When it comes to being petite there’s a whole plethora of DON’Ts when it comes to styling.
However, no one likes negativity. As a short gal, I’m sure you’ll agree I don’t want my height to limit my fashion choices, so turn that frown upside down and solve those don’ts with some sensational dos!
If you’re a stylish petite lady that wants to wear the latest wide leg and oversized trends, mix things up with our tips and tricks.
‘No wide leg trousers’
We just love a pair of gorgeous wide leg trousers, culottes and jumpsuits, but often read about them making you appear shorter. Opt for a pair of high-waisted trousers to cinch in your waist, or choose a pair complete with horizontal stripes to elongate your legs.
Left: Boden Petite British Tweed Culottes, sizes 6-20, £66
Right: River Island Petite Stripe Bandeau Jumpsuit, was £65, now £39
‘ No oversized pieces’
This can be a tricky one for petite ladies, but we’d opt for one oversized piece so you can keep the rest of your outfit slim and sleek. Petite looks are all about balance, so an oversized shirt with skinny jeans, or a long coat with a fitted skirt creates the perfect proportions.
Left: New Look Petite White Chiffon Shirt, £12.99
Right: Marks & Spencer Petite Double Breasted Trench Coat, £49.50
‘No tunics’
Shift dresses and tunics make petite ladies look figureless and short, so cinch a gorgeous dress in with a belt for an instant hourglass shape and a cut-off to make your legs look longer.
Left: Hobbs Helena Belt, size S,M,L, £65
Right: Karen Millen Waist Emphasis Belt, size S,M,L, was £75, now £56.25
‘No cropped trousers’
A good tailor or petite clothes will stop your trousers and jeans cutting your calves off in the wrong place. A pair of high waisted jeans that cut off just above the ankle actually elongate your legs by adding a flash of leg and showing off your favourite shoes.
Left: Boden Petite Richmond 7/8 Trousers, size 6-22, £65
Right: Topshop Petite Jamie Jeans, size W24-32, £40
‘No midi skirts’
Like with our cropped trousers, it’s key to choose a midi skirt that doesn’t cut your leg off too low or at your calf’s widest point. The perfect skirt for a petite lady is an a-line piece, cinching in at your waist and giving you an instant hourglass appearance.
Left: Boden Petite Modern Pencil Skirt, £65
Right: New Look Petite Button Down Skirt, was £19.99, now £13.50
‘No boyfriend jackets’
Oversized and boyfriend blazers and jackets are trending at the minute, so why should us smaller ladies miss out? Combat the look of drowning in your jacket by choosing a jacket and trouser or skirt in a matching pattern or colour to create a streamlined silhouette.
Left: Next Emma Willis Pastel Check Double Breasted Jacket, £65 and Trousers, £36
Right: ASOS DESIGN Petite Dad Blazer & Tapered Trousers Suit, £96
‘No flat shoes’
Sometimes you just want a comfortable pair of flat shoes for a run to the shop or an easy work outfit. If you want to make your small toes look longer, choose a pointed toe over a round toe, or choose a v neck shoe to bare some skin and make your pins look longer. Fortunately, vintage-styled slingback shoes are all the rage right now, creating two in one for the ultimate flattering footwear!
Left: Office Major V Neck Block Heels, £85
Right: ASOS DESIGN Samson Slingback Mid Heels in Black, £25
‘No high necks’
Turtle and polo necks are the ultimate winter jumpers, so why should we miss out? Choose a fitted style over a chunky knit so it looks just gorgeous tucked into a high-waisted skirt or trousers.
Left: Lands’ End Petite Green Polo Neck Jumper, size 8-18, £24.50
Right: M&Co Petite Button Trim Roll Neck Jumper, size 8-18, £18
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