Summer wedding season always comes up so quickly! No matter what style of wedding or dress code you need to dress for, I’ve got you covered especially if you are looking for petite-friendly dresses.
Here are the best summer wedding guest dresses to wear to a summer wedding that are sure you make you the best dressed guest.
If you have a petite frame, finding dresses can be hard when they are made for people that are much taller!
Here are a few go-to tips for shopping for a wedding guest dress, and all things to consider before you start the search for the perfect dress!
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Shopping for wedding guest dresses can be intimidating. You want to feel appropriate, but also look stylish and feel your best.
Fit is so important if you are looking for something on the more formal side, especially for petite women.
These tips are for weddings in all seasons, all year round, so be sure to save it for future reference!
KEY DETAILS TO CONSIDER BEFORE SHOPPING FOR A WEDDING GUEST DRESS
- Season – Of course we are talking about Summer weddings in this specific post, but these tips work for weddings all year round. Time of year plays a roll in the elements and of course you want your dress for be appropriate for weather, especially if you’re outside! For summer weddings, if you are outside you will want to opt for lighter fabrics and typically more vibrant, colorful options
- Location – The location of the wedding is very important when it comes to choosing a dress. Is this a beach wedding where you would elan for more airy fabrics, or is it near the mountains? This will help determine the style and the appropriate fabrics/colors
- Dress Code – Is there a specific dress code requested by the bride and groom? You will want to stick to these guidelines if so. If nothing is specifically noted, you will want to assess the wedding in whole if it is more casual laid back vibe or a dressier black tie event
- Color – Everyone knows the rule to not wear white to a wedding (unless otherwise noted by the wedding party!) but I think it is best to stick to colors that represent your personal style so you can feel your best all night long
50+ Petite Dresses to Wear to Summer Wedding
It can be overwhelming when it comes to searching for the perfect wedding guest dress for the wedding that you are attending, so these are my go-to tips and tricks to consider before you start shopping for a wedding guest dress.
To note: I have linked to several dresses that I’m wearing in the photos below. For size reference I am 5’2″ and a size 2 (size 26 in jeans) if that helps in your search.
Petite friendly dress brands
Here are some of my favorite brands that are make beautiful dresses perfect petite friendly dresses for weddings. But don’t worry! These aren’t specifically for petite women, they can fit most all body types, they just tend to be the ones I find to fit great for my shorter frame.
English Factory – I find this brand at Nordstrom, Amazon, Shopbop and more! I love all their feminine styles and they do a lot of great bold colors and prints.
J Crew – I find the sizing runs smaller so I can’t often find things that fit great but a caveat to try out a few different sizes to find the right fit!
Love Shack Fancy – One of my all time favorite brands for the most gorgeous, feminine and boho styles. It’s on the pricier side however quality is amazing and you can wear these styles for many many years.
Buddy Love – The best prints and love their mini dresses! Lots of bold colors and flowy silhouettes that will keep you cool and pretty for all your summer weddings.
Eliza J – A lot of great formal styles at a great price point. Everything from lace dresses to floral and even pretty jumpsuit styles!
Also just to note, for some styles that are more body conscious or if you just want to keep your curves looking smooth in your dress, check out my guide for shapewear essentials for petite women.
Keep reading for the best wedding guest dresses, click on the photos to shop!
Bright Colored Dresses to wear to a summer wedding
When I think of a Summer wedding, I instantly think of vibrant colors!
The warmer weather and summer season always inspire me to wear bright colors and that includes dressing for summer nuptials! It’s the perfect outfit!
This is a midi dress which works great for those of us on the shorter side as it fits more like a maxi style without having to hem it.
When it comes to choosing a bright colored dress, I like to stick to more simple silhouettes and accessories to really let the color of the dress really be the pop and focus of the look.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing a bright colored dress, so just choose a color that flatters you and that fits your personal style the best!
Printed Dresses that are perfect for summer weddings
Prints work for all year round, but when the summer season comes along is when it’s really fun to wear printed dresses.
For a summer wedding, I think a fun printed dress is the perfect option for wedding guest attire. Tip: Look for a floral print dress that matches the location of the wedding venue!
I liked that these dresses had short sleeves if you are someone like me who tries not to wear sleeveless too much for fear of being too cold!
Whether it be vibrant floral patterns, classic polka dots or pretty abstract colors, prints are an excellent choice for summer weddings and truly work for any style wedding!
I love the printed maxi dresses at Free People and love wearing them for Summer weddings with heels or wedges.
When it comes to styling a printed dress, I like to keep my shoes and accessories very simple and let the dress be the focus.
You can play off the location of the wedding with the print you choose! If you are attending a beach wedding, a tropical floral print would be great.
If you are attending a cocktail party wedding, maybe an abstract colored dress like the one I am wearing above is the way to go!
Petite friendly Cocktail Dresses
Cocktail dresses are a go-to for most weddings at they seem to fit the dress code most often! I like to pull out my mini and midi length cocktail dresses for summer weddings and embrace the warm weather styles.
Cocktail attire is a good option as you can re-wear them for other summer events you may have, or for a Summer date night! Pair with some killer heeled sandals and pretty jewelry and you’re good to go for summer weddings.
You can always keep them for a more formal look or special occasion or any other big day you may have!
For formal events, a long dress with a front slit which will help elongate your body. You can also find ones with long sleeves and a shorter hemline to accentuate your legs.
Off Shoulder Dresses for summer wedding
When it comes to warm weather, an off shoulder silhouette is perfect for petite wedding guest dresses. It is so flattering on all body types, and it gives dresses an extra added detail that feels unique and perfect for Summer.
This is a great option as there are plenty of casual styles that come in an off shoulder silhouette, but also tons of dressier options as well that would work for black tie weddings.
Petite maxi dresses are ideal so you don’t have to spend extra money on alterations and it’s a flattering silhouette on all body types.
I also love the one shoulder silhouette and those styles are a great option for Summer weddings as well. Anything with an asymmetrical silhouette is very trendy at the moment, so that is definitely a style to consider if you are looking to try something new for the next wedding you attend!
casual summer wedding guest dresses
If the wedding you’re attending is more on the casual side, opt for a casual dress! You would be surprised how you can dress up a summer maxi dress dress or cotton a-lined dress with the right shoes and accessories.
Click here for more mommy and me dresses!
I tend to reach for more comfortable, flowy styles for casual summer wedding guests dresses. They feel effortlessly-chic and put together, and I feel comfortable all night long which is a win win in my book.
When styling a summer wedding casual dress, I typically opt for wedges and a fun clutch bag.
Looking for more dress ideas for weddings or date night? Head to these posts!
CUTE DATE NIGHT DRESSES TO WEAR FROM CASUAL TO FANCY
