The 22 Best Petite Fall Wedding Guest Dresses

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.
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.

Most Simple

Closet London Petite Ribbed Pencil Midi Dress

green petite dress

Courtesy of ASOS

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

Best Silk

Reformation Petites Frankie Silk Dress

floral silk dress

Reformation

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

Best Velvet

Betsy & Adam Petite Velvet Gathered-Waist Gown

petite velvet gown

Courtesy of Macy's

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

Best Wrap Dress

Reformation Petites Winslow Dress

petite wrap dress

Courtesy of Reformation

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

Best Off-the-Shoulder

Betsy & Adam Petite Off-The-Shoulder Cuff Wrap Crepe Gown

Betsy & Adam Petite Off-The-Shoulder Cuff Wrap Crepe Gown

Betsy & Adam

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

Best Lace

Karen Kane Petite V-Neck Scallop Lace Dress

petite lace dress

Courtesy of Karen Kane

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

Best Maxi

Fame & Partners The Zarita Dress

petite black maxi dress

Courtesy of Fame & Partners

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

Best Halter

Adrianna Papell Petite Satin Crepe Halter Gown

petite halter gown

Courtesy of Dillard'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

Best Jumpsuit

Vince Camuto Petite Bow-Neck Jumpsuit

petite jumpsuit

Courtesy of Macy's

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

Most Versatile

Abercrombie & Fitch Plunge Neck Midi Dress

petite green dress

Courtesy of Abercrombie & Fitch

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

Most Sultry:

Reformation Petites Kourtney Dress

petite red dress

Courtesy of Reformation

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

Best Long Sleeves

Flounce London Midi Dress

ASOS Flounce London Long Sleeve Wrap Maxi Dress

ASOS

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,

Best Color

Ann Taylor Petite Tie Waist Knit Dress

petite pink dress

Courtesy of Ann Taylor

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

Most Casual

Reformation Petites Mara Dress

petite casual leopard print dress

Courtesy of Reformation

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

Best Mini

Abercrombie & Fitch Satin Draped High-Neck Mini Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch Satin Draped High-Neck Mini Dress

Courtesy of Abercrombie & Fitch

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

Best Ruffle

Betsy & Adam Long Chiffon Printed Halter Ruffle Dress

Betsy & Adam long chiffon ruffle dress

Courtesy of Lord & Taylor

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

Best Fringe

Karen Millen Petite Embellished Halter Fringed Mini Dress

Karen Millen Petite Embellished Halter Fringed Mini Dress

Karen Millen

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

Most Unique

Hutch Petite Tiered Bow Dress

Hutch Petite Tiered Bow Dress

Courtesy of Anthropologie

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.

Related Stories