Some petite dress silhouettes to look for are styles that lightly skim the midsection without tightly hugging it, details on the shoulders or neckline, and larger prints, as these can create harmony and proportionality
For a long time, the gowns seen in European courts featured voluminous skirts with many layers of petticoats and hoops inside to keep the shape intact, long trains, tight bodices with tightly laced corsets, draped outer layers, high and low necklines, and elaborate sleeves
You can style them up and even try an unusual colour should you wish
A gold dress is already a statement piece, so you don't want to detract from it with jewellery that is too busy or bold
The rehearsal dinner dress should be purchased after the wedding gown has been selected and ideally after the first fitting, when the bride has a clear sense of the bridal aesthetic she is building toward