What is a petite wedding guest dress?

Petite clothing is usually made for women who are 5'4 and under. Petite dresses are meant to fit shorter women better. That said, it may still need to be altered, especially if it's a maxi dress.

What should petite women wear to a winter wedding?

While the answer really depends on the dress code of the wedding you're going to, petite women can generally wear anything they feel comfortable in to a winter wedding. This might mean something warmer, like a dress with long sleeves or something made of a thicker material.

23 Best Winter Petite Wedding Guest Dresses of 2023

a woman wearing a black gown — Photo by Mashaida Co. and Lea Bremicker

When you're on the shorter side, it can be tough to find a formal dress that fits perfectly. While the issue is usually that the dress is too long—think maxi dresses flowing down to a puddle around your feet—the torso might also fit awkwardly or the sleeves may extend past your wrists. A petite sized dress can usually be the answer to these problems, as they're meant to fit shorter heights more precisely.

While there may not be racks and racks of petite wedding guest dresses to choose from, it's not impossible to find a style that works. More brands than ever have introduced these extended sizes, which means there are options available to you. If you've been invited to a winter wedding, you'll want to find a dress that fits right and works for the colder weather. Looking for dresses made from seasonally appropriate fabrics like velvet, satin, wool, and cotton is a great place to start; in general, avoid lighter options like linen. You don't need to feel locked into any color in particular, but darker hues usually lend themselves nicely to winter events. Deep reds, greens, and blues are all great choices, and if you're heading to a festive celebration, you can't go wrong with metallics.

Our top tip for choosing petite wedding guest dresses? Check the measurements to ensure your gown won't be too long (the right dress shouldn't need to be hemmed) and that the sleeves will hit at the wrist. If you're reading to start shopping, this is the perfect place to start. Ahead, we're sharing some of our favorite petite wedding guest dresses you can buy for winter events.

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size: 00-16P (and more) | Length: Knee length | Care: Hand wash

If you're attending a wedding around Christmas or New Year's Eve, you can't do better than a sequin dress. This one works for the holidays and beyond, and the front slit and twist make it feel more mature.

Fame & Partners

View On Fameandpartners.com

Size: Made to order | Length: Mid length | Care: Dry clean only

The matte satin and emerald green color of this dress work well for winter festivities. With a tulip skirt and pretty draping, this is a versatile option that works beyond the colder months. Fame and Partners creates dresses based on your measurements, so your dress should be the perfect fit. The price point is an added bonus.

Reformation

View On Reformation

Size: XSP-XLP | Length: Ankle length | Care: Dry clean only

Made of a soft velvet, this maxi dress is a beautiful option for a winter wedding. A cowl neck and dramatic side slit elevate the look.

ASOS

View On Asos

Size: 00-12 | Length: Mid length | Care: Machine wash

The pleats in this midi dress make it more unique, as does the fabric's pretty oxblood color. Puff sleeves add some drama and, thanks to the lighter fabric, this could even work for autumn or spring.

Macy's

View On Macy's

Size:4P-14P | Length: Mid length | Care: Machine washable

Easy to care for with a classic silhouette, this high-low dress is a versatile pick that can be worn to slightly more casual weddings but also work or other parties. It's made of a comfortable scuba crepe that is both stretchy and supportive.

Abercrombie & Fitch

View On Abercrombie.com

Size: XXS-XL | Length: Mini | Care: Machine wash cold separately, inside out, tumble dry low

The asymmetrical neckline of this velvet mini dress makes it unique and stylish without being too attention grabbing. Available in three colors, this pick is easy to dress up or down.

White House Black Market

View On Whitehouseblackmarket.com

Size: 00-16 | Length: Mid length | Care: Machine wash cold

This black high-low midi dress is versatile and would work for a range of different events. The touches of silver throughout make it feel perfect for a winter wedding, as do the long sleeves.

Fame and Partners

View On Fameandpartners.com

Size: Made to order | Length: Floor length | Care: Dry clean only

The wide sleeve cuffs and high slit of this wrap maxi dress make it a little more dramatic and elevated. In a bold red color, this stylish pick is a standout option for a winter celebration.

Reformation

View On Reformation

Size: 0P-8P | Length: Mid length | Care: Dry clean only

This dress is proof that a cozy turtleneck style can definitely be appropriate for a formal wedding. The front slit, loose sleeves, and midi length make this look elegant and ideal for a snowy reception.

Macy's

View On Macy's

Size: 2P - 14P | Length: Floor length | Care: Spot clean

If you're looking for a petite gown that makes a statement, you can't beat this one, which is made with a mix of smooth velvet and sparkling sequins. It's thick, heavy, and warm, and the sequins offer a nice contrast to lush velvet.

Ann Taylor

View On Anntaylor.com

Size: 00-16 | Length: Mid length | Care: Machine washable

The gold sequins and mock neckline make this dress feel festive and fun for a winter celebration. This is a great sleeveless option that definitely doesn't feel too summery.

Banana Republic

View On Gap.com

Size: XXS-L | Length: Floor length | Care: Dry clean only

Velvet dresses can sometimes feel a bit too girlish, but this one, with its knee length slit, skinny straps, and relaxed fit, feels sophisticated and chic. We love the dark green color for a winter celebration.

Fame and Partners

View On Fameandpartners.com

Size: Made to order | Length: Floor length | Care: Dry clean only

Few things make a dress more fun than statement sleeves. This pleated maxi dress features wide and loose sleeves that are going to make you feel a little bit like a butterfly—in a good way.

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size: 00P-16P | Length: Mini length | Care: Hand wash

Red sequins were basically made for winter weddings, especially if you're talking about an event that's taking place around Christmas. This blazer dress is a unique and elegant style, but the bright glittery sequins make it feel a lot more fun.

Ann Taylor

View On Anntaylor.com

Size: XXS-XL | Length: Mid length | Care: Machine washable

Sweater dresses tend to be on the more casual side, and but the sparkling silver fabric on this option elevates it a bit. With the right accessories, this works nicely for a winter wedding.

Banana Republic

View On Gap.com

Size: XXS-L | Length: Mid length | Care: Machine wash

Another more sophisticated sweater dress, this one features a halter neck and keyhole cut-out. The deep burgundy shade and the longer length also makes it feel more formal.

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size: 00-16P | Length: Ankle length | Care: Hand wash

A floral print might sound better for a spring or summer wedding, but this dress is proof that the pattern works for winter, too. The darker shades and long sleeves make this feel just right in chilly weather.

Boden

View On Bodenusa.com

Size: 2-12 | Length: Mini length | Care: Machine washable

This printed mini dress definitely has a more casual feel to it, so it would be ideal for a more relaxed or daytime wedding. It's also a versatile pick that can be used for work or other events as well.

Ann Taylor

View On Anntaylor.com

Size: 00-10 | Length: Mid length | Care: Machine washable

The teal color of this dress is beautiful and different. It's made of a light and airy wool blend, and the clean lines and classic feel make it super versatile.

ASOS

View On Asos

Size: 00-12 | Length: Mid length | Care: Machine wash

The chocolate brown of this dress is a surprisingly great shade. The one shoulder and slit details keep it trendy and more formal.

View On Reformation

Size: 0-12 | Length: Ankle length | Care: Dry clean only

Going to a formal wedding that requires a long dress? This Reformation option is petite-friendly, affordable, and beautiful. Made of silk charmeuse, this sleek dress doesn't need much to stand out.

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size: 00-16 | Length: Mini length | Care: Hand wash

Winter wedding guest dresses don't need to be long. The shorter length of this dress is balanced out nicely by the long sleeves and higher neck, and the colorful sequin designs are so unique and pretty.

Macy's

View On Lordandtaylor.com View On Macy's

Size: 2-14 | Length: Floor length | Care: Dry clean

This off-the-shoulder gown features a gorgeous mermaid silhouette and a ruffle up the front. It's a great black-tie pick and it comes in two different beautiful colors.

What to Look for in a Petite Winter Wedding Guest Dress

A great petite wedding guest dress for winter should be found in a store or brand's dedicated petite section of a brand—these are made with shorter heights in mind, so that they don't have to be altered as much (or maybe not at all). For a winter wedding, look for warmer fabrics, like velvet, wool, or silk and avoid lighter options like linen. You can certainly wear light colors if you want, but darker hues may look more seasonally appropriate. Maxi or midi dresses and long sleeves may be more comfortable in chilly weather, and if you choose to do something shorter or sleeveless, pair it with tights and something you can throw on if needed, like a pretty scarf or throw.

FAQ

What is a petite wedding guest dress?

Petite clothing is usually made for women who are 5'4 and under. Petite dresses are meant to fit shorter women better. That said, it may still need to be altered, especially if it's a maxi dress.
What should petite women wear to a winter wedding?

While the answer really depends on the dress code of the wedding you're going to, petite women can generally wear anything they feel comfortable in to a winter wedding. This might mean something warmer, like a dress with long sleeves or something made of a thicker material.

22 Petite Fall Wedding Guest Dresses for a Perfect Fit

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.