As a 5-foot Fashion Writer, These Are the 12 Wedding Guest Dresses That Don't Require a Trip to the Tailor

Travel + Leisure

7 hours ago

Wedding season is about to be in full swing, and my calendar is packed with summer and fall outdoor soirees, some close to home and of which require traveling. After taking a peek into my closet, I've concluded that I need to add a few new options to my wedding guest dress collection—ideally without breaking the bank.
Since I'm 5 feet tall (and on a time crunch), my search is narrowed down to petite-friendly dresses that won't require a trip to the tailor. Luckily, I have a list of reliable spots, such as Amazon, Nordstrom, Anthropologie, and Banana Republic, that never fail to have stylish petite options. I found wrinkle-resistant midi dresses that won't take up much space in my luggage, along with elegant, cocktail attire maxi dresses. Keep reading for 12 petite-friendly wedding guest dresses I'm eyeing right now, starting at $46. $350 $150 at Banana Republic
Banana Republic is one of my go-to spots for petite wedding guest dresses, and this willow green halter neck dress immediately caught my eye. It features flattering corset-style pleats that create a drop waist design to help extend the torso area—AKA the perfect design for petites.
One reviewer confirmed this, writing, 'Being a petite woman, it's difficult to find beautiful, long dresses that accentuate and don't swallow my frame,' adding, 'This one does just that and does so effortlessly!" Oh, and it's machine washable! What more could you ask for? Well, maybe the fact that right now it's $200 off, bringing the price tag to $150.
In addition to shopping for dresses to attend the actual wedding, I'm also searching for flirty yet modest options to wear to the welcome party. This dress won't take up much room in my luggage, and its light and airy material won't feel overly hot during outdoor festivities. It comes in eight color options, from a little black dress to a pink shade that's ideal for the daytime.
One 5-foot-1 Amazon shopper highlighted the dress's 'high-end vibe,' thanks to its 'luxurious' material, and shared that it's fit for petites, writing that the length 'just hit' their knee, which they 'love.' $120 $95 at Abercrombie.com
It wasn't until recently that I discovered the extensive wedding guest dress selection at Abercrombie & Fitch, with almost every style available in petite sizing. This summer wedding-ready midi dress is made from a sheer crepe fabric with a flattering sweetheart neckline and flowy skirt.
The dress also comes with removable spaghetti straps for added support, and the hemline grazes right above the ankles—truly the perfect length, just as the reviewer said. One 5-foot-3 reviewer shared that it's 'the perfect fit and length' for them and said, 'I can't wait to wear this for an upcoming beach wedding.'
This stylish satin floral dress would fit right in at a summer outdoor wedding or even a fall function, thanks to the 16 prints that include some darker colorways like maroon and navy. The midi-style dress has a peek-a-boo front tie design and a subtle side slit. One 5-foot-2 shopper shared that it's 'petite-friendly' and raved that it's the 'perfect wedding guest dress.'
This elevated A-line dress from Petal & Pup is a simple yet elegant choice for summer weddings—and gives Reformation vibes (some calling it a dupe!) with a much friendlier price tag. While it isn't available in petite sizing, the adjustable tie straps help create a customizable fit and the length at most might appear more like a midi dress (which I love).
One 5-foot-2 shopper dubbed it the 'perfect wedding guest dress,' while a different petite reviewer wrote, 'I look forward to wearing this piece for years to come!'
This simple cotton midi dress from Steve Madden is an option I can picture myself reaching for again and again, even after wearing it to a wedding. The dress is designed with convenient details like two functional pockets and adjustable straps, and its flowy skirt will have me twirling the night away on the dance floor. The muted mossy green hue is fitting for summer and fall—just wrap yourself in a pashmina once the weather cools down.
Polka dots have been popping up everywhere this summer, and this midi sundress puts a wedding guest-approved touch on the trend. The flowy pleated dress has a structured ruched bodice and a V-neckline, and the spaghetti straps are adjustable. If polka dots aren't for you, the dress is also available in four eye-catching floral patterns.
Romantic is the best way to describe this ruffle-trimmed maxi dress from London Times. The flowy chiffon dress, available in petite sizing, has an empire waistline and flattering capped sleeves. The high-low design allows you to show off your footwear, while ensuring you won't trip on the ankle-grazing hemline.
The petite sizing sealed the deal for one Amazon shopper, who wrote that they 'received many compliments on the colors and style,' while at their daughter's college graduation.
This top-rated midi slip dress from Anthropologie is perfect for a summer garden-themed wedding. The pullover style midi slip dress features a mock neckline and a sophisticated keyhole back closure. While it caught my eye as a wedding guest dress, one reviewer wrote that they are taking it on their 'European trip,' adding that it 'will fold to nearly nothing and barely wrinkles.' $130 $104 at Abercrombie.com
The subtle gold hardware detailing on this timeless black maxi dress made me fall in love with it for one of my upcoming weddings. The petite dress features a dipped-waist design with tie-back detailing in georgette fabric that folds down small and won't take up much luggage space. In addition to black, it comes in three other summery colors, including an orange floral and a bright magenta.
A 5-foot-2 shopper who ordered a petite size wrote that it was 'a perfect fit,' while a different reviewer wrote, 'getting this in petite made the length perfect.'
Reformation's wedding guest dresses are undoubtedly a splurge, but considering I own a few of them, I can confidently say that it's money well spent. I've had my Reformation dresses for years, and they truly stand the test of time. Plus, the simple, yet elegant silhouettes are versatile enough to wear for numerous occasions, not just to a wedding. This A-line dress has a fitted bodice and an elegant sweetheart neckline. According to the brand's product description, this style runs on the larger side—something to consider when selecting your sizing.
I'm never opposed to opting for a mini dress if it fits the wedding dress code, and this effortlessly chic option is easy to dress up or down. It has playful puffed sleeves and an off-the-shoulder neckline, but the metallic mocha shade adds an elevated, dressy touch to the mini.
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