20 Best Petite Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dresses of 2022 - Brides

A black-tie wedding will likely be one of the most formal occasions you'll ever attend. Unless you frequent red carpets or White House dinners, consider this your chance to pull out all the stops and get really glam with your look. And while the idea of donning a beautiful ball gown or sleek dress might be alluring, it can also be challenging for some. Finding a style that fits the formality of the event and your frame can be a daunting task, especially if you're looking for petite black-tie wedding guest dresses.

Petite Size

"Petite" sizing refers to the length of a garment. It typically caters to heights 5'4 and under.

When you think of a petite dress, picture one that's slightly shorter in length. While most formal gowns need to be altered anyway, petite gowns are designed to better fit the proportions of someone who is under 5'4. For example, the waistline of these gowns will actually hit at the waist versus at the hip (as can often happen with "regular" length gowns on petite bodies). This means a better all-over fit and fewer pricey adjustments with the seamstress. 

As you're searching for the perfect black-tie wedding guest dress, you'll want to keep the formality of the celebration front and center of your mind. This is one of the most formal dress codes, and it typically calls for floor-length gowns, elegant hairstyles, and stunning accessories. To help narrow down your options, we rounded up the best petite black-tie wedding guest dresses from the most reputable brands around. Whether it's a winter wedding or a daytime celebration, there's a fancy 'fit for you.

Courtesy of Fame and Partners

Size: Custom | Materials: Tafetta | Care: Professional dry clean

Between the billowing ball gown silhouette and side cutouts that define the waist (but don't show too much), this Fame and Partners gown is a black-tie must. The best part is that these gowns are made-to-measure, so whether you select this style in midi or maxi, it'll be made with your height in mind.

Courtesy of ASOS

Size: 00-12 | Materials: Polyester, nylon, and lace | Care: Machine wash

The clever design of this ASOS gown officially has us swooning thanks to the silky, pleated fabric and lace-trimmed detailing. Pair the charming style with silver shoes and dangly diamond earrings to play up the magnificent mauve tones.

Courtesy of Anthropologie

Size: XXS-XL petite | Materials: Viscose | Care: Dry clean

Attending a bright, colorful, vivacious black-tie event? This block color gown from Siddhartha Bansal features a button front, and the richest hues fit for a loud and lively celebration. Keep your accessories to a minimum to really let this eclectic style stand out.

Courtesy of ASOS

Size: 00-12 | Materials: Polyester | Care: Hand wash

This icy blue ASOS dress pairs seamlessly with warmer weather thanks to its V-neckline, delicate ruffled detailing, and lace-up back. The best part is the floral embroidery that raises the bar on the usual prints seen at spring weddings, making it a vision for special black-tie events.

Size: 0P-12P | Materials: Viscose | Care: Dry clean

While you'd normally want to stick with evening gowns for black-tie events, a daytime wedding is a bit of an exception. In this case, think of the attire more like that of a black-tie optional dress code. Elegant cocktail or midi dresses, like Reformation's Twilight, fit the bill. We love this style in the dark blue hue to nod at the formality of the event without feeling too dressy in the daylight.

Courtesy of Dillards

Size: 6P-16P | Materials: Sequined lace | Care: Machine wash

Fall wedding guest dresses typically call for harvest hues and jewel tones, which is why we're all about this Alex Evenings gown in merlot. The deep red hue feels utterly decadent while the all-over sequins and subtle floral pattern elevate the celebratory style even more.

Courtesy of Anthropologie

Size: 00P-16P | Materials: Tulle | Care: Dry clean

The dusty pink tiers and oversized floral embellishments on this Kavita Bhartia gown officially have us dreaming of the ultimate romantic event. Wear your hair up or pulled back, and don some showstopping dangle earrings to compliment the subtle sparkle in the flowers.

Courtesy of Anthropologie

Size: XXS-XL petite | Materials: Viscose | Care: Hand wash

It's all about the gold with Let Me Be's Juliet maxi. The shimmering sequin and bead details create a flattering design along the body to compliment your shape and play up your curves. Just make sure to wear a slip or jumpsuit under this style since the fabric is sheer.

Courtesy of Lord and Taylor

Size: 2P-14P | Materials: Scuba crepe | Care: Dry clean

Add a little va-va-voom to your black-tie style with this glamorous Betsy & Adam trumpet gown. A high round neckline is balanced by a dramatic slit that shows the perfect amount of skin without being too revealing.

Courtesy of ASOS

Size: 00-12 | Materials: Polyester | Care: Machine wash

Bring on light fabrics and bright hues for summer black-tie weddings! There's no need to stick with darker colors in the warmer months (unless you want to), so try a seasonally-appropriate style like this sage stunner from ASOS. The pretty lace waist not only highlights your curves but keeps you cool as well.

Courtesy of Revelry

Size: 0-32 | Materials: Satin | Care: Dry clean or wash on a delicate cycle

Sleek in style but spellbinding in execution, Revelry's highly-rated Skye dress is complete with a cowl neckline and knee-high slits. Coming in three different lengths (not to mention a midi option), 30 different colors, and sizes 0-32, it's the definition of the perfect satin dress for all.

Courtesy of Lord and Taylor

Size: 2P-14P | Materials: Chiffon | Care: Dry clean

Black-tie beach weddings can be tricky since you not only have to dress to impress but prepare for the elements as well. This flowy blue number from Betsy & Adam is easy to pair with block sandals or flats, a shrug to block the salty breeze, and a cocktail or two in the sand.

Courtesy of Revelry

Size: 0-32 | Materials: Velvet | Care: Dry clean or wash on a delicate cycle

Coming in 25 different color options and three different lengths, this exquisite velvet dress from Revelry is exactly what any black-tie wedding is missing. Bonus: The sweetheart neckline has detachable off-the-shoulder sleeves giving you two jaw-dropping looks in one.

Courtesy of Fame and Partners

Size: Custom | Materials: Satin | Care: Professional dry clean

Whether you're sporting a baby bump or just prefer a higher waist, this empire gown from Fame and Partners gives you plenty of breathing room while also serving serious style. There's even a dainty bow detail in the back to play off the boldness of the bright mint hue.

Courtesy of Fame and Partners

Size: Custom | Materials: Georgette | Care: Professional dry clean

You can expect plenty of floral prints at a garden wedding, but this darker-hued georgette gown from Fame and Partners creates an air of formality over light-colored prints. The strappy tiered design can easily be worn with a jacket or shrug if the event turns chilly as the sun goes down.

Courtesy of ASOS

Size: 0-10 | Materials: Tulle, sequin | Care: Handwash

Tulle is a dreamy black-tie wedding choice, and we love how this V-neck dress from Maya marries the floaty fabric with a sequin embellished top. Short sleeves give you arm coverage and the deep navy hue ensures the formality of the look.

Courtesy of Revelry