Holding an altogether different feel to summer nuptials, wedding ceremonies that take place across autumn and winter take on deeper, more sultry, hues.
For petite women, this puts the ever-faithful dress firmly in the frame. Designed with smaller statues in mind, this style of dress usually means that the entire cut of the torso will have been adapted to fit a smaller frame, with flattering hemlines and shoulders cut to create a powerful silhouette that doesn’t drown a petite figure - no extra tailoring required, joy.
We’ve curated a collection of the best petite midi-dresses for wedding guests this winter and beyond, from figure-flattering frocks to demure, pared-back pieces to help you hit the dance floor with flawless flair.
Made from responsibly sourced viscose, this piece helps to protect our world's forests as well as helping you to fit the brief whatever the dress code is at your next wedding. Available in both a striking lime green and classic black, a flattering slim v-neck draws the eye downward to the structured body, completed by a waist tie, and a fully wrap skirt - ideal for twirling the night away. If you’re going bold, minimal gold accessories and a pair of black, pointed-toe heels complete the look, while those opting for the darker colourway can go big and bold with the additions. Think: an oversized, padded headband, mixed metal jewellery and a pair of bright, colour-block heels.
While the ruffle detailing on this midi dress certainly gives it a modern, trend-led feel, it’s a style that doesn’t look to be going anywhere anytime soon. The striking, asymmetric shoulder is balanced by a cleverly streamlined silhouette, creating an easily flattering shape, and finished with a split hem to add interest lower down and, crucially, elongate the legs. Go simple and long with the earrings and short on the necklace, add a pair of metallic platforms and prepare to make an entrance.
Sported by the likes of Meghan Markle, Blake Lively and Priyanka Chopra, as well as a myriad other members of the fashion elite, the suit, cape combo is a striking win. While the dusty pink colour of this piece gives it a more summery quality, the structured material and full, split sleeves bring it into the autumn winter category. Shoulder padding adds balance to the straight-lined hem and the split in the sleeves, giving it that sought-after cape appeal, leaves your arms free to wave about in the air at will.
Made out of recycled polyester, this bright midi-dress combines a demure, timeless shape with an on-trend colour-clashing design. The mixed fabrics create an eye-catching flowing feel, drawing the eye downward, while cleverly, and subtly, drawing attention to the shoulders and waist. Add a pair of either red or pink shoes to play into the powerful colour-blocking effect, a gold choker, stacked bangles and dainty drop earrings to complete the look.
We can’t say we’re sorry for including another lime green option here, it’s a playful hue that straddles all seasons, dubbing it the perfect transitional piece. The full skirt gives it a more wintery feel, while the small v neckline and double-strap shoulders add a more playful, light-hearted vibe. The gently structured torso creates a flattering illusion on any figure, before fanning out into the fuller, almost 50’s feeling skirt. Go minimal with the jewellery here, adding an autumnal-coloured, chunky platform and perhaps a matching pair of earrings.
It was once thought that a cardinal rule of dressing for petite figures was to avoid patterns, we were told they could swamp us. But we’re challenging that outdated narrative with this geo guipure metallic midi-dress. The two distinct sections, the woven patterned torso and then the metallic pleated skirt help to create a clear line down the body, and break up the design to give an elongated feel. Plus, the sultry purple and black hues give the piece a glamorous, twilight quality to fit those darker evening events. Keep shoes and jewellery simple with a pair of open-toed black heels and gold hoops.
Structured corsets and figure-hugging mini dresses are back, in a big way, but this time with a glamorous twist that makes them elegant wedding appropriate. A more daring option it’s to be said, the structured, semi-sheer corset contrasts the colour-block skirt creating an elongating effect in two clear sections. An oversized, faux fur coat in a neutral colour will help you make an even more powerful entrance (and keep you warm as you head to the wedding), paired with a contrasting pair of heels (we love the idea of green or orange here) and, importantly, sans jewellery.
Fringing dominated the Fall '20 shows in Milan and it’s stuck around ever since. Our take on the trend brings it firmly into the present day, with a knitted texture and a criss-crossing design that weaves it way right up to the playful, semi-halter neckline. Long, tactile fringing creates dynamic movement, while the colourful design keeps interest and focus on the flow of the piece. It’s a midi you can move in, that will move with you and transcend seasons in its versatile, semi-full coverage stylings. Pair with simple black heels, stacked gold bracelets and a pair of thick, gold hoops.
