If you are among the many women who are short or petite, i.e., below the average height of 1.65 m (5’4”), then you’re probably struggling with shopping and creating the outfits that will do your gorgeous body justice. If you’re short in height, you will most likely want to create a flattering silhouette, avoid boxiness and appear longer. Although body standards are mostly unfair to petite women, there are plenty of clothing options which will bring out the best in you. Read the guidelines below and learn what clothing pieces will flatter your adorable petite frame!
1. High-rise Jeans
The best way to make your legs appear longer, and thus your whole figure slimmer and taller, is to wear a high-waisted pencil skirt or, even better, a pair of amazing high-rise jeans. Whatever your cup of tea is, boyfriend jeans, mom fit, distressed denim, etc. – just make sure they’re high-waisted. It will visually stretch your lower body and to make it seem longer. For even better effect and an enviably lean silhouette, go for dark wash high-rise cut.
2. Clear Heels
Most short women love wearing heels for very obvious reasons. They’re feminine, sexy and make your legs look longer. Another trick a lot of petite celebrities are fond of is using the contemporary trend of clear or lace-up heels. Modern clear heels create the illusion of wearing flats and looking naturally slim and tall, while lace-up beauties, if done properly (to the right height of the calf), visibly elongate your legs and look stylish too. Although it’s the most direct way to gain height, do not go overboard with heels – if they’re too high, they’ll only make you look out of proportion or even cause injury (read: stilettos are unhealthy).
3. Rompers
Rompers have been with us for years now and luckily, they don’t seem to be leaving anytime soon. It’s an amazing one-piece ready outfit, both stylish and casual and can be combined with almost any shoe. However, it’s important to choose the right fit so you don’t end up looking like a 10-year-old boy playing mechanics with his dad. For short women, the trick is to wear rompers with vertical patterns and a belt around your waist – this way, you’ll elongate your figure and accentuate your tiny waist.
4. Wrap Maxi Dresses
Although petite women have the biggest issue with finding the right pair of bottoms, choosing a dress can be tricky as well. In a regular size department, you will find a mini dress which will be over your knee and a regular waisted dress might become drop waisted on you. This is because such models are cut for women of average height. The good news is that wrap maxi dresses are everywhere this season and are just the right cut for pint-sized beauties. And if you have no waistline, for example, if you have an apple or rectangle body shape, the wrap will define your waistline and create the illusion of the desired hourglass figure. Office meetings, cocktails after hours, date nights or brunches, you can’t go wrong with a lovely wrap dress. It’s chic, appropriate and flattering – so wait no more and check out dress stores online to pick your faves.
6. Crop Tops
And finally, everyone’s favorite summer trend – crop tops! They’re both trendy and retro and they are available in literally any fashion store in all sorts of designs, colors and patterns. High-waisted bottoms and a crop top combination is super-flattering and helps elongate the legs. Moreover, it’s an easy and safe option for any occasion on hot summer nights.
6. Ankle-length Boots
Stunning ankle boots everyone’s in love with can present a fashion challenge for petite women because there’s a chance they’ll make you look even shorter. However, if you choose one of the models with features which flatter your height, such as a pointed toes, a V-shaped vamp or a slender heel, the booties will no longer be a forbidden fashion fruit for you. Pair them with skinny jeans or a short dress with dark tights for an extra slim appearance.
When you’re short, shopping for clothes can sometimes be a bit of a battle. What’s most important is to remind yourself on a daily basis that beauty and body standards mean nothing and that you’re beautiful regardless of your size. However, as we all always wish for things which we don’t have, petite women often feel the need to appear taller, longer and leaner. Embrace your natural body type and, with the help of the tips above, let your fashion choices do the job for you.
