Petite Fashion Tips For Women Who Are Tired Of Looking Short

Are you one of the petite girls out there? Don’t worry, darling. As a petite fashion blogger myself, I know all the challenges that petite clothing can bring. That’s why the following post contains all the petite fashion tips you will ever need!

There are a lot of stereotypes in the industry, and a lot of people fighting them. We don’t need to dive deep into that area, so I’ll get straight to the point.

First, let’s clear the air. Someone who has a petite body type stands tall at 5’4 or under. Of course, there’s ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG (sorry, had to point it out) with shorter women. However, sometimes the sleeve length is quite surprising, and so is the crop top, which looks like a regular-size top. We have been there, haven’t we?

As someone who falls in this group, I think I’ve mastered the laws of petite dressing, so no one will question my height, at least when it comes to what I post on Instagram.

Yes, the petite frame requires petite outfits. That means you need to forget about maxi skirts and maxi dresses that will make your short body even shorter. That you also need to give super oversized sweaters a second thought before pairing them with your favorite high heels.

Also yes, it sounds like a long way, but you don’t need a personal shopper to find the right fit. You only need the expert guide below, where I have gathered and summarized the best of the best.

By the end of this post, you’ll be able to leave the feeling of a weighty burden behind and enjoy Carrie Underwood’s new #girlpower anthem. So you can spend less time stalking petite ladies on social media and more time rocking your perfect monochromatic look.

After all, you can be short, but that doesn’t mean you have to be short of options.

Use these easy-to-follow petite fashion tips to get the look we, smaller girls, deserve. It’s our time to shine.

PETITE FASHION TIPS FOR WOMEN WHO ARE TIRED OF LOOKING SHORT:

1. High-Waisted Everything

It’s funny how we always talk about the comeback of something in the fashion world when it’s actually never been gone. First tip! If you are a petite woman, go for the optical illusion and stock up on high-waisted everything – from regular pants to jeans, high-waist skirts, and even leggings. They will complement your body shape and make your legs look a lot longer than they are. As Rihanna puts it, “baby, this is what you came for”.

2. Tuck Your Tops In

Think about it. You are wearing a long, oversized, colorful shirt. It’s a new, nice one, you like it. However, it will shorten your legs and visually enlarge your short torso, which is already supposed to be the longer part of your upper body, unless you’re smart about it. Save yourself a lot of time and carefully check the size range of the fit models. Then just tuck it in. It’s really that simple.

3. Cropped Jackets

You don’t need to be a bona fide supermodel to adore the cropped jacket. While it falls right above the waistline of most people with average height, petite women have the advantage of making it look like a perfect fit. Supposing you feel insecure about that, take inspiration from Reese Witherspoon and her denim jacket outfits. Add a wrap dress underneath – it’s equal parts genius and fashionable.

4. Neutral Heels

Give your nude shoes a run for their money! The best way to do that is to choose a pair as close to your own skin tone as possible. Not because we strive for subtlety, but because you don’t need to draw unnecessary attention to what makes you stand higher. Actually, the rule is super simple. Anything above the ankle is a NO. Repeat it, write it down, pin it to your Pinterest board, and make sure to follow it.

5. Boots The Same Color As Your Pants

I feel like I don’t need to explain this rule, as it is exactly what it is – wear boots in the same color as your trousers. It’s Monday morning, and you are tired and maybe (a bit?) hungover. Put on your favorite black pants and match them with that super cool pair of black shoes. This will help you with extending the vertical line and elongating your legs. In case you are not into color-blocking and experiments, wearing one color from head to toe is also a great option.

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6. Avoid Big Prints

Try to approach prints a little differently. Avoid the big and bold ones as you risk them overwhelming your body. I’m not saying you should quit flowers and only listen to Miley’s eponymous song. Just make sure you don’t look like a giant daisy.

7. Opt For Full-Length Pants

You should absolutely forget about the cropped 7/8 length trousers. No matter how flawless it may seem on other girls, short pants tend to cut the body and shorten the silhouette. I need to clarify that by a full length, I mean full length on your body. As long as the trousers cover your legs and there is no ankle showing, it’s OK.

8. No To Chunky Accessories

Many high fashion brands are vigorously reminding us that we can go big or go home. I will leave that up to you, but let’s put chunky accessories aside. Please. Yes, bulky hoop earrings would flatter a high neckline. No, they won’t look good on a short girl. Instead, pay attention to small bags and other more gentle pieces like smaller hoops, pearls, or studs to finish your overall look.

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9. Midi & Pencil Skirts Are Your Best Friend

It’s possible that midi and pencil skirts don’t fully encompass who you are as a person. Give them a chance, though. Pick a pair that makes you confident, and style it with heeled boots. Oh, you also need to be mindful of the boots’ length. You will definitely want to go for longer ones to avoid any skin showing between the end of the skirt and the top of the boot. That would cut off the leg and make you look shorter.

petite fashion trends 2023 — photo: **Madewell**

10. Vertical Patterns

Vertical patterns create a perfect balance between your torso and lower body. Sure, I love horizontal stripes, but vertical stripes will give you the illusion of longer legs and a slimmer figure within a few seconds. Pair with skinny jeans, and you will be like Sarah Jessica Parker on her occasional coffee run in NYC. I’m not sure if that’s the most appropriate comparison, but if a petite person like her could have a petite style like hers, so can you.

It’s safe to say that most short women seek the illusion of height. The truth is you don’t need to look for petite models online, browse petite store options, or compare your petite body to your BFF. You just need to be confident and yourself, nothing is sexier than that.

And while the post above covers all style tips from the high-waisted style, through the general rule when it comes to different colors and prints, to the perfect well-fitted outfits, it’s always important to find a piece of clothing that flatters your own body measurements in the best way.

‘Cause girl, you’re amazing… Just the way you are.

This post was all about petite fashion tips.

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Petite Fashion Tips For Women Who Are Tired Of Looking Short