how to dress when you are short and styles petite women look amazing in

In previous manufactures, I discussed how to determine body shape and dress for your vertical body type.

Today allow'due south get into detail on how to dress when you are brusque or petite, ie., beneath the boilerplate superlative of 1.65 m (5'four").

Everything you demand for dressing when y'all are petite

In principle, these guidelines, which are now updated for this leap and summer season, will work for anyone who is short in height, or for those who want to appear longer or bacteria in their appearance.

These ideas also work well for those whose upper body is almost the same length as their lower body. In that instance, the aim is to make the lower body appear longer and then that y'all expect like yous have longer legs.

This is the ultimate guide for dressing when you lot are short or petite. In this article, you will notice

• 26 tips on how to dress to brand yourself look longer, bacteria and slimmer as well every bit what not to wear.
• a capsule wardrobe and mode guide for petite women afterward forty
• The best stores to shop in if you are petite
• fashionable petite celebrities to give you some extra inspiration

How to wearing apparel for Winter and fall if you are petite

You can wear elongating layers in winter and autumn, which can go far easier to clothes during colder seasons when you are petite.

However, dresses are fabulous for petites and yous can create a lengthening issue with a one color dress during warmer weather. You can besides try lighter-weight layers such every bit sleeveless vests.

How to dress when you lot are petite – what to remember about

Petite doesn't necessarily mean small and slim. It but means that you are 5′ iv" or below.

You can be any size, which makes information technology even more important to continue your outfits in the right proportion.

When you are short in tiptop you volition usually have the following objectives with your dressing:

1. Appear longer, taller and leaner
2. Create a flattering silhouette (using the rule of thirds, so you don't split your body in half)
3. Avoid boxiness which will only make you look wider rather than taller.

Most short women will want to appear taller and leaner.

Yous may also want to have a expect at this article how to look taller and slimmer no matter what your height.

This is relatively easy to achieve if you stick to the post-obit guidelines:

1. Stick to monochrome outfits or outfits with few color variations

Yous would await perfect in simple shift dresses, with piffling color accents here and there.

Monochromatic looks will create a vertical image and instantly create the illusion of acme.

Dark colors are a nifty choice to create this illusion as they make the wearer look thinner furthering the perception of peak. But essentially this tip volition work for any color.

2. Petite dresses: Wear a wearing apparel!

Dresses will expect great on many short women, as they automatically create the much desired two/3 – 1/3 expect.

If you lot opt for a course-plumbing fixtures slim silhouette and so this volition make you lot look even taller.

A knee length sheath wearing apparel is a great selection for a petite frame as the tailored silhouette avoids unwanted bulk.

The end result is a lean look that makes the wearer appear taller. Polish off the expect with slingback kitten heels, for a petty-added meridian.

Shauna @chicover50 above (read her style interview hither) looks great in her pink dress. Her on-trend hairdo and her meet-through heels add meridian.

Check out these dresses from Berrydress, Lark & Ro and Tommy Bahama for a similar wait, and wear with this exact pair of earrings from Anthropologie, and heels from Steve Madden.

Grace Karin belted pencil dress

three. Petite habiliment: Become the right fit

Getting clothes with the right fit and size is fifty-fifty more important for short women. Ill-fitting clothes volition add together actress bulk.

Avoid oversized dress (even if they are on trend).

If you do really want to wear oversized clothes, make sure to create a good silhouette and that the balance betwixt fitted and oversize is right.

Brand certain non to have both wide on top and below. A belted dress in one color is perfect for petites.

iv. Wear heels with your petite outfits

An obvious way to proceeds height is to wear a heel. However, don't get overboard with these. Getting heels that are besides loftier volition brand you look out of proportion.

For examples on how I habiliment heels and a total list of recommended comfortable shoes, as well cheque my commodity on the best arch support shoes.

Below are more than heels you could wear to add some boosted pinnacle.

Ana @mrsamericanmade above (read her fashion interview here) opts for peep-toe booties with a block heel.

Steal her look with this similar acme, wide leg jeans, sandals, necklace and earrings.

Naturalizer Michelle pump (Amazon, Zappos)

LifeStride Suki pump

LifeStride Giada ankle boot

5. Wearable shoes that continue your ankles complimentary

Avoid straps around the talocrural joint as ankle straps can make your legs look shorter. Instead opt for shoes that elongate. Mules are a not bad option for petites.

If you want to clothing flats rather than heels, pointed toes can also create the illusion of extra height.

Naturalizer Samantha pointed toe apartment

6. Habiliment accessories in proportion

Go like shooting fish in a barrel on the oversized accessories as these may overwhelm you.

Choose accessories that are in proportion with your confront and the rest of your body

The bigger yous are the bigger your accessories tin be.

Choose a pocketbook that fits your physique. In many cases, oversized handbags are not your best choice every bit they will make y'all look smaller.

FashionPuzzle crossbody bag

vii. Exist smart with belts

For many petites your legs will be relatively short.

To make those appear longer you tin wearable the same color belt every bit your pants or skirt as this volition make your legs look longer.

Alison @wardrobe_oxygen in a higher place (read her style interview here) opts for a belt in a similar shade to her dress.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress, boots, belt and hoop earrings.

Earnda double ring chugalug

8. Notice your ideal brim length

Although a brusque dress tin be very constructive for brusk people when they are immature, I would suggest against a very brusque hemline over 40.

Instead, opt for styles that fall just below or on top of the knee. A loftier-waisted skirt or pants would make your legs appear longer.

Kate Kasin pencil skirt with belt

You lot may too like: what is the correct skirt length for women over twoscore.

ix. Vertical patterns are your friend

Vertical patterns will always elongate and would be especially adept for your pants or skirt.

Horizontal stripes are all-time avoided.

Kylie @kylish_aus above opts for vertical lines and nude shoes with a pointed toe. She adds a slim line chugalug.

Cheque out this shirtdress from Nordstrom Signature that yous can wear with this like pair of flats, belt and earrings.

GRACE KARIN loftier waist striped pants

1o. Create a vertical line with a buttoned shirt apparel

Buttoned shirt dresses that finish only in a higher place or on elevation of the knee will create a nice vertical line as well.

Most wrap dresses work really well for petites also.

The shirt dress below could be worn on its ain, as a tunic over skinny pants or leggings or y'all could wear it unbuttoned as a sleeveless belong.

Caslon utility shirtdress

11. Create vertical lines in your outfit

You don't necessarily need to characteristic vertical lines as a print such as a stripe to have vertical lines in your outfit.

Create nice vertical lines with open direct jackets and cardigans.

A great look is to have a cardigan or jacket the same length as your apparel.

Long direct cardigans or sleeveless vests are perfect for petites!

Abi @stealmystyle40 above wears a cardigan with stripes that creates fantastic vertical lines as the pattern literally points up and down.

Get her expect with this similar tee, cardigan, leggings, sneakers, sunglasses, and accessorize with this tote from Saint Laurent.

Fabricated by Johnny open front long cardigan

12. avoid double breasted

As a full general rule, avoid a double breasted mode, as these will add width rather than length. Instead, cull a slimline single-breasted blazer.

NYDJ ponte blazer

13. Create vertical lines with a sleeveless belong

I added one of my own outfits. Even though I'1000 not petite this could have been worn by a petite woman.

The column of color (the blackness) creates a lengthening vertical line for the red vest.

Check out this similar long red belong (another option here), harem one-piece, booties, tote, necklace and sunglasses.

Beneath, you can come across a similar long vest from Amazon, which comes in a multifariousness of colors.

Meaneor sleeveless cardigan

14. Wearable V-LINE TOPS TO Farther ELONGATE YOUR LOOK

These open upwards the neck line and create additional vertical lines.

MBJ Five-neck wrap front drapery dolman top

15. avoid contrasting tops

Avoid wearing tops which are in very different colors to your skirt or pants.

This will draw more than attention to the fact that your upper body is nigh the aforementioned length as your lower trunk.

16. Make sure that your tops terminate at the hipline or above

Longer tops may cutting you lot in one-half and you volition not achieve the gilt ratio or rule of thirds (run across above). They will likewise brand your legs appear fifty-fifty shorter.

Nevertheless, y'all can article of clothing longer tunics over skinny pants or leggings. make certain they are near 2/3 from shoulder to shoe.

17. Pay attention to kick length

Cull boots that terminate just below the knee and avoid boots that cease on the mid part of your shins.

Nosotros already discussed the importance of creating a great silhouette and paying attention to the rule of thirds. Here are a few more tips.

For more tips also see our article on how to look taller and slimmer.

DREAM PAIRS articulatio genus high suede kicking

18. Encompass high waisted pants and skirts

High waist pants paired with heels work together to create a long vertical image. Worn with a brusque top, the outfit creates the illusion of pinnacle.

They will make your legs appear longer. Wide pants with tucked in tops work really well. If you can't constrict in your meridian because you desire to hide your belly consider getting an asymmetrical top.

Sharryn @thestylishwoman above (read her style interview here) chooses perfectly proportioned high-leg pants.

Steal her await with this similar top, cardigan, pants, sandals, chugalug, beret, earrings and sunglasses.

Freeprance paper bag trousers

19. Exist careful with cropped PANTS

Avoid short trousers and pants that stop at the ankle. Best to wear pants with direct pipes or wide legged ones with heels, preferably high-waisted.

If you do vesture cropped pants be certain to wear a shorter top to requite you a squeamish 2/3 – 1/three silhouette.

To read more well-nigh the rule of thirds, check out our commodity on how to wearable cropped pants.

20. get a good bra

You want to create equally much infinite between your waist and your bust line every bit possible. Choose a good, supportive bra.

Maidenform I Fab fit full coverageT-shirt bra

21. Be Careful With Tucking Pants Into Your Boots

All-time not to tuck in your pants into your boots as it will break upward the lengthening line. Or keep the rest of the outfit in the aforementioned color as that will create a two/3 – ii/iii effect.

You tin also select the boots in the same color as your pants to make your legs look longer.

22. Choose the right size for tops and bottoms

Your size is non necessarily 'petite' top and bottom, so you may need a bigger size on top or vice versa. Making sure you opt for the correct sizes for your shape will give you a balanced look.

Wendy @fashionoverfifty.wendy above opts for a voluminous summit and class-plumbing equipment brim. The v-cervix, high-waist, vertical line created by the side split, nude colored shoes and well-proportioned accessories are all flattering options if you are petite.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress, sandals, clutch, earrings and sunglasses.

23. avoid boxiness

You want to create fluid lines in your looks and create a 1/3 – ii/3 silhouette whenever possible.

24. Test what the right belt width is for yous

Belts are frequently best kept narrow, unless yous belt them very high upward your waist, or they are the same color equally your pants.

LEACOOLKEY skinny leather belts

25. Fit is everything!

If you can't detect clothes that fit properly, notice a good tailor.

You may also like: how to fit a blazer.

A petite capsule wardrobe

Now let's take a look at how to put together outfits if you're petite, with all the best options to choose.

petite tops

When looking for tops, anything with vertical stripes or a 5-cervix will help to elongate your figure. You tin can also await at showing off your waistline with a cinched in waist as this will make your legs wait longer.

Nordstrom stripe silk blouse – Karen Millen tiger shirt – NINEXIS wrap surplice top – Open Edit waist particular top

sweaters and cardigans

As the conditions gets colder, you'll definitely want to add together a few warm sweaters to your petite capsule. As with your tops, 5-necks can help elongate your figure. Another option is to choose shorter or crop styles and wewar with loftier waist pants to make your legs look longer.

Or, you could wait out for long line cardigans. Article of clothing these open to create an elongating column event.

JJ Perfection V-cervix sweater – YEMAK cropped cardigan – LL sleeveless cardigan – MBJ open up front long cardigan

coats and jackets

Keep your coats in proportion to your figure. Shorter styles worn with loftier waisted pants and jeans volition look good on you. Or, cinch your waist to ensure your coats don't overwhelm yous. As with the remainder of your outfit, vertical lines will look good.

Karen Millen quilted biker jacket – Beninos boyfriend blazer – Karen Millen tipped detail coat – Karen Millen wool blend coat

bottoms

When it comes to your bottoms, choosing the correct length is key. If you lot opt for bootleg or wider pant styles, you tin wear heels underneath them and make your legs look super long.

Vertical stripes will also elongate your figure. For your skirts, make certain you choose a length that sits where it should. If the brim should be articulatio genus-length, that's where information technology should be. You may need to look for petite brands or try a few different brands to detect the ones that fit best on your figure.

Hudson Jeans bootcut jeans – Spanx flare pants – GRACE KARIN striped pants – GRACE KARIN pencil skirt

dresses

Dresses look groovy on petites equally they are i column of color and they don't intermission upwardly your figure. Choose well-fitting, belted styles. If yous want to endeavour a pattern, endeavor a subtle ane that won't overwhelm your petite figure.

GRACE KARIN pencil wearing apparel – Karen Millen denim belted apparel – Karen Millen pleated midi dress – Nordstrom Signature button front silk dress

shoes

Of class, you tin cull any shoes you dear. Just if yous want to add some height, yous could effort a small heel or a wedge. Another play a trick on is to choose pointed toes equally they make your legs look longer without having to clothing super high heels.

DREAM PAIRS suede pump – Louise et Cie pointed toe bootie – Kenneth Cole New York knee high kicking – Athlefit wedge platform sneakers

accessories

When it comes to your accessories, don't choose annihilation too big that will look large against your petite frame. If you desire to, you could add a petty height with a hat.

Kate Spade New York leather crossbody bag – Tory Burch small leather tote – Kendra Scott tassel necklace – Petit Moments drop earrings – Lanzom wide skirt fedora

Putting together your petite capsule

Take a await below at more inspiration for flattering outfits for you lot if you are petite.

Read our ultimate guide to creating a sheathing wardrobe that works best for you.

Store the items in a higher place hither:

More petite inspiration

The below capsule, while past flavour, should give you actress inspiration if you alive in warmer climes.

Famous petite women looking gorgeous

If you always felt that being shorter than average stands in your style of looking absolutely fabulous, think again!

Hither are some very famous and fabulous women under 1.65m (5'4") looking stunning. I chose these women for their style and their choice of dressing that in many cases follow the guidelines above.

These women tend to apparel to appear longer. If y'all similar to see bang-up style by women that are fifty-fifty shorter, have a look at the list of celebrities under one.60 listed below.

Madonna

Madonna is a spectacular woman (over lx already) short on height. She is 5'iii" (1.63  meters) high.

She increasingly favors tight dresses just below the knee which she has no problem pulling off with her svelte effigy. Y'all tin can also see that she wears heels nether her wide-legged pants, likewise as wearing shoes in the same color as her skirt.

Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham measures 1.63 (5'3") meters.

To a higher place are some perfect examples of how to clothes for lengthening. High-waisted pants, a tight fit, heels and 1-color dresses.

She goes quite wide with the shoulder on the reddish clothes, which can be risky, but gets away with it, as she combines it with a v-neck and a very lean silhouette for the bottom part. I love all these looks.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker is five'two.75" (1.59 meters) and has actually embraced the high heel shoes as her weapon of pick to appear longer.

Now 55, she increasingly uses mid-length dresses which I think accommodate her the best. In the first await, she took a risk with the slightly oversized coat, but she has added heels to elongate her figure.

Her floral apparel fits her vertical body shape perfectly, drawing in at her natural waist, while her gray dress and blazer create vertical lines.

Other celebrities beneath 1.lx

For more inspiration on how to dress your brusk physique, cheque out other celebrities who measure out under one.60:

• Mary Kate Olsen who is 5'0″ (152 cm),
• Rachel Bilson who is 5'1.5″ (156 cm),
• Hayden Panettiere who is 5'0.25″ (153 cm),
• Nicole Richie who is 5'1″ (155 cm),
• Kristen Bell who is 5'1″ (155 cm),
• Shakira who is v'two″ (155 cm),
• Eva Longoria who is virtually 5'2″ (153 cm),
• Fergie, who is five'1.75″ (157 cm) and A
• lyssa Milano, who is about 5'1.5″ (156 cm).

Petite article of clothing stores: Where to store when you lot are petite?

Many shops now have special sections for petites. Hither are just a few.

• Nordstrom: one of the best online shops with multiple brands has a special section for petites
• Eileen Fisher: high quality fabrics and  not bad design
• Loft: comfortable and affordable wear
• Banana Commonwealth: skillful quality article of clothing that covers all basics
• Eddie Bauer: offers great outdoor wear
• Marks and Spencer: Timeless classics
• Boden: An all-encompassing petite collection

More outfit examples

I promise these guidelines volition be useful to you. Retrieve though that they are not written in rock.

I feel that petites tin can wear almost anything so long as y'all create the right residue within your outfit and create a great silhouette.

If you are petite and have some tips that I did not cover here, please let me know in the comments below!

Continue reading:

1. How To Await Taller And Slimmer
2. How To Choose The Perfect Piffling Black Dress For Your Body Type
3. How To Dress When You Are Alpine And Where To Buy The Best Clothes For Alpine Women

Like this postal service on how to dress when you are petite? Share it on Pinterest!

Characteristic image by Shauna @chicover50

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