- Wedding Guest Attire
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So, you've been invited to a wedding—how exciting! Part of going to a wedding means finding the perfect dress for the occasion. Since the goal is to look and feel 10/10, scoring a dress that has a seamless fit is a must. In fact, it should be a non-negotiable! But, for women looking for petite co*cktail dresses, this is often easier said than done. Petite dresses aren't always easy to come by and the in-store selection usually isn't ideal either. Trust us, we feel your pain. But, the right dress is most definitely worth the search for a great, comfortable fit that doesn't require (too many) alterations. When the wedding you're attending requires semi-formal attire, a co*cktail dress is a good go-to option. Effortless yet elegant, co*cktail dresses are easy to dress up or down for a look that you're bound to continue to pull out of your closet for years to come. This dress type can be defined as one that typically falls right above or below the knee, so it's usually on the shorter side. For petite people, finding this length can be difficult because a regular length can sometimes run too long. Instead of needing to be hemmed, purchasing from a designer or retailer that offers petite lengths eliminates the hassle of having to spend any extra money on alterations—meaning more of your dollars can be put towards accessories or shoes! We've searched the market for the best petite co*cktail dresses, some of which are versatile enough to be worn to a variety of different weddings, and some of which feel more trendy and modern. Here are our favorites. Our Top Picks For a Winter Wedding: Not So Serious by Pallavi Mohan Lace Mini Dress at Anthropologie (See Price) Best Puff Sleeve: Magali Pascal Puff-Sleeved Midi Dress at Anthropologie (See Price) For a Garden Wedding: Best Rewear Dress: For a Stylishly Modest Look: Runs: True to size |Size: 00P-12P |Materials: Lace |Length: Mini Looking for a sweet, fun, and feminine little number? Look no further. This lovely blush pink mini features a unique criss-cross lace pattern, off-the-shoulder puff sleeves, and a ruched bodice. Runs: True to size |Size: 00P-12P |Materials: Velvet |Length: Midi Make a statement in this fitted velvet LBD. Its daringly low plunge neckline paired with its open back and understated design makes for an unforgettable combo. Runs: Small |Size: 00P-16P |Length: Mini | Materials: Lace This lace mini's high neckline and long sleeves make it ideal for winter nuptials. The intricate embroidery in this rich wine color creates a luxurious look while the open back adds a flirty element. The 17 Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses Under $100 in 2024 Runs: Small |Size: XSP-XLP |Length: Midi | Materials: Silk Sleek and chic, this black little number puts a trendy twist on a classic silhouette and fabric. The puff sleeves add subtle drama and the buttons are sure to elongate your frame. Runs: Small |Size: 00P-16P |Length: Midi | Materials: Cotton Dare to make a subtle statement in this super fun and playful cotton midi. With three different color-block options to choose from, we picture this bow-accented pink and red option attending a late winter or early spring wedding. Runs: True to size |Size: 00P-12P |Materials: Chiffon |Length: Mini If there's one thing we're sure of, it's this: A wrap dress is never the wrong choice. This wrap-style bodice is uniquely paired with a pleated skirt in a pink floral print. We love how this mini almost appears as if it's a two-piece! Runs: Small |Size: 0P-12P |Materials: Georgette |Length: Midi Oh-so-romantic and effortless, you're bound to rewear this floral beauty again and again. This one is perfect for a late summer celebration in a garden or another outdoor setting—and we can't fail to mention that slit! 25 Floral Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Style and Season Runs: True to size |Size: 0P-12P |Materials: Viscose |Length: Midi Tired of buying outfits for weddings (or any special occasion for that matter) that you'll never wear again? We get it. Opt for a staple like this classic square-neck, A-line midi. We love how the tie detail on the shoulders instantly elevate this minimalistic look. Runs: True to size |Size: 0P-12P |Materials: Viscose |Length: Mini If you're attending a wedding that requires a more modest look, the Juni dress is a perfect pick. Available in an ivory and blue floral print as well as this black and white polka-dot print, the shorter length beautifully complements its high neckline and long sleeves. The 15 Best Long-Sleeve Wedding Guest Dresses Runs: True to size |Size: 0P-12P |Materials: Crepe |Length: Midi Turn heads in this stunning printed midi. Available in a variety of unique prints, its sharp square neckline and high slit make for an utterly iconic look. Runs: True to size |Size: 00P-12P |Materials: Velvet |Length: Midi Both sexy and elegant, this fitted velvet midi by ASOS is a dream. In deep navy blue, we love this piece's dramatic drapery and high slit. Runs: True to size |Size: 0P-12P |Materials: Viscose |Length: Mini This dress comes in emerald green or a black, white, and green floral print called Veuve. Featuring a smocked, mock neck and sleeves, this mini screams effortless sophistication. Runs: True to size |Size: 00P-16P |Materials: Jacquard |Length: Mini There's nothing quite like jacquard fabric to exude pure luxury. This floral mini by Anthropologie would be beautiful for attending any wedding no matter the season. Runs: True to size |Size: 00P-12P |Materials: Chiffon |Length: Mini We can't stop staring at this bold ruffled mini by ASOS. The bright red hue combined with its flowy silhouette makes this stunner nothing short of flirty, fun, and just a hint of sexy. Runs: True to size |Size: 0P-10P |Materials: Stretch satin |Length: Mini This just may be the perfect example of party in the back. Featuring a sophisticated and clean high-neck, long-sleeve look in the front, the stunningly low back is polished off with a bow. Runs: True to size |Size: 00P-12P |Materials: Chiffon |Length: Mini This ruffled mini's chiffon fabric is light, airy, and whimsical. Ideal for summer nuptials, the bright yellow, pale orange hue is vibrant and fresh. The 16 Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Kind of Ceremony No matter your height, comfort and confidence is key. Start by looking for silhouettes that accentuate your best features and details that elongate your frame. We especially love a high slit, a plunging V-neckline, or buttons sewn vertically from the top to the bottom to do just that. Next, consider your shoes. You'll most likely want to wear a heel if you're opting for a midi dress. Because this length hits mid-calf, it tends to visually shorten your legs if worn with a flat shoe. But, if you're attending outdoor nuptials whether it be on the beach, on a farm, or on a mountain top, heels might not be an option—and that's okay! If landscape limitations (or your comfort level) have you set on wearing a shoe like a sandal or a ballet flat, it's usually best to choose a co*cktail dress in a length that hits above the knee. This will ensure that your legs still look long and lean—even without a heel! Most importantly, remember to slip on your dress one or two times before the wedding to ensure that the length is falling to the best point, you're comfortable, and that the fit is stellar. Plus, have some fun with accessories! We recommend keeping your neckline open with no necklace and wearing a drop earring to further elongate all of your features. FAQ Do co*cktail dresses have to be short? Traditionally, a co*cktail dress is a shorter dress, something that hits at or just above the knee. This is because the shorter length makes them appear more casual and less formal. However, there are no strict rules; in some cases, a midi or maxi dress can be appropriate as co*cktail attire as well. Can co*cktail dresses be casual? With the right accessories, a more casual dress can easily be worn as co*cktail party and wedding attire. These more casual dresses tend to be even more versatile. Should you avoid white co*cktail dresses to a wedding? Generally speaking, the one fashion rule most people seem to continue to follow at a wedding is to avoid wearing white unless you're the bride. Even if your co*cktail dress is casual, your best bet is to opt for any other color aside from white. Contributing writer Jessica Booth is a journalist of over 10 years and a freelance writer whose work has appeared on sites such as Bustle, Insider, Redbook, and Refinery29. The 24 Best Flattering One-Shoulder Wedding Guest Dresses Everyone Will AdoreMost Feminine
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