10 tips to look stylish if you are petite
As a petite myself, I know personally how difficult and frustrating can be to find a piece of clothing that fits perfectly. Plus I have many shortie clients of different budgets and I know it’s not any different for them.
Petite ladies, unite! Here are my tips for you.
But, first, let me tell you: I don’t follow them 100% all the time. Although, I do think it’s important to understand them in order to be able to make better decisions when getting dressed or when going shopping.
1. HAVE A GOOD TAILOR
This is the most important tip! Petites need to have a good tailor. If I feel that I buy something that doesn’t have the right length for me, I send it to my tailor, even if it’s to make it 1” shorter. The main reason is that one inch for petites does make all the difference!
In fact, I give this suggestion to all of my clients. A good tailor will also tell you if it’s not worth doing some alterations, in that case it might be better to return the piece, or donate if you own it for a very long time.
Dresses in petite sizes are an easy option when alterations are not possible
2. FINDING THE PERFECT PAIR OF JEANS
It can be tricky to find a good pair of denim jeans. It’s not just about making it shorter, it’s also about the pockets, the rise and so on. Here are some denim brands that carry petite sizing:
Madewell
Joe’s
GRLFRND
Citizens of Humanity
Topshop.
They have different price points so I am sure you will find some good options for you.
3. WATCH OUT FOR SOME DANGEROUS TRENDS
Be careful with some trends like voluminous dresses or oversized sweaters. I totally believe in being true to our personal style, but here is a complicated issue: too much fabric doesn't work for petite frames. Sometimes, going one size down works, others just don’t. If that is the case, it's better to skip this trend, in my opinion.
4. IT’S ALL ABOUT MONOCHROMATIC OUTFITS
A monochromatic outfit elongates our figure because it creates a vertical line. That’s also why it looks so elegant. Read more about this topic here!
Mirolasva Duma is a fashionista petite. She has her tricks to elongate her silhoette: monochromatic looks, ankle length pants, sleeves pulled, showing where her waist is - here with the dress details, but belts work as well.
5. MORE ON THE VERTICALITY THEME
Any details that create vertical lines are welcome, such as buttons and zippers. On the other hand, if they’re horizontal, the effect is the opposite. Here take in consideration how big the details are, where they are located, and, most importantly, your personal style.
6. SAY TO NO BIG PRINTS
It’s better to avoid large scale prints such as big flowers or big dots. Even if it is part of your style, consider wearing not so large patterns.
7. SHOES FOR PETITE LADIES
Shoes with a low vamp or pointed toes tend to elongate the legs. We also need to consider the color - if it’s next to your skin tone or next to your pants is even better!
8. AVOID LARGE BAGS
If it is possible, avoid purchasing large bags because they will overpower you. However, I do know that it’s not always possible. I even carry a large tote bag on my daily basis when I go to work since it’s incredibly practical.
9. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO YOUR ACCESSORIES
It’s said that petites should avoid wearing big jewelry. Unless it’s really giant for me, I totally ignore this tip myself. Statement necklaces and earrings are my thing. But I would pay attention to avoid the other details and let the jewelry be the focal point. So, in the end, it’s all about your decision!
10. CHOOSE BRANDS WISELY
I know that there are some brands that don't work well for short people. And other brands that do, like the French ones: Isabel Marant and her second line Etoile, Maje, Sandro, and Sézane, for example. Some multi-brand stores carry petite sizes, such as Anthropologie. Additionally, department stores like Nordstrom include brands that are actually not expensive! It’s great to know that we have a number of options in the market, right?
All clothes have petite size options, with the exception of the jacket on the right that is by Maje, a brand that works well for most petite women.
If you want more tips on rocking petite styles, follow me on Instagram. I always share some useful ideas to all body types in my stories!
Disclosure: Keep in mind that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience and professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.