Dressing for petite women involves choosing dresses that fit and length properly, with fitted dresses and waist-sizing dresses being ideal. Long dresses are suitable for women with short legs, while vertical stripes and deep V-necks add height to the body. Avoid contrasting tops, as they draw attention to the upper body. Wrap dresses are perfect for pear-shaped bodies, as they subtly highlight the narrow waistline. Mid-calf slip skirts and dresses can make the wearer look taller, as long as they hit at the mid-calf point. Satin or lace dresses always look formal, regardless of their length.
The best dress length varies depending on the height of the woman, with 4’9″ petite women wearing a different length than 5’2″ petite women. A good benchmark is that the dress should fall just above the knee. Avoid dramatic shoulders, as they broaden the shoulders and make the top appear heavier.
Celebrities like Emilia Clarke, Scarlett Johansson, and Kim Kardashian often wear jumpsuits due to their dressy appeal. Finding the right wedding dress for petite brides can be challenging, but there are many styles that complement the body and create a harmonious silhouette. Some popular silhouettes include wraps, fit-and-flare dresses, and belted styles. High-waisted trousers are also suitable for petite women, and mini dresses can lift the barycenter and make legs appear longer.
📹 10 Things PETITE Women Should NEVER WEAR
I’m a petite woman of 5’2 and with my love for fashion, I encounter issues every day when I dress up or go shopping. This is why in …
What should a short woman wear to look taller?
Vertical stripes make you look taller. Thick stripes work just as well as thin ones. Choose shirts, T-shirts, and jackets with vertical stripes. Ankle straps are a bad idea. They make you look shorter and stockier. They don’t suit petite frames. If you like strappy sandals, try heels. Don’t wear a shirt dress. It’s not flattering. Shirt dresses make you look square.
Wear deep necklines. A deep V-neck makes you look taller. However, this could be a problem for short, busty women too. Wear maxis if you like them. Make sure they’re the right fit. Maxis that narrow at the bottom are best for short frames.
Which type of dress suits for a short girl?
Buy clothes that fit well, especially at the waist. Choose jeans or a top that skims over your body, not conceals it. Baggy clothes don’t look good on us. They make us look like a bag.
How to dress classy when petite?
Get everything tailored. This is my top tip for anyone, especially if you’re petite. Go for cropped lengths. I like cropped pants and jeans. … Think about proportions. … Avoid clunky shoes. Incorporate a fitted look. A reader named Melissa asked me for tips on how to dress when you’re petite. She found clothes were often too baggy and looked overwhelming. I know what you mean! Finding clothes that fit you well can be harder when you’re short. If you’re in the same situation, don’t worry. There are some simple ways to have a great wardrobe that works for you. Tailor everything. This is my top tip for anyone, especially if you’re petite. Find a good tailor and have your clothes altered. Buying off the rack can mean clothes are too loose, too long, or not fitting right. It’s worth taking the time to get everything tailored. Pants and jeans often come too long. Tailoring clothes makes you look polished. Win-win. Go for cropped lengths. I like cropped pants and jeans. I make sure my pants hit at the ankle or above to elongate my frame. If your fabric is gathered at your feet, it can look messy and make you look shorter.
What type of dress looks best on a short person?
A-line dress. Look closer at A-line dresses. The cut is not tight but not loose. With a short length, the style will make a short girl look fragile and feminine. Winter options are black, wine, or beige dresses for women made of thick fabric. Summer options are light cotton and linen dresses.
Solid color. Large prints on gowns for petite ladies make them look heavier. Petite women should avoid them and wear plain models instead. You can choose any color, but bright clothes on short girls can look like children’s clothes. Sheath dress. This dress is for everyone. This dress creates a perfect hourglass silhouette. Complete the look with classic heels, bags, sunglasses, and hair. The dress should be knee-length, and wear high-heeled shoes in your skin tone to make your legs look longer.
How to dress if you have short legs?
But even so. I don’t own a belt. Sometimes they look great. They can improve an outfit.
What body size is considered petite?
Petite means small stature, not weight. Most people think petite means skinny, but it doesn’t. Petite is a fashion term for a woman under 5’3″. Petite women come in all shapes and sizes. If you measure up to at least two points in the image below, you have a petite body frame and need petite clothing. Petite clothing is for women under 5’4″. It has narrower shoulders and shorter vertical proportions. Petite clothing is cut differently than regular clothes. Jeetlys clothing is designed for petite women. It is cut to fit their body shape, including shorter neck-to-waist length, shorter arm and leg lengths.
What height is best for petite?
If you’re less than 5’3″ or 54″, you’re a petite lady. If you find that most clothes are too big for you, you can find a proper fashion store that has clothes that fit you.
What should a petite body type wear?
Belted tops and dresses are a simple way to do this. V-neck, peplum, fitted, and wrap style tops all look great with straight-leg high-rise pants or jeans. Wear a faux wrap dress for a flattering look! Apple. What’s your body type? If not, you may be an apple. If your bust, waist, and upper back are fuller than your hips and shoulders, you have an apple shape. To make this look better, draw attention away from your middle. There are several ways to do this. Peplum and ruched tops with a V-neck or sweetheart neckline are great options. Choose bottoms with hip pockets to create curves. Feeling flirty? Show off your great legs in a fit and flare, trapeze, or empire waist dress!
Do petites struggle with necklines?
The V-neck is the flattering neckline. It looks great on almost everyone, but especially women who want to look longer. The V makes your torso look longer. My sister, who is apple-shaped, wears V-neck tops all the time. This one is too long for petites, so you’d want to tuck it in. I love the V-neckline that draws the eye downward. So cute and under $25! It comes in many colors and sleeve lengths. Belted tops make your waist look smaller and make your legs look longer! The same logic applies to high-waisted pants. Wearing clothes that define your shape is better than hiding beneath baggy clothes.
What neckline looks best on petite?
V-necks look good on everyone, but they’re especially flattering on those with apple-shaped bodies, short torsos, and petite frames.
What not to wear if you are petite?
10 Things Petite Women Should Avoid: Avoid horizontal stripes. Rule #2: Don’t wear thick belts. … Avoid batwing sleeves. … Avoid oversized accessories. … Avoid big, bold prints. … Avoid calf-length hemlines. … Avoid dresses that flare out. … Avoid shoes with ankle straps. People call petite women cute, sweet, and tiny. Being short has its challenges, especially when it comes to choosing clothes and accessories. Some people think that being petite means you can wear anything. Not always. Some clothes and shoes look bad on you. Here are 10 things petite women should avoid.
What length dress makes a short person look taller?
Wearing skirts and dresses that stay above the knees makes you look taller. Shorter hems make your legs look longer and draw the eyes upward, making you look taller. Avoid short skirts as they show too much skin and don’t help you look taller.
Sian Victoria – High-waisted jeans, pointed boots High-waisted bottoms make your waist look longer and your torso shorter. Consider high-rise pants and jeans for a flattering look on petite bodies. Tuck in your top to hike up your waist.
📹 Petite Style | What to Wear When You’re Short
Are you petite? This video will show you tips and tricks to dress to look taller and slimmer. You will learn what styles to avoid and …
I’m 4’11″ and weigh 103 lbs and every oversized looks horrible on me. It took many bad purchases to figure this out. Skinny jeans are my best friend, and have decided to go back to buying them. Making sure my waist is always visible makes a huge difference. I’m also going to o start doing more monochrome outfits. 😊
I come from a family of Spanish dressmakers and I learned at a young age to dress well. I don’t dress based on fashion but in classic styles. If you want to wear loose clothes, you want to avoid thick fabrics. Think luxurious fabrics like fine jersey or silk and pull in with a belt in the SAME colour. Single colours work well to add height.
Good morning! Thank you for addressing the petite figure. I am a 5′-2″, 80-year-old creative designer. The focus on the balance of volume and color is so important. I am working on designs for a fall show that will include knitwear and fabric items which is what brought me to your YouTube website. Thank you again.
As a tres petite, the best tip I can give is to find a great tailor. Perfect fit is key, and not just length but through bust and shoulders and in the seat of pants as well. I’ve learned I can’t wear wide legged pants. They just make me legs look shorter. The one exception is a great pair of silky pants, palazzo or other, that have a great drape and movement in the fabric. But having clothes tailored to your unique body will make you look like a million bucks! Thank you for your wonderful helpful and stylish articles!
Frederique, another petite here at 5’. I discovered what works well for me. Many of the tips you gave are on point. I try to keep the color palate neutral, black, white, grey with a pop of cranberry. When I travel to somewhere tropical of course I’ll all some color to my tops and sundresses. Jewelry, refined and classy. I never wear anything that overpowers me. I have to say one thing, it’s getting harder and harder to find clothing in my size at the store. They are selling petite sizes more and more online only. Anyone else running into this problem? I’m in the US. Don’t know the situation in Australia or in other countries.
I’m five feet nothing (152 cm), size 8-10, curvy and very short-waisted. I agree with your tips but my extra tip is that anything with too much volume is just going to swamp us shorties. Its taken me years to realise that some styles just won’t work on me. If you’re taller I think you can get away with more but there’s no optical illusion when you’re short and none of us want to look like a short, round beach ball!
I am 5’1″ and agree with your tips! I do think as petites we need to also look at our body shape when dressing. I am an inverted triangle and can not wear any type of skinny or straight leg jeans or I look very top heavy. I have tried to be much more intentional when purchasing clothes. One of my personal tips is to stay away from shoes with ankle straps, they seem to make petite legs look shorter. Thanks again for all your advice, I love your website!
I’m only borderline petite-height, not slim, and don’t have a flat tummy, but I always tuck in my tops. The improvement in visual proportions overrides all other considerations. I used to wear a lot of tunics over leggings and always felt frumpy and dumpy, then I realized this combo made my legs look stumpy and just killed my female shape, making me look like a brick on two sticks. Regardless of lumps and bumps, we all have them, just try it, the difference is amazing.
Nude or beige shoes do wonders for petite women. I’m 5’5″, so not very petite, but they work for anybody who wants length to their silhouette. Also, chunky sneakers look great with boyfriend fit jeans that aren’t cropped, so a bit long, and paired with fitted v-neck tshirts and hair tied up in a pony tail or a bun. Monochromatic colour schemes also make you look long and slender. Same sort of shade on top and bottom, Denim on denim, black on black, shades of beige or greys, all look good!
As a petite woman, I think every one of these tips is on the mark. A long blazer will rob you of your legs. Voluminous pants, dress or top will make you look wider than you are long. Big boots or shoes will look too heavy and a large bag will look like it is carrying you. Even jewelry and scarves that are too large will make you look lost. If you are small in stature, think small in your wardrobe choices and large in your aspirations.
Try being short AND curvy! 5’3’’and pear shaped over here! I call myself a “teapot” – short and stout. 🤣 Yes 🙌🏾 on the point about blazers swallowing up petite frames and yes I make them work by sticking with the shorter fitted ones and even tailoring the chest part to get the right proportions. Because I’m bottom heavy, i go with a straight leg pant and its a great middle ground between too skinny and too baggy. Also such a good point about too much jewelry! I always felt that it was hard for me to wear as much jewelry as others and now I know I wasn’t just imagining it! 🤣 Thanks Auntie Frederique! ❤️
This was excellent advice! I’m 5’4 at 60 years of age. After many years and trial and error, I have found these 10 principles to be true. We petite wonders of the world, need to accentuate our positive attributes. We just don’t have the height to dress like tall women. We are still beautiful and sexy!
Ty for this fashion tip. 😘 I two long closets full of clothes, most I don’t wear because although I love the garment, it just doesn’t look right on me! Now, I know why! Running to my closet this morning to sift out the wrong choices and leave the ones I’m most likely to wear. As I told you before, I went to a hair stylist, and lost almost 10 pounds. I haven’t dropped a size, it’s just the clothes in the closet now look sooo much better on me!! 🥰
I agree with most of your tipis except for a few! Like someone here (and also you) said, not only should we take height into consideration but also body type and, might I add, proportion. I’m a youthful-looking 5ft tall (in my mid-30s) with slight hourglass shape and I actually look quite good in boyfriend blazers and chunky shoes (combat boots and big sneakers), although I only wear custom-made blazers and when I wear chunky shoes I often pair them with shorts, short skirts, or skinny jeans. My tip for wearing blazers as a petite is to roll the sleeves up a bit so my wrists and a bit of forearm are completely shown. Also, for lifestyle (or make-a-living necessity) purpose sometimes it’s hard to restrict the types of bags a petite woman can carry. I think as long as everything looks “in context” a bit of imbalance/asymmetry in the outfit won’t look bad — sometimes it’d even look charming, in my opinion!
Je vous rejoins sur beaucoup de vos remarques. Merci de partager votre expérience, je suis tombée sur vos vidéos en cherchant des avis maquillage et finalement je regarde toutes vos astuces. Je suis moi-même une petite d’1m57 de 36 ans et j’apprécie vraiment votre partage d’expérience. Merci encore pour tout et je vous envoie une bise de France. 😊
At 4’10” I found this very informative and confirming my decisions regarding clothing choices. I love big bags but have given them up for smaller, more structured ones. Gave up heels due to back problems but luckily no toppling on them stories to tell. Thank you for all of your articles. Always entertaining and informative. 😘
I am also 5’2″! Great tips that I use except I have thick ankles and if I am showing my ankle, a chunkier shoe sometimes helps my ankles look slimmer. It’s not easy for really short people that have an hourglass figure also. But you can dress to make yourself look taller and slimmer! Thanks for showing how to do that!
Frédérique, dans les années 80, je portais des sandales plate-formes très haute sans lanière ou sangles pour retenir mes chevilles. En allant voter (imagine), je n’ai pas vu la démarcation dans le trottoir et je me suis foulée la cheville. résultat: 1 mois dans le plâtre, du pied jusqu’au genou. Depuis, je suis très prudente avec la hauteur de mes talons.
I am 5’2″ and curvy. I am so glad I found your website. Please do some articles for Petite and curvy. I already started to clean up my closet and buying clothes appropriate for my body type. Like you, I do not like too much color, but I do not like plain black either. I have a lot black and white tops. Thank you for your help. I feel more elegant now.
Thanks so much for these tips. Not having SO much money to spend on clothes, I feel it’s important to get the choices right. I like to wear a bit of colour, but mixed with my neutrals. I really like bootcut jeans, and I also like wide pants, but they need to be elevated a bit with a heel or they drag on the ground! I went through a chunky shoes phase and they looked horrendous, in retrospect 😂.
I loved this article, and I plan to watch more (this is the second one I have seen of yours). Thank you so much for making them . . . the tips are very helpful. I always wonder why people leave comments such as “I wear whatever I like”. If you aren’t looking for suggestions and ideas, why are you clicking on and perusal these articles? I appreciate so much the time and effort it takes someone to put these together, and they usually have great ideas. So thank you!
Hard to believe you’re only 5’2″ (same as me) — you look so much taller on article. Thanks so much for these tips. As a petite woman over 50, a few things I agree on and/or can share: no cuffed pants; no low-rise jeans; nude shoes with a low vamp — showing more of your foot lengthens the leg; find a good tailor who can hem skirts in the right place (not too low or high); fitted is better than baggy, always. Thank you!
Excellent article. I so agree with everything, especially the clunky shoes, big bags, too-long hair, too-big blazers and clown pants. I do need a big bag for work, so every weekend, I switch to a smaller bag for going out, then Sunday night, go back to the big bag. I tried having two bags, but it is just easier to get everything into one, including my laptop, chargers, etc.
Interesting! I came to many of these conclusions by trial and error. One thing stood out for me: the blazers! I bought a few blazers for work, which were sort of expensive, well-made etc. but in the end, they were too long. Sort of overwhelming. Short ones are nice. Agree! This was very good! Thanks!
I also am 5’1” and I agree with all of your advice for petite women and a lot of the tips can apply for anyone, small prints, colours not too bright (with the exception of a bright pink coat I wear occasionally) but you can use shoes, bag etc to subdue a bright colour but not all the time and not clashing colours with this coat which has large black buttons I wear black, dress, shoes etc.otherwise I agree entirely with you for petite people
I am a curvy petite so blazers that end at my hips just make the widest part of me look wider. Luckily, my figure is totally proportional, so I can wear long blazers. Being short isn’t a fashion handicap, so I’m not sure why so many petite dressing websites want us all to look “taller”. Why would I want to look taller? I look perfectly normal at my height. Love your website BTW. Have never fallen off my heels.
Ii love your website.. I am a 77 yr old, petite woman. I am learning so much on how to dress. I live in Maine. I am also a pet setter. I am not sure what to wear and still not look frumpy. Heels are out for me. I do not have a basic wardrobe. I also dress and also feel like a 55 yr. old. Can you give me suggestions? Thank you.
Hello Frederique, great information. I wore high heels usually. One time I was rushing and went around the back of the car while my cousin was at the driver’s seat. I slipped on the driveway and went to the ground. Thankfully she was perusal and saw I disappeared. I quickly got up and into the car but people and children have been run over that way. I was lucky! I learned that you don’t rush in high heels, and not behind the car. 🙂
5’0″ lady here Skinny jeans allllll day. I would recommend, high waist jeans and skirts, as they 1 look lighter, less weighed down and “heavy” like chunky shoes and blazers. 2 elongate legs and give false appearence of height. Straight cut/wide jeans, oversized, baggy shirts, or straight+blocky dresses (babydoll, peasant, and so on) tend to reeeeaaallly swamp me. My best outfits are skirts that begin right on my waist, or a dress that is fit and flare With a cropped cute sweater or cardigan. Paired with a little pair of ankle boots. Last tip being, cut your hair.
Your tips are spot on! I’m 5’1 and skinny jeans/pants and well fitting, proportioned blazers have been my jam for years. I find that fit and cut will make or break an outfit for me. I cannot wear anything oversized, asymmetrical or poofy. Straight lines or boxy fits are a no-no for me. Waist definition is key and makes such a huge difference for me. ❤️
Also wearing something a little more high waisted and tucking in your shirt loosely. I do have long hair, but wear it up often and feel its suits me.‘I have really wanted baggy jeans to work but they are just too bulky for my frame. I’m very simple and minimal and don’t consider myself too into fashion. However, I do appreciate these simple tips. Thank you 😊
I’ve had to alter all my clothes, I am 5’1″, for an Indian i am short. But that doesnt stop me from deessing well. No bulky pallazo, balloon tousers? Anti fit for me. Skirts should never touch the knee, either above or below the knee. No puffy or loose sleeves, v necks are good, not rounded or squared. Fitted clothes suit us best.
I’m one of those long haired women and I’m not young, I’ve had my hair every length and every color, I always felt more myself when it’s long so it’s long I also no longer dye it . I still love fashion advise and love your website I am 5 ‘2 ” also, but have put on weight since menopause . Thank you for your website
Merci Frédérique, as a tiny woman in her late 40s and well under 5ft tall (4’6″ – 134cms) I would totally agree that those balloon jeans, although they look very nice, would look completely wrong on me. I find I have to be really careful about clothes that overwhelm me and I get swamped in them. Also, finding nice shoes in my size is also tricky. Thank you for this article!
I am 56, 5’2″, and have a pear shape. I LOVE wearing Midi slip dresses and skirts made with soft fabrics. They give me a nice guitar shape. I never ever wear jeans or any type of skinny pants, never wear leggings, other than when Im at the gym. I wear only high waist pants, like wide leg trousers made with soft fabric I wear lady jackets, my cardigans are either waist length or midi lenght, never half way bcz they make me 1 look shorter, 2 make me look fat, and 3 they make my hips look much wider I ONLY use tan shoes, whether they are high heels, low heels, boots, or sneakers. Only tan colored, I believe they make my legs look longer. And I try to keep a healthy weight.
Frédérique, my dear, I’m petite as you are and I like it! Agree with you that we are fragile and it is why tall men are attracted to us😊. Yes, everything should be on the balance. I wear small heels and feel comfortable or no heels and also feel comfortable:). I just bought a very nice “boyfriend” jeans in a beautiful dark navy color and they look good with basic white top from Agnès B.😊 So wonderful to see you! Have a great day!xxx
Hello! These are great tips! I do tend to dress simply, in monochromatic dark colors. Not too loose, but definitely no spandex. I wear boots, but not heels, typically, because of my work and lifestyle. Plus, I’m 5ft tall and nothing in the world is going to hide that difference. My hair is long, because it grows and I can donate it. It’s also not unusual for women here to have long hair. I also wear it up and have fun with different styles between cuts. I do love the leopard prints and am considering adding a scarf or accessories in that.
I am 1,60 m (5’3) and agree with most of your tips. I always keep in mind that less is more, and I want clothes to complement my style not making me disappear. I tend to use less colors and accessories but well selected, opt for classic pieces with a twist, and avoid to trendy or strange shapes and cuts.
Love your article, perfect for someone as petite as me. I’m a Malaysian, and my best clothing is casual, and shorts, since I’m not working now, and our weather here permits. My frame is rather straight, not much hip, not much going on top too.. haha…😅 So I’ve learned to balance it. I totally agreed with you about not over do with too much jewelries, shoes, color choices. The rules of 3. Merci 🙏☕
I love your energy, your smile, your style, I just think you are so chic and beautiful, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful advice and your lovely personality, your charming accent and that rare, yet quintessential, “je ne sais quoi” only lucky women possess……I’m so grateful that I found your website, brava and much love♥️♥️♥️♥️
Hi Frédérique, first-time subscriber and greetings from the US! I’m so looking forward to perusal this article since I’m petite as well! Also, just FYI, I love, love French food and your language and tried to learn it with my husband and haven’t given up yet! Thank you for sharing your expertise, especially for our size❣️
Hi Frederique, you are so right. I am your size and I had the same experience. I don’t care if skinny jeans are in/out…For my body lenghth they are like straight legs the best. High heels yes, but not more than 9 cm, a few years ago I had an accident with very high heels. Bum🤕 In the past I had very long hair, now it is much shorter and fits exzellent. We all like to look good, so sometimes one should trust into an expert. Have a good time 🙋♀️
I’m 5’4″ (162cm) so I’m not petite enough for the petite section. And not regular enough for regular section. I get things as I can tailored to fit me better. Seriously ladies, for jeans or basic tops it’s a good skill to learn. Anything structured I take to an amazing local woman who doesn’t charge the earth
I love your personality! I’m 5’0 and I love chunky shoes that tie around my ankle. Yes they make me look heavy on the bottom. The reason I like them is where I am from petite and chunky calves are something desireable to most men and women. But I bet if I lived someplace else I wouldn’t wear them. Lol. Thank you for the great advice.
Thinking to buy soon a new winter dress, jacket, etc. Many stores claim they carry petites then I go inside and find O. I tried Zara hardly find a thing there, Gap the same lucky and blessed the day I find pants that fit. Is a real challenge for us to find a thing that gracefully suits us well. Im 5’3 curvy but in good shape. Many years ago I had these two pair of flare pants from Express one was a dark navy, the other in cream color. They fitted so nice hugging the top and long to tip of my heels or lightly wedge sandals. I received many compliments in those pants people though I had lost weight I didn’t. I wore with a short fit top. Never have found again anything close to those pants. Loved them! I’m 59 and recently been cleaning my closet. I usually do love colors try to go neutral but is not me! They say colors goes with my bubbly friendly personality. Or crazy according to those closest to me. 😂 agree with many of your tips. Nice to review before heading to the stores. If I wear all neutral I’ll always wear my booties with flowers (famous for it Lol) or a bit of color on my purses. Trying hard to stick to neutrals for my approaching 60’s but can’t promise. I’m pale that’s why I think I also need some color in my ghostly life. Blush is my best beauty friend and of course, mascara. Love copper eyeshadows all that range as well as purples and greens. Taupe too. I wear my makeup natural but love a beautiful red lipstick 💄 nothing better to brighten up my greenish hazel eyes.
In fact, there are many more tips for lengthening the figure. If you wear glasses, a bag and shoes the same color, the person who is looking at you will draw a visual line and you will seem taller to him. Also lengthens the silhouette V neckline or long chain. a voluminous but elongated bag also adds height.
I’m 5’3″ but have a short torso and long limbs, and I wear long (I mean almost down to the knees) but not oversized blazers, jackets and cardigan sweaters with long pants. I also have long hair (but not as long as the women in your photos). This makes me look longer and taller than I am…people usually think I’m 5’6″ or 5’7″ are are surprised when I tell them my actual height. I used to love turtlenecks because they also elongate you and make you look taller, but now that I’m older I don’t want to draw attention to my neck, so I’ve given them up.
Thanks for the tips! Lately, I’ve focused on high-rise pants. Waistlines and belts that are lower than my belly button make me look short. (OK, yes I’m short, but I don’t need to exaggerate that!) Things that look cropped on taller people look great on me. I make sure the bottom line of my blazer jackets are cropped enough to show at least half of my bum. (Yes, always slim pants under a blazer!) And I always tuck in my shirts. I’m making my mid-line actually above my mid-line so that I have the appearance of being taller than I really am.
I so agree! I am also 5′ 2″ and I have a large bust — I try to balance by wearing dark tops and as my hips are slim, I wear color on my bottom half. I have found because I have shapely legs, my best look is a skort on the bottom, and a dark top with a v-neckline; and not too deep. I appreciate your lessons and so agree with those horrid balloon jeans!
Hi Frederique. I just made article on my website making a blazer. I’m also petite 5,1 ft but love the look of blazers especially the long line ones. But they swallow me up completely. So I made a short one that does look good on my petite body. Agree that it looks best with skinny jeans although I am really a skirt/dresses person. But not under a blazer. Thanks for another fun article!
I found this article, after a year! And I am impressed… I am a petit, Iranian girl, I had always avoided most of the items mentioned like platform shoes, huge bags, blazers, anything huge, no prints and less colors (plain), I have one more thing and that is the long sleave cloths, they are always too long, so I go for 3 quarter, only zara/massimo duti kids are right on me!!!! Yes I do sometimes shop from kids section!!!
I’m 5’4″, so on the border of petite and I’m a size 4-6. I like form fitting pants and close to the body tops with 3/4 sleeve if possible because my arms aren’t great looking. I do have one short, waist-fitted blazer that’s 3/4 sleeve and really looks great on me. I like simple, one colored tops of some with small prints and cooler colors like blue, green, pink, grey, black and white as I’m very cool toned. Your tips are great and definitely work for me.
You are sympathetic to me, so I subscribed. It seems I had a good sense of what is nice on me and what not, because I intuitively wear what you talk about. Ok, sometimes I wear a bit oversized, but cosy pullover, but I am allowed to do so, when I first look for what is best for me in that moment and not care about how I come over to others 😜
I agree with your list! Also, I am 5’1″ and have athletic calves. I don’t like to wear midi style dresses. They cut off my calves at a bad point. The dress also has to be a closer fit maxi, just above the knee or my hand-length above the knee (certain styles too of course!) It’s so complicated sometimes!
J’adore votre accent vous êtes vraiment trop cool ! Je vous suis depuis Genève en Suisse ! J’aime porté des leggings élégant avec des hauts qui ne dépasse pas les hanches. Hélas je ne peux plus mettre de talons hauts alors je mets des chaussures compensées mais classe. Je vous embrasse bien fort et encore merci pour toutes vos vidéos, un vrai régal 😘😘❤
I’m 5″4/hourglass curvy but personally love paperbag pants and jogger pants. The trick to pulling it off is balancing the shoulders with hanging jumper over shoulders or wearing blazers with shoulder detail emphasis (flared/shoulder pads/flutter sleeves or puffy long sleeves etc) and either sleeveless fitted top/quality button down shirt and kitten heels/brogues (3-5cm*/2″) to rebalance. The joggers should be ankle-length and tailored/thick material (wool/denim/gabardine/moleskin etc) and the paperbag is tailored leather, lined linen or silk which looks very elegant. Tailoring, high quality fabrics and ankle-length are key.
I’m 155cm, that’s 5’1″ and definitely on the curvy side! I have found all these points to be true for me. As I’ve got older my hair has got shorter and shorter, now it’s cropped very close except the very top where I allow it to get a little longer, where it curls and adds some height! I can longer wear high heels, they literally cripple me and I can’t move in them.
Define petite! LOL. With your good humor and gentle generosity of spirit, I cannot imagine how anyone could be offended by your trying to offer what you have to share and they are free to reject. So you can wear those comfy jeans at home or when exercising and not out and about when you want to feel more slender, sexy in front of others. When women think about the clunky shoes or heels that are too high which they should avoid, they need to try to mentally picture a 5ft. tall woman with hair down below her butt or too big an Afro so that the hair style is totally out of proportion with the size of the wearer. They can then begin to look like a caricature of a person, a cartoon character, a doll, a puppet: not human. I have a profound aversion to puffy sleeves. Do you suppose it is because women have to fight so hard to prevent their upper arms becoming oversized or droopy as they age? LOL. You are so right about wanting the attention on you and not your huge bag or whatever. A big mistake with young women in business is that they wear distracting things to business meetings or conferences, like jangling, noisy jewelry, so that no one pays attention to their presentations but is rather perusal the jewelry jiggle to & fro and listening to the clinks.
I’m 4’10” tall. I wore platform pumps to my niece’s wedding and looked great and danced my butt off! I mean I literally danced my butt off, because from the next day and for weeks afterwards I was crippled with lower back pain and sciatica! What a nightmare, and they were very expensive! So was the chiropractor! Great advice!
I am very tiny barely 5 ft and very tiny built. I agree with everything here. I can’t wear pattern mostly, don’t wear chunky shoes. can’t get away with anything with bulk, pleats etc. I have to be very careful that my clothes don’t overwhelm me. I like to wear my clothes not get lost in them. stay basic with not a lot of color or pattern. I still wear pinks and golds but subtle. I dress up my outfits with jewelry, put pattern in silk scarves and I try to layer very tailored jackets with sleek underclothes.
Aloha, my dear. Yes, I have been petite all of my life. In Grammar School I was teased and called a Shrimp – Shorty – Peanut etc. It made me feel,” less than,” no pun intended🤣. My Mom told me that great gifts come in small packages and also something about Dynamite being small? It was a long time ago. However you asked to share about a trip or fall in high heals. Well, in the early 1970’s when platform heels came out, there was a shoe boutique in NYC called Goodie Too Shoes and they hand made and sculpted these gorgeous, creative HIGH Platforms ( David Johansson, of the NYDolls had almost the same shoes that I was wearing that fateful day in 1971 when I had on my magnificent, lilac satin super high lavender sequenced heels with ankle straps and literally fell out of a Pet Store in Manhattan. I pulled a ligament in my ankle and could hardly walk for 6 weeks. Had to wear an ace bandage around my ankle and boots with hardly any heel.I can’t tell you how I cringe every time I watch a fashion show article and see those models wearing spike heels- and sometimes they have to walk down stairs 😱. Honestly, it’s painful for me to watch. If some of these designers had to wear these high heels, especially the ones with platforms, you better believe they wouldn’t have made a comeback 👠. What price Vanity. I’m very grateful that I finally dress according to my comfort and style and not,”The Fad.” I have a good eye for color, color coordination and simplicity and literally receive compliments every time I leave my house.
thank you for this article. I’m a petite person myself where everything is skinny except my tummy(it’s not flat, no, I don’t have any abs, just fat 😄). And shopping for clothes that look right is not fun anymore esp.with my tummy bulging. It just doesn’t look right being skinny with a protruding tummy. Anyways, your article helps esp.that part when u talk about which bags to use. I never know that. Thanks for that tip. I also love your accent 😄. I’m trying to learn French and for now, I only know counting from 1-10.
I just have a problem finding flattering casual clothes. It’s so hot here in Florida it’s hard to figure out clothing with structure that doesn’t wind up being too hot or too dressy. I’m getting linen clothes that’s seems about my only option. And I am capable of doing alterations, I just never did any so I’m going to start doing that.
Hi there! I agree with every single thing you have said! I am one of those petite curvy ones! As much as I love big totes… I get hidden behind them! Also yeah like long hair is also something I avoid! Honestly I am so clumsy I don’t even need heels to fall down! I fall even walking barefoot! 🤣🤣🤣.. Nice article! I hope you are doing well.. Like really really well.. Mentally and physically!
Merci beaucoup mon amie! Am also petite myself (a little shorter than you hahaha) ….. re the balloon pants, It is similar to the paper bag pants at the waistline but balloon pants have cuffs at the ankle and more billowy while the paper bag pants have straighter legs…… I avoid wearing both…. I also avoid wearing crop pants, since it tends to shorten the legs visually…. Instead, I wear cigarette pants and also skinny jeans and if possible not to wear flats….. I believe one should check oneself in the mirror to see if the outfit really fits the wearer… I think if it looks good then you feel good 😍❤️ …… Stay safe and healthy to all!😷
Some people think they should go big on colours, sizes, patterns, hair, or jewelry when they are petite, to make them look bigger and bolder, but it makes them look smaller and even look like children. Less is definitely more on petite women, and style is everything. I’m 5’2″ and agree with every point you made. My late Auntie was 5′ with smaller feet than my small feet, and like you, she kept in style, always keeping colours simple, and never looked anything but amazing.
Heels can definitely be dangerous lol! Once the heel of my friend’s boot broke off! She only got a little sprain, thank God. I prefer platforms, they give a better balance while still giving height. Also, I try to stay away from stiletto heels (the skinny ones). A thicker heel or block heel makes all the difference for balance! Wedges are great too.
I think us petite ladies can pull of baggy jeans! Go with more of a wide leg rather than baggy in length, yet having more of a straight silhouette, not TOO wide. Wear with platforms so that the hem is just above the floor (don’t have them baggy where they bunch up on the bottom of your legs). Make sure the top is proportionately balanced; something tighter fitting. A V-neck to draw the eye downward is very flattering! The Olsen twins are great inspo. for petites who do baggy well. Rachel Zoe always did this style really well too, if you want to look up to see what I mean. She’s 5’8″ but it looks nice on petites too. She often styled Nicole Richie, who’s 5’1″. Nicole & Jennifer Lopez are petite women who’ve worn the baggy pants looks well. Some other stylish petites for style inspiration (all 5’4″ & under): Vanessa Hudgens, Reese Witherspoon, Rachel Bilson, Jennifer Aniston, Emilia Clark, Victoria Beckham, & Emma Roberts. Hourglass: Salma Hayek, Kim Kardashian & Jennifer Love Hewitt. Curvy: Mindy Kaling, Melissa McCarthy, Tess Holliday, & Vana Black (Stavana Blackmon).
when she said about the hair, it is actually kind of true. I had a long hair, the length of my waist. but it kind of making me look lost and messy. decided to cut my hair short around shoulder. and it instantly makes me look fresh than ever. I’m gonna let my hair grow until mid length from now and will cut it or trim when it become longer than mid
This is my first vedoe I watched of yours, and will be perusal many more. Je suis billingue francais puis english lol. 5’2″/5:1″, and 110lbs. I have learned and used these same ‘tactics’ when choosing myy outfits, and clothing. I generally go with classic pieces, that can be paired up well, and what the fashion indisrty may consider a classic french style. I just turned 40 years old and have a 21 year old daughter who helps me to keep up with the trends of today. I say that my style and clothing piesces are in proportion and the proper dimension for me. I try anyway, it can be hard being so petite myself. Tailored to my size and fit. Finally someone I can watch who I agree with and can learn from as well.
I am skinny and petite and definitely no spring chicken any more 😉 I have recently come to the conclusion that I can wear whatever I want, I do not care that much any more. I no longer wear heels and I hardly ever wear any make-up. I love the fashion of the 1930s and the 1950s but my lifestyle does not allow for much … style. Thank you for your input, Frederique.
Bonjour Frédérique, my aunt is about 5’ tall. She was wearing super high hills clubbing, lost her balance and broke an ankle. I lost my balance once but didn’t get hurt. After that I went home and gave away all of my very high heels. I’m 5’2″ and struggle finding outwear that is complementary to my petite apple shape body 😭 My 34G boobs don’t help either at size 8/10. I used to grow my hair waist length since my husband just loves it, but have kept it short recently. Everyone tells my how much perkier I look. Thank you for your advice 🤗
HI Frederique, i have just subscribed to your website. Always looking for articles for petites. I agree completely about the blazer…because they are so long it gives me no shape at all therefore I always purchase a fitted blazer. Most of my clothes are fitted to give shape. Never wear chunky shoes/boots, definately not for petites. I am about 5ft. Balloon trousers/jeans are so not for me either, nice and relaxing, however does nothing for me figure. Thanks for your articles, love them. Xx
Excellent tips, all of them! I have the same hight and found maxi length also great, elongating. Especially maxi dresses, and if they cover the ankles. Another trick that makes one look taller: decolletage should not be low. It should be higher than what you see on my profile pic which is my favorite bycicle top.
I am a vivacious 63 year old, 4’10″ tall and 98 lbs. Proportion is especially difficult, classic lines are best mixed with a “pop” piece. Petites have to pass on many fashion trends; I never wear a blazer that hits below my hips and oversized anything is out. But, I do love my heels. Minimum 2.5″ up to 4″. Loved the article.
I’m also 5’2 petite lol 😀 I’ll manage and love the articles!! For us fun size women ☺️😉 But yeah I don’t dare wear high high heels it hurts me a lot and my feet suffer so no!!! And top of it, one time, my uncle told me, “Look at those little women wearing those high heels shoes, it doesn’t suit them well” so since then I heard that man say that I took in consideration that it wouldn’t look too good on me either but yes I do wear high not too high and a lot of wedges preferably. I can manage those better and I don’t look too short either .. thanks! ❤️
Firstly, the “petite” manufacturing criteria these days is 5’4″ and under. I’m barely 5’1″ and find that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find any petite clothing, other than in JJill, Chico’s (but only on line) Talbots, Loft and Ann Taylor. Stores that used to cater to petites have disappeared, and the space taken over by plus size stores. Petite sizing is to do with proportion only, and has nothing to do with what size you are. Liz Claiborne (remember them?) used to do a plus size petite line – but again that has disappeared. I don’t want to look taller -what’s wrong with being short? Most of these tips apply to all women, not just petite. The only thing I would absolutely agree with is to keep prints small, avoid shoes that are too heavy looking, but chunky knits can look fabulous as long as the rest of the outfit balances the bulk (which again, is true for any size).
One of my pet peeves about buying petite clothing is that some brands’ shorten the rise of the pants, making the waist sit too low on my 5’1″ frame. I am 59 and have become thick around the middle. I have found that if I buy the ‘Tall’ size the waist is perfect and if I like it well enough it is worth paying a tailor to hem it to my inseam, which is 28 in.
Helpful tips, thank you. Most people, including those who design clothing brands, regard petite as 5’4″ or under. I’m a just-petite, at 5’4″, but I have a very small frame, narrow shoulders and hips, and a short torso. My biggest challenges are: 1) tops and dresses that are too long, making my favorite, V, necklines too low-cut and straps that fall off my shoulders; 2) shoulders of garments being way too wide, most jackets and tops have a 5″ shoulder seam, but I need, at the very most, a 4″; and 3) trousers that are too big in the hips, if I’m to have decent fit at my slightly thick waist. Another complicating factor is having a naturally large bust, DD/E cup, but I know that’s for another article. Subscribed, from San Francisco.
Thankyou so much Sheila for all my questions answered! I have written down all your suggestions to take with me when shopping. I now have the appropriate solutions to all my fashion mistakes and look forward to implementing them. Turning 57 has been difficult to dress as some of my clothes look too young for me now, especially as I’m not colouring my hair anymore, now a silver sister! But I don’t want to dress too old either, so keeping style simpler and following your great tips. Thanks again and I’ve just become a subscriber 😊
Petite sizing is technically 5’4″ and under. But if you have a long torso, you might actually find a standard size fits you better. Monochromatic and smaller prints are great. chunky knits, boxy fit not as flattering. If you are heavier, lightweight fabric and shiny fabric accentuates lumps and bulges you may not wish to draw attention to. It is foolish to not layer and wear heavier fabrics and in Northern climates. V-necks look pretty bad on older women that have crepey skin on their neck or decolletage. Chunky shoes do indeed make anyone look shorter. But if you are hiking or live in a rural area where lightweight and heeled shoes are not appropriate, then just wear the shoes that are designed for your situation. Shoes the same color as your leg/pants will indeed make your legs look longer but they’re also really boring. Fun and colorful shoes can make a delightful statement, regardless of height. I ended up learning how to sew because standard petite clothing can be very limiting and boring and for me, just doesn’t usually fit well.
The average fit model is at least 5’7″, clothes are designed for that height, and the average petite model is 5’4″, which is not that short, and is actually the US average height for women (average size is 14-16, or XL at most brands). Clothes are designed for size 2 women. How many of us are really 5’7″ or more and a size 2 or smaller? Not very many, especially in our mature age group. I think Medium sizes should be designed for the average height and weight of us customers, not models. I’m sick of having to hem my trousers 9″ shorter and I’m 5’4″!
Those huge, super-long, bulky sweaters that are so popular just look awful on us petites, as do any oversized, extra-long, boxy garments, Teddy coats/jackets, etc., they’re everywhere, too. I also won’t wear capri/mid-calf pants or tunics, they make me look stumpy, especially together, a popular look for mature women that I think is super-unflattering, dated and aging. It can also be difficult to find accessories of the right scale, when I’ve looked at “mature” brands, everything is scaled bigger to work on bigger women. On me, these make me look like a little girl wearing Mommie’s jewelry.
Very very helpful and that is what I have tried to do is to not make any outstanding color choices trying to make my shoes match and not look like I am pregnant. Ha ha with all these tops. But it is so hard to find petite clothing. I have a high waist and most jeans or pants do not come up to my waist which I can’t figure out why. But I do dress in a classic manner nothing with large pattern or loud colors. I look forward to your articles. Thank you very much from the 5 foot 2 Soon to be 80❤
I find all these tips for petite women focus on looking taller to be annoying. Phooey! I’m 5’2″ and I can’t do anything about that. Good things come in small packages and I don’t need to look like a runway model to be attractive. The tips about prints and some of the proportion suggestions on all sites are good. Enjoy who you are and stop worrying about not meeting some made up ideal.