19-05-2025
7 Petite-Friendly Wedding Guest Dresses, Vetted and Photographed by a 5'2' Editor
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Of course weddings are mostly about the bride. But they're also the best-ever excuse for guests to dress to impress. But what if you—like me—are 5'2' or shorter? Finding cocktail attire that sparkles but doesn't leave you swimming in fabric can be a serious challenge.
That's why I called in the big guns: PureWow's own fashion editor, Abby Hepworth, who met me in Soho, New York to help me sift through my options for an upcoming Philadelphia wedding in mid-May. We visited a range of shops (Sézane, ME+EM, Banana Republic, Never Fully Dressed) and tried on tons of dresses. Here, our favorite picks for petites like me.
Dasha Burobina/Sézane
When I tell you I was delightfully surprised by this dress, I mean it. It was the first style I tried on and, while I was hopeful given how much I love the mustard yellow hue,I was unsure about how it would fall. (Maxi dresses like this can quickly overwhelm a smaller frame.) But both Hepworth and I oohed and aahed over this style and felt the delicate necklace and straps on the back added visual interest and drew the eye up. The cut was also voluminous, but not too baggy, with mostly hidden side seams that result in a tailored fit. I was, of course, in a fitting room without access to shoes or accessories, but can't you just picture this with strappy heels and glimmering earrings?
$295 at sézane
Dasha Burobina/Sézane
A little black dress is a fail-safe—even for a spring/summer wedding. On a petite frame, the adjustable shoulder straps, each tied in a bow, are elegant and eye-catching, drawing the eyes up, which helps give the illusion of length. The leg slit, which isn't too high or overly revealing, also helped to make my 5'2' self appear taller. With its mid-calf fit, this is definitely a winner and checks the box for a cocktail dress code wedding invite.
$215 at Sézane
Dasha Burobina/Sézane
Separates for the win! I absolutely loved the movement of this coordinated set which pops in emerald green with interesting details like the braided neckline and waist. While I could bring the skirt to a tailor to take it up above ankle length, I also didn't mind just hiking it up to hit at my natural waist. TBQH, the pics don't do this style justice. Add a gold earring (for example, the Tiana, also from Sézane and pictured here) and it pulls it all together.
$210 at Sézane
$160 at Sézane
Dasha Burobina/Banana Republic
Fun fact: Banana Republic offers in-store tailoring for free! That's what led me to check out this particular dress, which I could tell from a single glance was far too long for my shorter frame. The flutter sleeves were stunning and the big, bold color created visual interest that helped elongate. (Now, just imagine the final result after tapping the in-store tailor to make this dress ankle-length.)
$250 at Banana Republic
Dasha Burobina/ME+EM
I've said it before and I'll say it again: ME+EM is a brand that is made for petites. There's actually no greater feeling than being 5'2' and knowing you can walk into a store and everything from the dresses to the pants will work for your frame. (The brand actually includes extra fabric in most of their styles so that women can lengthen and adjust as needed.) Hepworth plucked this particular style off the rack for me to test, thinking the intricate empire waist and inverted 'V' shape would help me appear taller. And she was right. The dress hit exactly at the ankle, no tailoring required, and I am a huge fan of the bold orange hue. (It also comes in pink).
$675 at ME+EM
Dasha Burobina/ME+EM
As a petite gal, the perfection of this fit! The keyhole neckline was my favorite detail, not to mention the pretty ruching and slight puff of the sleeve, which once again draws the eye up. This felt like a design that could be easily dressed up with fancy hair and a heel. And the tailored flounce made this fit interesting, but not overwhelming, on my 5'2' frame.
$495 at ME+EM
Dasha Burobina/Never Fully Dressed
Never Fully Dressed offers a whole petite line, and this dress (though not this exact colorway) is available in petite lengths. Even without the petite sizing which they don't carry in-store, I didn't mind the length. The empire waist was extra flattering, and I love that the Elodie style is meant to be reversible. Hepworth and I liked the elegance of the higher neck and the sexiness of the deeper V. 'You could switch it around as the night goes on,' she joked.
$265 at ASOS
22 Spring Wedding Guest Dresses That Will Have You Celebrating in Style, Starting at $36
