The most requested topic in my inbox currently is wedding guest dresses. What you wear to the wedding you’ve been invited to will largely depend on the dress code and the couple’s wishes. If you’re given a specific dress code, here are a few guidelines:
What to Wear to a Wedding
Black Tie: A formal dress code, typically for evening ceremonies; you would most likely be expected to wear a floor-length gown. If it says Black Tie Optional, you still need to dress formally, but you can get away with a shorter dress. Black tie dresses are very hard to find in petite sizing and often need alterations, so while I can try my best to point you in the right direction, I’m not likely to find options that won’t need to be hemmed.
Cocktail: With a cocktail dress code, you’re still expected to dress up (no sundresses), but you can choose shorter dresses. It’s a blend between formal and casual, so don’t go for full-blown gowns.
Casual: While you still want to dress nice (don’t show up in jeans and shorts), you can opt for things like sundresses.
In some cases the couple will request certain colors or attire be worn. If not, all colors are fair game, aside from white and any shade of white. Some people say to avoid bright, bold colors (red) but generally, just avoid upstaging the bride. You should also avoid wearing the color the bridesmaids are wearing if possible.
If no dress code is given, here are a few general rules of thumb you can use as guidance:
Wedding attire varies depending on the time of the ceremony: daytime ceremonies tend to be more casual, and evening ceremonies are more formal.
Wedding attire varies depending on the location: a country club or ballroom may require a formal black tie dress, whereas a garden wedding would be fitting for a floral dress. There is also the barn wedding, which is very popular in my area. This type of wedding is more casual, and sundresses are fair game.
You can always ask the bride or a bridesmaid for guidance on what to wear when in doubt.
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Petite-Friendly Wedding Guest Dresses
My Sizing: I’m 4’10”, and my bust, waist, and hip measurements are 32″, 24″, and 36″. My inseam is 25″ (the measurement from the inside of my leg to my ankle bone). The clothes shown are unaltered and show how they fit me right from the store. I list my sizing beside each item to help you compare when shopping online. When referencing my true size, that is often the smallest option available at a brand or petite xxs/00/24. I wear a size 5 shoe.
The three dresses I’m sharing today fit in the cocktail/casual category.
Black Maxi Dress
While this dress is floor length, the fabric makes it too casual for a formal event. This dress has a soft, stretchy top and a structured skirt. The skirt is very voluminous (some may find it too voluminous for petites). The straps are adjustable and optional; you can wear the dress strapless. This dress is from Walmart and is a $40 option, I think, has potential. If you want to wear it to a wedding, I think it’s all about the accessories you wear. It would also look great hemmed to midi or tea length if you prefer it shorter. I’m wearing it in XS for reference.
Dress XS | Earrings | Bag | Shoes | Shoes in a size 5
Floral Dress
This floral dress has a pleated skirt that will look beautiful on the dance floor. The dress has pleating at the chest and smocking at the back to allow it to stretch to your chest size. The straps are adjustable, which makes this dress petite-friendly. Take care when steaming this dress; steam the pleats vertically, or they will steam out. I’m wearing this dress in XS for reference.
Dress XS | Dress on another site | Bag | Shoes | Shoes in a size 5 | Earrings
Green Dress
Although this dress is simple, the fabric and structure make it cocktail-appropriate. It’s modest and classy. It would also look great with your hair pulled back to let the earrings shine. The dress is fully lined and has adjustable straps. For reference I’m wearing it in XS. This dress from H&M is similar in style but is less expensive. (the ties at the shoulder make the dress more casual as well).
Dress XS | Earrings | Bag | Shoes | Shoes in a size 5
I hope to have more options to share with you soon!
-Brooke
