What styles should petite women avoid?

When piecing together a flattering look for a black-tie wedding, there are dos and don’ts to stick to while searching for your petite dress. “When selecting a dress, it’s important to steer clear of Dolman sleeves as these can overwhelm your frame and create an unbalanced look,” says Wright. But styling a black-tie look as a petite person is about more than just the dress. Looks are brought together by accessories, and what you pair with your black-tie dress or jumpsuit can also impact the overall outfit. “Since black-tie outfits have minimal accessories, it’s important to get the shoes right,” says Wright. “I recommend that shorter women avoid heels with thick ankle straps as this could make the legs appear shorter (thinner straps work best with this frame and pointed-toe heels work even better!).”

Is it okay to wear a short dress to a black-tie wedding?

While there’s never a one-size-fits-all answer for a black-tie dress code, you are best off choosing a long dress or gown and skipping the cocktail-length dresses altogether. “I would advise against wearing a short dress for this occasion,” says Wright. “The reason is, black-tie events have a reputation for being classy, formal, and prestigious. Although, if the attendee did want to go with a shorter dress, I would recommend purchasing a midi-length dress. That way you get the length you desire while simultaneously keeping your outfit classy and poised.”

What else can I do to look taller?

Looking to enhance your short stature? Each element that goes into your outfit can have an important impact. When buying a dress, choose one that has an empire waist, like Fame and Partners The Rocco . A higher waistline can make your legs appear longer. The illusion of longer legs can also be created with the help of skirts that have slits up above the knee, like BETSY & ADAM Ruffle Halter Crepe Gown , allowing your leg to peek out. Accessorizing also can play an important role in a taller appearance. Aside from the basic suggestion to wear heels, other accessories, like jewelry, can actually be used to accentuate your height. “Another strategy petite women can implement is adding vertical accessories to their black-tie ensemble,” recommends Wright. “Wearing vertical accessories helps draw the viewer’s eyes down which in turn creates the illusion of a height boost and slimmer appearance.” Vertical accessories can look like drop earrings or a long necklace. Create length at all heights of the body, not just your face, by also pairing your look with a longer bag like a deep satchel clutch.

The 25 Best Petite Wedding Guest Dress for a Black-Tie Wedding of 2024

male and female wedding guest wearing black-tie attire and holding drinks — Photo by Kelley Williams

A black-tie event doesn’t come around often, so when you find yourself invited to a formal wedding, you’ll want to feel your most elegant. By definition, a black-tie event calls for floor length dresses or tuxedos. And if you’re petite (typically defined as being 5’4” or under), finding a black-tie wedding guest dress that flatters your body and isn’t dragging on the ground, requiring extensive alterations, can be a challenge.

Shopping for a petite dress means looking for designers who have petite-specific as well as styles that best suit your silhouette. No one wants the waistline of a dress to fall at their hips! This is not going to guarantee you won’t need alterations, but it may decrease how much altering needs to be done for you to feel your best in a comfortable, well-fitted look.

A shorter stature does not mean ruling out dresses you love. With the help of a stylist, we’ve found the best dresses to make you feel like your tallest, most confident self at any black-tie wedding.

Our Top Picks

Best Sleeveless :

Lulus Molinetto Lace Ruffled Tiered Sleeveless Maxi Dress at Lulus ($99)

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Best Black:

Betsy & Adam Ruffle Gown at Nordstrom ($259)

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Best Trumpet:

Reformation Petites Nadira Dress at Reformation ($278)

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Best Jumpsuit:

Abercrombie & Fitch Plunge Crepe Jumpsuit at Abercrombie.com (See Price)

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Best Ball Gown:

Fame and Partners Queen Of Peace at Fameandpartners.com ($355)

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Best Pleated:

ASOS DESIGN Petite Puff Sleeve Lace Trim Pleated Skater Dress at Asos ($34)

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Best Patterned:

Aureta Studio Puff-Sleeve Cutout Dress at Anthropologie (See Price)

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Best Linen:

Reformation Petites Frankie Linen Dress at Reformation ($248)

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Best for Summer:

Revelry Paloma Chiffon Dress at Shoprevelry.com (See Price)

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Best for Spring:

Reformation Petites Olesia Satin Dress at Reformation ($84)

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In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Molinetto Lace Ruffled Tiered Sleeveless Maxi Dress

Lulus

View On Lulus $99

This ruffled maxi dress is available in navy blue, burgundy, white, forest green, and black so you can put the black in black-tie or add a bit of color to your look. The tiers add a layered effect to give the dress some volume from the waist down, creating a cinched bodice look.

Size: XXS-3XL | Materials: Cotton, Nylon, Polyester, Spandex | Length: Ankle

Amazon

View On Nordstrom $259 View On Zappos $259 View On Macy's $259

While black-tie doesn't need to mean black dress, you can never go wrong with a timeless all-black number. The high slit gives visible length to the leg making this gown an excellent choice if you’re looking to increase your height appearance. The voluminous ruffles up the slit will have you looking just like the dancing lady emoji come to life. Plus it comes in petite-specific sizes.

Size: 2P - 14P | Materials: Polyester, Spandex | Length: Floor

Reformation

View On Reformation $278

A fitted bodice that still has stretch? That’s one of the reasons we love this smocked dress that has cleavage-boosting cups while still having stretchable give to it. Tie the shoulder straps into a flirty bow at your preferred length for desired support and comfort. Hitting at the ankle, this dress won’t need to be tailored.

Size: 0P - 12P | Materials: Viscose | Length: Ankle

Abercrombie & Fitch

View On Abercrombie.com

Black-tie doesn’t mean dress only, it’s more about length which means a jumpsuit can also be appropriate black-tie attire. The wide leg pants flow to the floor, giving the illusion of a long leg, an excellent choice if you're looking to feel your tallest. A plunging neckline and back open up your chest, further elongating your body. Jumpsuits can be tricky when it comes to finding the correct size, but this one comes in a petite length for all the short ladies.

Size: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester, Elastane | Length: Floor

Fame and Partners

View On Fameandpartners.com $355

Between the billowing ball gown silhouette and side cutouts that define the waist (but don't show too much), this Fame and Partners gown is a black-tie must. The best part is that these gowns are made-to-measure, so whether you select this style in midi or maxi, it'll be made with your height in mind.

Size: 0-22 | Materials: Tafetta | Length: Midi or Maxi

ASOS

View On Asos $34

The clever design of this ASOS gown officially has us swooning thanks to the silky, pleated fabric and lace-trimmed detailing. Pair the charming style with silver shoes and dangly diamond earrings to play up the magnificent mauve tones.

Size: 00-12 | Materials: Polyester, Nylon, Lace | Length: Floor

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Black-tie doesn’t mean black dress only. If you’re a guest at a bright, colorful affair, this modern art style dress is just the one you need. An artist's canvas brought to life, the abstract lines and shapes come together to create a beautiful statement piece that is further accentuated by the statement puff sleeves. And who doesn’t love a dress with pockets?

Size: XXS-XL Petite | Materials: Linen, Viscose | Length: Ankle

Reformation

View On Reformation $248

When the daytime sun is shining, you’ll be glad you chose a lightweight dress made from linen with room to breathe, especially if the wedding is outside where temperatures can get hot midday. This linen Reformation dress has a smocked back, adjustable spaghetti straps, and creates a major botanical moment for a garden wedding among the new seasonal blooms.

Size: 0P - 12P | Materials: Linen | Length: Ankle

Revelry

View On Shoprevelry.com

As the summer heat sets in, this breezy, lightweight dress will be your best friend. Adjustable chiffon spaghetti straps will leave your arms free to move and breathe and hidden boning provides support. The ruffle design that extends from the V-neckline, along the slit and down to the bottom of this maxi dress will leave you feeling fun and flirty as soon as you put it on. Best of all, you can select the petite maxi length when ordering to ensure it’s not too long.

Size: 0-32 | Materials: Polyester chiffon | Length: Floor

Reformation

View On Reformation $84

Slip into this satin dress that drapes over your curves to create a flattering silhouette without being overly fitted. This one-shoulder look has a thin adjustable strap so you can tighten or loosen the dress to lay properly over your chest. As the beautiful spring weather comes in, this asymmetrical gown can help you stay cool on the dance floor on a warm day and pairs well with a wrap for warmth on a chilly evening.

Size: 0P - 12P | Materials: NAIA Renew Acetate, Polyester | Length: Ankle

Betsy & Adam

View On Lordandtaylor.com

The deep mulberry hue of this evening gown will fit right in with a fall color palette. An off-the-shoulder neckline creates the illusion of a shawl, ideal for a crisp fall evening. The long hemline to the ground and slit-less skirt make this a great option for anyone who isn’t interested in an exposed leg look.

Size: 2P - 14P | Materials Polyester, Spandex | Length: Floor

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom $269

As winter and the holidays approach, shades of deep greens become a go-to color for the season. The deep jade color will pop against the crisp white winter snow as the metallic fabric shines in the light of the moon on a dark winter night. As an added bonus, the metallic look means you’ll dazzle on the dancefloor all night long. The empire waist and high neckline helps elongate a petite frame.

Size: 2P - 12P | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor

Reformation

View On Reformation $105

One picture in this flirty, off-the-shoulder number and friends will be flooding your Instagram with fire emoji comments. You'll feel like an ethereal princess with its effortlessly flowing skirt. The majestic Prosecco color creates a beautiful neutral palette for a nude makeup look or a bold lip for a pop of color.

Size: 0P - 12P | Materials: Viscose | Length: Floor

Adrianna Papell

View On Dillards.com

Shine bright like a diamond in this Adrianna Papell dress. The gown’s neutral lead color makes the detailed sequins pop, a wonderful outfit choice for someone who wants to sparkle without needing to accessorize with multiple pieces of jewelry. The fitted silhouette shows off your curves and doesn’t overwhelm your frame.

Size: 4P - 16P | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor

Fame and Partners

View On Fameandpartners.com

Does it get any sexier than a classic black slip dress? This iconic satin number offers a thigh-high slit so your leg can pop. Not feeling the color or the slit height? This custom dress not only comes in several variations made to your measurements, but is also available in over 10 colors.

Size: 0-22 | Materials: Polyester matte satin | Length: Floor

Revelry

View On Shoprevelry.com

Sleek in style but spellbinding in execution, Revelry's highly-rated Skye dress is complete with a cowl neckline and knee-high slits. Coming in three different lengths (not to mention a petite and midi option), 30 different colors, and sizes 0-32, it's the definition of the perfect satin dress for all.

Size: 0-32 | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie $300

Made to be worn at a tropical destination, this palm tree style print looks like it was practically designed just for a beachfront resort. Its side cutouts give the illusion of a two-piece crop top set with the security of an attached top and bottom so you can hit the dance floor without needing to tug on your top all night to get it back in place. We also love how you can adjust the top with a bow in the back.

Size: XS Petite - L Petite | Materials: Linen, Cotton | Length: Floor

Revelry

View On Shoprevelry.com

Coming in 25 different color options and three different lengths, this exquisite velvet dress from Revelry is exactly what any black-tie wedding is missing. Bonus: The sweetheart neckline has detachable off-the-shoulder sleeves giving you two jaw-dropping looks in one.

Size: 0-32 | Materials: Velvet | Length: Floor

Fame and Partners

View On Fameandpartners.com

Whether you're sporting a baby bump or just prefer a higher waist, this empire gown from Fame and Partners gives you plenty of breathing room while also serving serious style. There's even a dainty bow detail in the back to play off the boldness of the bright hues.

Size: 0-22 | Materials: Satin | Length: Mini or Floor

Fame and Partners

View On Fameandpartners.com

You can expect plenty of floral prints at a garden wedding, but this darker-hued georgette gown from Fame and Partners creates an air of formality over light-colored prints. The strappy tiered design can easily be worn with a jacket or shrug if the event turns chilly as the sun goes down.

Size: 0-22 | Materials: Georgette | Length: Floor

ASOS

View On Asos $165

Tulle is a dreamy black-tie wedding choice, and we love how this V-neck dress from Maya marries the floaty fabric with a sequin embellished top. Short sleeves give you arm coverage and the deep navy hue ensures the formality of the look. It also makes a great bridesmaid dress too.

Size: 0-10 | Materials: Tulle, sequin | Length: Floor

Revelry

View On Shoprevelry.com

From the fit-and-flare silhouette to the geometric sequin pattern and jewel-tone color options, there's so much to love about Revelry's Camilla gown. Pick your ideal length and illusion mesh skin tone for an exceptional black-tie look that's made with you in mind.

Size: 0-32 | Materials: Sequin | Length: Floor

Revelry

View On Shoprevelry.com

Black-tie and boho don't always go hand-in-hand, but when they do, Revelry's Cora gown is a clear winner. Choose from over 40 color options to fit your personal style and compliment the plunging neckline and darling ruffle-capped sleeves.

Size: 0-32 | Materials: Chiffon | Length: Floor

Adrianna Papell

View On Dillards.com

Adrianna Papell offers a wide selection of petite dresses and it’s hard to get enough of this one-shoulder metallic gown. Its rich magenta color will make you feel bold and empowered as its metallic fabric shimmers in the light.

Size: 4P - 12P | Materials: Polyester, Metallic | Length: Floor

Revelry

View On Shoprevelry.com

Chiffon is a fantastic outdoor wedding fabric choice, but selecting a dress style that can stand up to the weather is key. Revelry's Harper gown—which comes in 40+ shades—features flutter sleeves and a faux wrap design that will hold up against the wind should the elements crash the event.

Size: 0-36 | Materials: Chiffon | Length: Floor

Meet the Expert

Breyana Wright, CPS is a certified wardrobe stylist and style coach that works closely with entrepreneurs and career professionals. She teaches these individuals how to dress in a way that appeals to their target audience while showcasing their own personal style using the clothing that they already own.

What to Look for in a Petite Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dress

Silhouette

Searching for black-tie outfits as a petite wedding guest can come with the challenge of finding not only brands that have a petite-specific selection available, but also knowing what styles are most flattering to your height and shape.

"When shopping for wedding guest attire, petite women should stick with V and off-the-shoulder necklines to create length,” suggests Wright. “Opt for long dress lengths or slit dresses, and choose straight or vertical silhouettes to create the illusion of a taller frame.”

With its plunging neckline and modest slit, Revelry Paloma Chiffon Dress is the epitome of a petite-friendly wedding guest dress.

Measurements

Before you begin your search online, get accurate measurements of your body and have them on hand. As sizes and dress lengths vary by brand, knowing your exact measurements makes referencing size charts quick and easy to help you find your size more accurately.

Dress Code and Season

Petite or not, it’s also always important to understand wedding dress codes and what’s seasonally appropriate to avoid standing out. For example, long sleeve gowns and velvet material (like Revelry Ariel Convertible Dress) are best kept for the late fall and winter months while a strapless gown is typically reserved for spring and summer.

FAQ

What styles should petite women avoid?

When piecing together a flattering look for a black-tie wedding, there are dos and don’ts to stick to while searching for your petite dress.
“When selecting a dress, it’s important to steer clear of Dolman sleeves as these can overwhelm your frame and create an unbalanced look,” says Wright.
But styling a black-tie look as a petite person is about more than just the dress. Looks are brought together by accessories, and what you pair with your black-tie dress or jumpsuit can also impact the overall outfit.
“Since black-tie outfits have minimal accessories, it’s important to get the shoes right,” says Wright. “I recommend that shorter women avoid heels with thick ankle straps as this could make the legs appear shorter (thinner straps work best with this frame and pointed-toe heels work even better!).”
Is it okay to wear a short dress to a black-tie wedding?

While there’s never a one-size-fits-all answer for a black-tie dress code, you are best off choosing a long dress or gown and skipping the cocktail-length dresses altogether.
“I would advise against wearing a short dress for this occasion,” says Wright. “The reason is, black-tie events have a reputation for being classy, formal, and prestigious. Although, if the attendee did want to go with a shorter dress, I would recommend purchasing a midi-length dress. That way you get the length you desire while simultaneously keeping your outfit classy and poised.”
What else can I do to look taller?

Looking to enhance your short stature? Each element that goes into your outfit can have an important impact. When buying a dress, choose one that has an empire waist, like Fame and Partners The Rocco. A higher waistline can make your legs appear longer. The illusion of longer legs can also be created with the help of skirts that have slits up above the knee, like BETSY & ADAM Ruffle Halter Crepe Gown, allowing your leg to peek out.
Accessorizing also can play an important role in a taller appearance. Aside from the basic suggestion to wear heels, other accessories, like jewelry, can actually be used to accentuate your height.
“Another strategy petite women can implement is adding vertical accessories to their black-tie ensemble,” recommends Wright. “Wearing vertical accessories helps draw the viewer’s eyes down which in turn creates the illusion of a height boost and slimmer appearance.”
Vertical accessories can look like drop earrings or a long necklace. Create length at all heights of the body, not just your face, by also pairing your look with a longer bag like a deep satchel clutch.

Why Trust Brides

Emily Rochotte is a bridal industry writer who covers fashion and trends. You can find her attending New York Bridal Fashion Week twice a year to see the latest pieces and scrolling through social media to keep up on the latest style trends. Her fashion coverage has been featured on Town & Country, Cosmopolitan, Elle and more.

The 18 Best Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dresses for Formal Events