heels, depending on the occasion.
Plus, you can score stylish, flattering and wedding-appropriate dresses for under £100.
- Cotton Midi Shirt Dress, £123.75 (Was £165) - buy here
- Liv Pleat Detail Midi Dress, £108.75 (Was £145) - buy here
- Emma Tiered Jersey Midi Dress, £75 - buy here
- Alba Tiered Cotton Maxi Dress, £101.25 (Was £135) - buy here
River Island
River Island never fails to impress when it comes to its fashion collections, which are always on trend and affordable - two huge tick boxes for us.
River Island is often dropping newness, which is music to the ears of those who love a new outfit for every occasion.
The high street label has stunning designs perfect for daytime, nighttime, festivals, everyday wear, as well as wedding guest attire.
- Petite Blue Geometric Frill Smock Maxi Dress, £60 - buy here
- Petite Green Satin Open Back Slip Mini Dress, £35 - buy here
- Petite Pink Floral Sequin Slip Maxi Dress, £65 - buy here
What should you consider when looking for a petite wedding guest dress?
When heading to a wedding as a wedding guest there are a few unspoken rules, such as not wearing white, or outshining the bride.
The dress code depends on the bride and groom, as well as the type of wedding, such as if it is a religious wedding or destination.
In some religious ceremonies, it is important to cover your shoulders, and out of respect, some may opt for midi or maxi-length dresses rather than mini designs.
When shopping for petite wedding guest dresses there are some key features to look out for, which will ensure a comfortable and flattering fit.
Adjustable straps, or short sleeves, are often preferred over long sleeves, which could be too long for a petite frame.
Midi is often preferred over maxi, as maxi designs can be more floor-length gowns with a train if attention has not been paid to the design.
- Adjustable straps: Adjustable straps are key to securing a perfect fit. With some petite frames it may be assumed they have a smaller bust, though this isn't the case, and for friends of mine having adjustable straps ensures the dress does not cling, gather, or gape, around the bust.
- Wrap front designs: Wrap front designs are sometimes preferred when shopping petite dresses, as it means you can tailor the design to suit your shape. Similar to the previous points petite frames with fuller busts, or smaller busts, can both wear this style.
- Mini and midi length: Petite dresses come in various styles and lengths, but most shoppers will typically opt for mini or midi length, to ensure the dress fits well in the body, whereas some maxi length dresses can be too long and drape on the floor, which is not the look.
- Belted styles: Petite dresses with a belt also go down a storm, as it is a genius trick to cinch in your waist, accentuate your assets and show off your gorgeous petite frame.
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