Finding a dress to wear to a wedding can be quite challenging. This is especially true for petite women over the age of fifty as finding a dress that is not only age-appropriate but also properly fits a petite body type creates an even greater challenge. This is because most clothes are not made of prints, silhouettes, and measurements that flatter a petite figure. Instead, most fashion designers and retailers design clothes to fit those who fall into the “standard” size category, and not the “special” size category (petite, plus, tall). Hence, the challenge.
Not only that, but most weddings have a photographer, and sometimes a videographer, who take photos/videos throughout the entire ceremony and reception, capturing most, if not all, guests. Perhaps this is one of the reasons some of us put extra effort into finding something to wear that we look good in.
A wedding is a joyous occasion for which most people enjoy getting dolled up and wearing something flattering, but that can be much easier said than done. But, not to worry! In this post, we’ll take a look at some popular petite wedding guest dresses for petite women over 50, so you can look and feel your best.
Before diving into my list of petite wedding guest dresses for women over 50, there are several factors that should first be taken into consideration when deciding what to wear to a wedding. Below are a handful of questions you may want to ask yourself before you begin shopping. This way, you will have a better idea of what exactly you need to shop for, which will hopefully make your shopping experience a little easier.
- How formal is the wedding? Was a specific dress code provided on the invitation?
If it is a more formal wedding, you may need to wear a full-length dress. If you are petite, then you probably understand that this may require alterations, so you’ll have to get a head start on your shopping to allow enough time for alterations.
I have only been to a handful of weddings that have required a formal dress code, but it is always good to confirm. If the wedding isn’t quite that formal, then you will most likely be able to get away with a shorter length or tea length dress, which can be a little easier for petites to find. - Where is the wedding, and will the ceremony be held indoors or outdoors? What will the weather be like around the time of the wedding? Will it be warm enough for a sleeveless dress made of lightweight fabric and open toe shoes?
It seems destination weddings have become more and more popular, so sometimes a wedding may be far from home in an area you’re not familiar with. In this case, it’s always important to lookup the climate, so you can get a good understanding of what the weather will be like around the time of the wedding. - What time of year is the wedding and what colors are appropriate for that particular season?
When it comes to fashion, colors typically embrace a palette that reflect the ambiance and mood of the season. Although fashion is subjective and personal style should take precedence, a bright yellow, floral dress probably should not be your first choice if you are going to a wedding in the Midwest in the dead of winter. Keep seasonal colors in mind when shopping. - Will it be cold? Do I need to wear layers, like a coat or shawl, on my way to and from the wedding?
Years ago, I attended a winter wedding in Ohio, and it was snowing on the day of the wedding. That was certainly a wedding I wore a coat to. My shorter length, puffer coat would have looked a little silly and too casual for a wedding. However, thankfully, I have a dressier, wool peacoat that was well-suited for the occasion and paired well with my dress.
It is extremely easy to put all the focus on finding the right dress, but it’s important not to forget about any layers you may need to wear on your way to and from the wedding (especially if you’re someone who gets cold easily, like me).
There are several factors to be considered as a 50+ year old petite woman shopping for a wedding guest dress. Shopping for something to wear to a memorable, special occasion, like a wedding, can be fun and exciting, but it can also come with challenges. Now, let’s dive into petite-friendly wedding guest dresses for women over 50. Hopefully you’ll find some options that are just your style, age appropriate, and flattering so that you can look and feel your best at the next wedding you attend.
London Times V-Neck Polished Flounce Hem Twist Waist
This London Times dress is modest but not frumpy. The flounce hem and twist waist give it a little extra character, and the twist waist helps to disguise any “rolls” near the waistline. Its length is classy and very petite-friendly – not too long and not too short. This dress features a V-neckline, which naturally creates a vertical line that guide a person’s gaze up and down – as opposed to horizontal lines which guide a person’s gaze side to side making them appear wider than they actually are. A vertical line that a v-neck creates can make the body appear longer, slimmer, and create a sense of height, which is particularly beneficial for petite women.
This dress is available in several different colors and patterns, so there are many seasons in which this dress is appropriate. It is available in sizes 2 petite to 16 petite. Plus sizes are also available.
Alex Evenings Long Cowl Neck A-line Dress
This elegant Alex Evenings dress is perfect for a more formal wedding or for petite mothers and grandmothers of the bride. It is available in 14 different colors and sizes 2 petite to 16 petite, so you’ll be sure to find your perfect fit and color that suits your personal preference. This dress features a cowl neckline, pleated bodice detail, and an embellishment at the waist. The fabric is somewhat stretchy, so it drapes properly, does not easily wrinkle, and, best of is, it is comfortable. This is the type of dress that is flattering on any body type.
Another great, unique feature worth noting is the small straps on the inside of the shoulders that you can attach to your bra straps, so the neckline and sleeves stay put. I always hesitate wearing wide, cowl necks for this reason, but not to fret, this dress offers the perfect solution to that problem. Also, the slit in this dress is great for petites as it helps you avoid looking like the dress is “swallowing” you.
Alex Evenings Taffeta Portrait Collar Dress
This Alex Evenings Portrait Collar Dress features three-quarter length sleeves, which are great for petites as long sleeves tend to be too long. This dress also has a ruched waist, which I am a big fan of as it helps disguise the stomach. The silhouette of this dress is very flattering. It is fitted, but not overly so, and doesn’t show every lump and roll. The length is ideal for petites, so you don’t have to worry about this dress being too long. It’s available in a handful of colors and sizes 4P-16P. This dress is a great pick for a fall wedding!
Maggy London Front Twist Dress
This Maggy London Front Twist Dress is another great petite-friendly find and is available in sizes 2P-12P. This dress is made of luxe jersey fabric that is wrinkle-resistant and drapes perfectly. It has a sheen, surplus bodice with a v-neckline, asymmetric twist detail at the waist, long sleeves, and is knee-length. If you haven’t noticed, I’m a big fan of dresses that incorporate twist and ruched waistlines as they do a great job of hiding rolls around the stomach area. This dress features a V-neckline, which creates a vertical line by guiding a person’s gaze up and down and giving the illusion of height.
Alex Evenings Long Column Dress with Sweetheart Neck
This Alex Evenings Long Column Dress is a great choice for petite mothers and grandmothers of the bride. It is available in sizes 4P-16P and comes in several different colors and neckline styles. This dress features a long empire waist, soft and stretchy matte jersey fabric, cascade ruffle skirt detail, embroidered scoop neckline, and cap sleeves. I personally do not like strapless or sleeveless dresses, because they typically require that you wear a strapless bra, and I find strapless bras to be very uncomfortable. But, no need to worry about that with this dress as it’s cap sleeves and normal back make it very bra-friendly. This is a very elegant, classy dress that looks great on any body type!
Alex Evenings Long Lace Top Empire Waist Dress
This Alex Evenings long empire waist dress is available in sizes 4P-16P and over 15 different colors. It’s full length makes it a great option for more formal weddings and/or mothers and grandmothers of the bride. This dress brings a lot of character with its A-line empire waist featuring a beaded embellishment, stretch lace bodice, and ruched cascade skirt. Not only that, but its v-neckline and three-quarter length sleeves make it an even better choice for petites.
Alex Evenings Slimming Sheath 3/4 Sleeve Dress
This Alex Evenings sheath dress is available in several different colors and sizes 2P-16P. It is very flattering and made with Alex Evening’s best-selling stretch compression fabric. Though this dress is fitted and slimming, it features some ruching near the waistline that helps disguise the tummy. This dress also features a beaded embellishment near the hip and a cascade ruffle skirt which add a little extra flare.
Alex Evenings 3/4 Sleeve Stretch Lace Bodice Gown
Alex Evening’s stretch lace bodice gown is another great pick for a formal wedding and for mothers and grandmothers of the bride. Because the bodice is stretchy, it is very comfortable. The lace and sequin dress it up a bit. It has a v back, but it’s not very deep, so you don’t have to worry about your bra showing. This dress is available in several different colors and sizes 4P-16P.
J Kara Capelet Dress
This J Kara Capelet Sleeve Dress is a great option if you like your arms to be somewhat covered but don’t want full sleeves. This dress features a sheer, asymmetrical capelet top with sleeves over a long, biased dress. The capelet top slightly covers the waist, so it’s great for hiding the tummy if that is something that’s important to you. This dress v’s slightly in the back, but not enough to where your bra will show. It is available in several colors and sizes 6P-16P.
S.L. Fashions Sleeveless Tiered Cocktail Dress
This S.L. Fashions Tiered Cocktail dress is shorter in length, lightweight, and sleeveless making it a great pick for weddings during warmer months. It has subtle rhinestone detailing at the shoulders which adds a touch of character. This dress is double-layered and has a full inner lining, so you don’t have to worry about wearing a slip with it. Also, it has cutaway tiers that create a trendy flutter. This dress is available in several colors and sizes 4P-16P.
Finding a dress to wear to a wedding can be quite challenging, especially if you are a petite woman over the age of fifty. It can take a lot of time and searching to find a dress that is both age-appropriate and petite-friendly. London Times, Alex Evenings, Maggy London, J Kara, and S.L. Fashions are just a handful of brands to keep in mind if you’re a petite woman shopping for a wedding guest dress.