What does petite sizing mean?

In the case of clothing sizing, petite refers to sizes made for heights 5 feet 4 inches and under. It also includes the length of tops, bottoms, and sleeves. The best petite clothing is made with appropriate size proportions. This may include narrower shoulders, shorter bodices in dresses and tops, and shorter rises in slacks and shorts. It's important to know all of your measurements to get a better idea of how a dress will fit.

What kind of petite wedding guest dress should you wear to a fall wedding?

The weather for a fall wedding can range: It could be cold and breezy, or it could be sunny and on the warmer side. It's best to choose a dress that works for transitional weather—something you can layer is great. Consider a dress with longer sleeves, like Vince Camuto's Floral-Print Chiffon Dress , and fabrics that are breathable, but still warm, are also good choices. You can also do maxi or midi dresses instead of mini hemlines, but minis are still good to wear with tights. There are tons of options for fall weddings, just be sure to keep the weather in mind.

Can petite women wear regular sizes?

Women who are petite in height can definitely buy and wear regular-sized clothing, they just might have to get their looks hemmed or altered by a tailor. This is especially true with a maxi or midi dress.

What color dress is appropriate for a fall wedding?

As a guest at a fall wedding , you have a variety of dress colors to choose from. From black to dark florals and rich jewel tones like fuchsia, sapphire, or emerald, like the Closet London Petite ribbed pencil midi dress , there are plenty of options. Fall is also a great time to switch up your typical color palette and introduce seasonal colors like deep shades of orange, yellow, and maroon into your wardrobe.

22 Best Petite Wedding Guest Dresses for Fall

A collage of people wearing petite fall wedding guest dresses we recommend on a gray background — Brides / Jaclyn Mastropasqua

Petite people can know the struggle of finding clothes that fit really well. It can sometimes feel like many clothing items are made with taller people in mind, and buying something new usually requires a visit to the tailor to ensure that it isn't too long, baggy, or oddly fitted in certain spots. This especially extends to longer dresses, as most petite people can't buy a maxi dress without getting it hemmed, while midi dresses typically end up fitting more like a gown.

Sometimes, though, you don't want to spend more money to ensure your look will fit well. So, made specifically with shorter people in mind, petite-sized dresses are ideal for wedding guests who are on the hunt for an ensemble that fits perfectly the moment they try it on. Petite sizes make shopping feel a little less overwhelming and can really streamline the experience.

The below petite wedding guest dresses are a collection of beautiful looks that range from casual to formal—and many of them are versatile enough to be repurposed for another event.

Courtesy of ASOS

View On Asos $113

ASOS has a great petite section and this is just one option available. Simple and classic, this ribbed green midi dress is a beautiful color for autumn weddings. It's a versatile pick that can be dressed up or down depending on the dress code.

Size: 2-12 | Length: Tea length | Care: Machine wash | Colors Available: Emerald

Reformation

View On Reformation $149

This slinky silk dress is meant to fit like a dream, and in a range of petite sizes, it likely will. The deeper color floral is so pretty for a fall wedding, and you can easily throw a scarf over your shoulders if you get chilly.

Size: 0P-12P | Length: Ankle length | Care: Dry clean only | Colors Available: Buena, garden soiree, porcelain, tango, tea garden, verdigris

Courtesy of Macy's

View On Macy's $149

Cooler weather means you can start to wear heavier, luxurious fabrics like velvet. And this velvet maxi dress feels luxe and comes in a deep shade that is great for autumn and winter weddings. What's more, the ruching and side slit on this makes it feel more special.

Size: 2P-14P | Length: Ankle length | Care: Dry clean | Colors Available: Wine

Courtesy of Reformation

View On Reformation $348

A wrap dress like this Reformation number is a versatile pick you can use for numerous weddings and other occasions. The lightweight fabric and sleeves make it great for transitional weather, and while we love this dark floral for fall, it also comes in solid shades.

Size: XSP-XLP | Length: Ankle length | Care: Dry clean only | Colors Available: Emerald, mademoiselle

Betsy & Adam

View On Lordandtaylor.com

This off-the-shoulder gown is perfect for a black-tie or semi-formal wedding. The mulberry color is gorgeous, and the ruching and thick crepe make it feel more comfortable.

Size: 4P-14P | Length: Floor length | Care: Dry clean | Colors Available: Mulberry

Courtesy of Karen Kane

View On Karenkane.com $138

Sheer black floral lace, over a nude-colored fabric, makes this dress feel sultry and romantic. The shorter length keeps it from being too formal and gives it a more versatile look.

Size: XSP-XLP | Length: Above the knee | Care: Hand wash | Colors Available: Black with nude, navy, black

Courtesy of Fame & Partners

View On Fameandpartners.com

Fame and Partners provides made-to-measure gowns, so while you might spend a little more, you're pretty much guaranteed to get something made for your height. This comes in handy with this versatile maxi dress, which has a beautiful wrap-style front and criss-cross back.

Who it's for: A wedding guest who's going to a black tie wedding or other formal event.

Size: Custom | Length: Ankle length | Care: Professional dry clean only | Colors Available: Ivory, champagne, lapis, navy, pale pink

Courtesy of Dillard's

View On Dillards.com View On Macy's

The satin crepe fabric of this dress makes it look and feel luxe, and the dark navy is a pretty shade that works for any season. Details like a halter neck, keyhole back, and front slit add a few additional fun details.

Size: 8P-14P | Length: Ankle length | Care: Dry clean only | Colors Available: Dark navy

Courtesy of Macy's

View On Macy's $97

Finding a petite dress can be hard, but finding a petite jumpsuit can feel impossible. This one from Vince Camuto is sleek and sophisticated, and the black hue makes it extremely versatile for wearing again and again. Dress this up with some sparkling accessories for a wedding.

Size: 6P-14P | Length: Floor length | Care: Dry clean | Colors Available: Black

Courtesy of Abercrombie & Fitch

View On Abercrombie.com $130

Relatively inexpensive and featuring a minimal design, this body-con midi dress is a versatile choice that can be dressed up or down. The green color is so pretty for autumn nuptials, but it also comes in a neutral black or a summery teal.

Size: XXS-XXL | Length: Tea length | Care: Machine wash cold | Colors Available: Black, blue, pink

Courtesy of Reformation

View On Reformation $167

The sweetheart neckline, side slit, and fitted bodice of this dress make it look sultry and alluring, especially in this siren red color (it comes in other shades as well). We love the adjustable straps and the slinky fit.

Size: 0P-12P | Length: Tea length | Care: Dry clean only | Colors Available: Red, bonita, pompadour

ASOS

View On Asos $41

Another beautiful long-sleeve option is this emerald green satin midi dress. With a wrap front and elastic wrists, this is such a pretty ensemble that works well for any cooler weather wedding.

Size: 0-10 | Length: Tea length | Care: Machine wash | Colors Available: Emerald, hot pink, black, khaki, blush pink, sage, silver sequin,

Courtesy of Ann Taylor

View On Anntaylor.com

If you decide to go bold and sport a bright color like shocking pink, it's a good idea to keep the rest of your outfit pretty minimal. This sleek dress features a flattering tie waist and a pretty square neckline—it's a great option for transitional weather.

Size: 00-16 | Length: Knee length | Care: Machine washable | Colors Available: Pink, night sky

Courtesy of Reformation

View On Reformation $75

For a more casual wedding, opt for this leopard print midi dress that can be dressed up with the right heels and jewelry. This piece also comes in black for those who'd prefer a more subdued hue as a closet staple.

Size: 0P-12P | Length: Tea length | Care: Dry clean only | Colors Available: Bobcat

Abercrombie & Fitch Satin Draped High-Neck Mini Dress

Courtesy of Abercrombie & Fitch

View On Abercrombie.com

This satin-draped mini oozes style and ease. The luxe fabric and high neck detail elevate the simple dress into a classic you can wear anywhere. Available in gorgeous green, black, and cream, it features an elastic waistband and drapes softly at the bodice and skirt. Made from easy-to-care-for polyester and viscose, you can machine this dress in cold water.

Size: XXSP-XLP | Length: Mini | Care: Machine wash cold | Colors Available: Green, black, cream

Courtesy of Lord & Taylor

View On Lordandtaylor.com

You’ll be ready to hit the dance floor in this elegant floral maxi dress. The fitted waist and halter neckline give the dress a timeless style, and the ruffled skirt and back bow detail provide a feminine touch. The dress is fully lined and machine washable.

Size: 2P-14P | Length: Maxi | Care: Machine wash | Colors Available: Green floral

Karen Millen

View On Karenmillen.com

This stylish limited-edition fringe dress from Karen Millen will add some glitz and glamour to your fall wedding guest dress style. In addition to fringe, the blush mini is embellished with sequins and claw crystals for extra dazzle.

Size: XXSP-LP | Length: Mini | Care: Gentle machine wash | Colors Available: Blush

Courtesy of Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie $198

This petite tiered bow dress from Hutch is loaded with unique style and embellishments—and the emerald green floral print is ideal for bringing a pop of color to a fall wedding. Fully lined, it features simple spaghetti straps, a fitted bodice adorned with a large bow, and a side zip.

Size: XXSP-XLP | Length: Mini | Care: Dry clean | Colors Available: Emerald floral

What to Look for Petite Wedding Guest Dresses for Fall

Silhouette: f you’re in search of a petite wedding guest dress for a fall wedding, you’ll want to find something that best suits your personal style. Silhouettes that are generally flattering for petites include gathered or wrap dresses, like Reformation’s Petite Winslow Dress, fitted styles, and halter dresses, like the Long Chiffon Printed Halter Ruffle Dress by Betsy & Adam.

Fit: When looking for a petite dress that will fit you well, make sure to compare your measurements with the measurements of the dress in order to get a better idea of how it will work with your body. Ideally, you want to find something that doesn't need to be hemmed or altered.

Fabric and Color: Darker hues look nice in fall, but bright colors are still fun, and florals in deep colors are so pretty with foliage. Additionally, for a fall wedding, you should look for an ensemble that works well for transitional weather. So, if you choose something strapless or sleeveless, make sure that it will look nice with outerwear or a scarf, if necessary. Longer sleeves, maxi dresses, and warmer fabrics, such as satin or velvet, are all great choices to boot.

FAQ

What does petite sizing mean?

In the case of clothing sizing, petite refers to sizes made for heights 5 feet 4 inches and under. It also includes the length of tops, bottoms, and sleeves. The best petite clothing is made with appropriate size proportions. This may include narrower shoulders, shorter bodices in dresses and tops, and shorter rises in slacks and shorts. It's important to know all of your measurements to get a better idea of how a dress will fit.
What kind of petite wedding guest dress should you wear to a fall wedding?

The weather for a fall wedding can range: It could be cold and breezy, or it could be sunny and on the warmer side. It's best to choose a dress that works for transitional weather—something you can layer is great. Consider a dress with longer sleeves, like Vince Camuto's Floral-Print Chiffon Dress, and fabrics that are breathable, but still warm, are also good choices. You can also do maxi or midi dresses instead of mini hemlines, but minis are still good to wear with tights. There are tons of options for fall weddings, just be sure to keep the weather in mind.
Can petite women wear regular sizes?

Women who are petite in height can definitely buy and wear regular-sized clothing, they just might have to get their looks hemmed or altered by a tailor. This is especially true with a maxi or midi dress.
What color dress is appropriate for a fall wedding?

As a guest at a fall wedding, you have a variety of dress colors to choose from. From black to dark florals and rich jewel tones like fuchsia, sapphire, or emerald, like the Closet London Petite ribbed pencil midi dress, there are plenty of options. Fall is also a great time to switch up your typical color palette and introduce seasonal colors like deep shades of orange, yellow, and maroon into your wardrobe.

Why Trust Us

Contributing writer Jessica Booth is a freelance writer and formerly served as an editor for seven years. Her work has been featured in Bustle, Romper, Insider, Forbes, Redbook, and Refinery29.

26 Wedding Guest Slip Dresses That Are Sure to Impress