As a petite person, you probably have the wardrobe basics covered by now. One experience with an overly long skirt or a jacket with never-ending sleeves is enough to have you running for the nearest petite section. But while you may possess those perfectly tailored trousers or that coat that makes your small frame look cute, the festive season might pose a problem.
Party wear isn’t typically made for petites, you see. Every year we get pulled in by the sea of sparkles only to remember that holiday party outfits often don’t come in small sizes. Think gorgeous gowns that are liable to trip you up and sharp suits that make it look like you’ve rifled through your dad’s wardrobe. Whatever your style, festive formal wear can be a minefield for those under 5’3″.
But don’t worry, R29 is here to make all your Christmas dreams come true. We’ve compiled a selection of the best petite party wear on the market this season. Whether you’re searching for a dazzling dress to turn heads at your office party or a sweet look for family fun at home, we’ve got you covered.
To take a look at the best petite party wear around this Christmas, click through the slideshow ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by us. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, we may earn a commission.
River Island Petite Navy Plisse Bandeau Top & Flare Trousers, £60
This sparkling two piece set fits right in with the celestial trend we’re seeing so much of this season.
River Island Petite Navy Plisse Bandeau Top, $, available at River Island
River Island Petite Navy Plisse Flare Trousers, $, available at River Island
Collective The Label Petite Exclusive Bandeau Ruched Waist Mini Dress, £48 £27
Literal wrapped up present vibes, but in the best way. It’s also kind of giving the Grinch goes to a holiday party.
Collective The Label Petite Exclusive Bandeau Ruched Waist Mini Dress, $, available at ASOS
Reformation Petites Jeany Velvet Dress, £348
Nothing screams Christmas attire quite like merlot-coloured velvet. Oh, and make sure to check out the stunning open back of this dress.
Reformation Petites Jeany Velvet Dress, $, available at Reformation
ASOS DESIGN Petite Straight Sequin Ankle Grazer Trousers, £50
Finally, some cropped, flared sequined trousers. These can be easily styled up or down, depending on your event.
ASOS DESIGN Petite Straight Sequin Ankle Grazer Trousers, $, available at ASOS
ASOS DESIGN Petite Tux Bandeau Top & Wide Leg Trousers, £72
This feminine take on a tuxedo is oh so slick and chic. And the best part? You can wear these co-ord top and trousers with other outfits, too.
ASOS DESIGN Petite Tux Bandeau Top, $, available at ASOS
ASOS DESIGN Petite Tux Wide Leg Trousers, $, available at ASOS
Karen Millen Petite Thigh High Split Embellished Fringed Woven Midi Dress, £229 £183.20
Talk about a party dress. This glistening midi is ready for discos and soirées alike. We can’t get enough of the diamante embellishments.
Karen Millen Petite Thigh High Split Embellished Fringed Woven Midi, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
Reiss Opal Velvet Flared Suit Trousers, £198
Velvet trousers are great because, in these, you can easily curl up on the sofa in comfort as the party dies down.
Reiss Opal Velvet Flared Suit Trousers, $, available at Reiss
River Island Petite Brown Sequin Midi Skirt, £40
ICYMI, chocolate brown is the colour of the season. It’s made even more holiday-forward here with the help of sequins on this petite-sized midi skirt.
River Island Petite Brown Sequin Midi Skirt, $, available at River Island
Karen Millen Petite Velvet Baroque Fringe Woven Mini Dress, £299 £239.20
This dress exudes playful, vintage-inspired glamour. And there’s no need for necklaces with this sparking neckline.
Karen Millen Petite Velvet Baroque Fringe Woven Mini Dress, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
Nobody’s Child Petite Mila Satin Midi Skirt, £49
This satin midi skirt is as classically Christmas as it gets. Simply pair it with a t-shirt and trainers for a daytime look or some heels for a more dressy occasion.
Nobody’s Child Petite Mila Satin Midi Skirt, $, available at ASOS
Collective The Label Petite Diamante Oversized Bow Top, £45
It’s time to have some (festive) fun with fashion with big, bold bows and diamante embellishments.
Collective The Label Petite Diamante Oversized Bow Top, $, available at ASOS
Warehouse Petite Disc Textured Sequin Maxi Skirt, £69 £48.30
A sequin maxi skirt packs a punch all on its own. Wear it more casually with a leather jacket and trainers, then swap in the dressy top and heels for the evening.
Warehouse Petite Disc Textured Sequin Maxi Skirt, $, available at Warehouse
Reformation Petites Ady Velvet Dress, £298
This regal pear colour of this velvet midi is to die for, but we especially love the dainty gold chain straps on this dress — perfect for matching jewellery to.
Reformation Petites Ady Velvet Dress, $, available at Reformation
Topshop Petite Leather Low Rise Straight Leg Metallic Trouser, £50
We want to colour-clash these metallic statement trousers in the best way, with bright purples, golds and blues.
Topshop Petite Leather Low Rise Straight Leg Metallic Trouser, $, available at ASOS
Collective The Label Petite Exclusive Metallic Diamante Top & Mini Skirt Co-ord, £55
Our stance on holiday dressing: The more oversized embellishments and metallic fabrics, the better.
Collective The Label Petite Exclusive Metallic Diamante Top And Mini Skirt, $, available at ASOS
Karen Millen Petite Compact Stretch Embellished Jacket, £179 £143.20
Pearl and crystal embellishments on a tailored jacket? Sign us up. This Queen Anne neckline is begging for a necklace to be worn.
Karen Millen Lydia Millen Petite Compact Stretch Embellished Jacket, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
River Island Petite Silver Straight Coated Jeans, £55
Coated denim is another big trend for party season. Golds and silvers will absolutely do the trick.
River Island Petite Silver Straight Coated Jeans, $, available at River Island
Reformation Petites Frankie Silk Dress, £298
Traditional holiday red not really your thing? Try this more playful strawberry wine colour. Not to mention, rosettes are incredibly trendy this year.
Reformation Petites Frankie Silk Dress, $, available at Reformation
Topshop Petite Disco Sequin Mini Dress, £46
Bring the disco to any holiday party with this glimmering mini.
Topshop Petite Disco Sequin Mini Dress, $, available at ASOS
Reformation Petites Ottessa Dress, £298
A jewel-tone forest green is another quintessential winter colour, and this sweet little velvet mini is darling.
Reformation Petites Ottessa Dress, $, available at Reformation
River Island Petite Silver Metallic Mini Skirt, £35
Trying to style yourself for a day in the office and an evening of drinks? Metallics are a lot more wearable than sequins.
River Island Petite Silver Metallic Mini Skirt, $, available at River Island
Reformation Petites Marguerite Silk Dress, £298
Cut with a slim fit, leg-slit, sweetheart neckline and back smocking, this red hot number hugs you in all the right places.
Reformation Petites Marguerite Silk Dress, $, available at Reformation
Simmi London Petite Glitter Blazer, £55 £25
This rose gold glittery blazer will look great with both gold and silver accessories.
Simmi London Petite Glitter Blazer, $, available at ASOS
Reformation Petites Joana Silk Dress, £298
Go full ice queen in this sleek and silky strapless dress from Reformation.
Reformation Petites Joana Silk Dress, $, available at Reformation
Pull & Bear Metallic Jean, £49.99
If you’re going for a more causal and cool holiday look, these shimmering metallic-finished baggy jeans will do just the trick.
Pull & Bear Metallic Jean, $, available at ASOS
Reiss Adele Velvet Off-The-Shoulder Jumpsuit, £178
More berry red velvet, but this time on a sleek jumpsuit.
Reiss Adele Velvet Off-The-Shoulder Jumpsuit, $, available at Reiss
Reiss Rei A-Line Mini Skirt, £128
A cobalt blue mini skirt (the colour of the season!) packs a punch. Wear for the day with a graphic tee and sneakers, then swap in the heels and sequins for the evening.
Reiss Rei A-Line Mini Skirt, $, available at Reiss
Reiss Eva Sequin Cape One Shoulder Mini Dress, £228
Opting for a cape dress is a chic, statement-making move.
Reiss Eva Sequin Cape One Shoulder Mini Dress, $, available at Reiss
Topshop Petite Diamante Back Strap Maxi Slip Dress in Black, £60 £45
Business in the front, party in the back.
Topshop Petite Diamante Back Strap Maxi Slip Dress in Black, $, available at ASOS
Reiss Valeria Sequin Occasion Trousers, £138
Finally, some cropped, flared sequin trousers! These can be easily styled up or down, depending on your event.
Reiss Valeria Sequin Occasion Trousers, $, available at Reiss
Reformation Petites Nya Velvet Dress, £448 £336
Nothing says Christmas like red velvet.
Reformation Petites Nya Velvet Dress, $, available at Reformation
River Island Petite Green Satin Oversized Blazer, £75 £58
Don’t be afraid to try out boxy, oversized silhouettes. River Island offers party suiting in petite cuts. We love this shimmering emerald green number.
River Island Petite Green Satin Oversized Blazer, $, available at River Island
Reiss Miller Metallic Mini Skirt, £148
Trying to style yourself for a day in the office and an evening of drinks? Metallics are a lot more wearable than sequins.
Reiss Miller Metallic Mini Skirt, $, available at Reiss
Reiss Scarlette Sequined One-Shoulder Top, £118
This sleek sequined bodysuit is made to be tucked seamlessly into jeans or a skirt.
Reiss Scarlette Sequined One-Shoulder Top, $, available at Reiss
Topshop Petite Short Sleeve Croc Effect PU Belted Mini Shirt Dress, £50 £35
If sequins and shimmer aren’t your kind of thing, we also love the look of slick, shiny PU leather.
Topshop Petite Short Sleeve Croc Effect PU Belted Mini Shirt Dress, $, available at ASOS
Reformation Petites Frasier Dress, £278 £208.50
Cut with a slim fit, leg-slit, compact cap sleeves and side ruching, this red hot number hugs you in all the right places.
Reformation Petites Frasier Dress, $, available at Reformation
Reiss Tatiana Velvet Cut-Out Shoulder Dress, £148
Did you know that Reiss has their own petite section, including knockout numbers like this burgundy velvet dress?
Reiss Tatiana Velvet Cut-Out Shoulder Dress, $, available at Reiss
ASOS DESIGN Petite Scoop Neck Midi Satin Slip Dress in Green, £28 £22.40
Christmas partywear doesn’t just need to mean dark, moody colours — we love this bright pop of lime green.
ASOS DESIGN Petite Scoop Neck Midi Satin Slip Dress in Green, $, available at ASOS
River Island Petite Black Taffeta Bow Cami Top, £49
It’s time to have some (festive) fun with fashion with big, bold bows and diamante embellishments.
River Island Petite Black Taffeta Bow Cami Top, $, available at River Island
River Island Petite Red Satin Slip Mini Dress, £43
ICYMI, corset and bodice dresses are big news this season.
River Island Petite Red Satin Slip Mini Dress, $, available at River Island
Topshop Petite Faux Leather Wide Leg Trouser in Green, £46 £36.80
We want to colour-clash these statement trousers in the best way, with bright purples, oranges and blues.
Topshop Petite Faux Leather Wide Leg Trouser in Green, $, available at ASOS
River Island Petite Purple Coated High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans, £55
Coated denim is another big trend for this party season. Apart from your usual golds and silvers, we love this purple look.
River Island Petite Purple Coated High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans, $, available at River Island
Reiss Lennon Tuxedo Jumpsuit, £238
Oh so slick and chic, you can opt for a petite cut of this jumpsuit.
Reiss Lennon Tuxedo Jumpsuit, $, available at Reiss
ASOS DESIGN Petite Scoop Neck Mini Satin Slip Dress in Sapphire, £26 £20.80
More gemstone shades! We won’t rest until we’ve covered all the Quality Street sweet colours.
ASOS DESIGN Petite Scoop Neck Mini Satin Slip Dress in Sapphire, $, available at ASOS
Reformation Petites Wes Velvet Pant, £220 £165
Velvet trousers are great because, in these, you can easily curl up on the sofa in comfort as the party dies down.
Reformation Petites Wes Velvet Pant, $, available at Reformation
Warehouse Petite Asymmetric Neck Pleated Midi Dress, £129 £96.75
Strategically pleated to draw the eye up and make you look longer than you are.
Warehouse Petite Asymmetric Neck Pleated Midi Dress, $, available at Warehouse
Karen Millen Petite Liquid Sequin Woven Halter Dress, £149 £75
This rose gold sequin dress will look great with both gold and silver accessories.
Karen Millen Petite Liquid Sequin Woven Halter Dress, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
ASOS DESIGN Petite Vinyl Midi Skirt with Split Detail in Red, £42 £33.60
Toughen up your look with red vinyl and a bold leg slit (all the better to show off your gams and great shoe choice).
ASOS DESIGN Petite Vinyl Midi Skirt with Split Detail in Red, $, available at ASOS
Karen Millen Petite Figure Form Crystal Embellished Midi, £129 £90
No need for necklaces with this sparking neckline.
Karen Millen Petite Figure Form Crystal Embellished Midi, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
Collective The Label Petite Exclusive Bandeau Ruched Waist Mini Dress, £48 £36
Literal wrapped up present vibes, but in the best way.
Collective The Label Petite Exclusive Bandeau Ruched Waist Mini Dress, $, available at ASOS
Karen Millen Petite Figure Form Crystal Embellished Mini, £149 £104
More diamante embellishments! We can’t get enough.
Karen Millen Petite Figure Form Crystal Embellished Mini, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
Topshop Petite Satin Bias Midi Skirt in Silver, $, available at ASOS
Karen Millen Petite Slinky Knit Twist Neck Maxi Dress, £169 £51
Slinky and sexy, this gives us strong Morticia Addams vibes.
Karen Millen Petite Slinky Knit Twist Neck Maxi Dress, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
Karen Millen Petite Slinky Velvet Mesh Sleeve Midi Dress, £169 £101
Another gothic look inspired by the Addams family.
Karen Millen Petite Slinky Velvet Mesh Sleeve Midi Dress, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
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