If you are petite, like me, you know it can be hard to find clothes that fit correctly, let alone clothes that also flatter your figure. Simply understanding what styles are flattering on a petite body type can make shopping a little easier and, ultimately, help you feel more comfortable and confident in the clothes that you wear. Knowing what styles to avoid is equally as important. Below are eight styles that are well-suited for petites, along with styles that should be avoided.
Cropped Tops (seek cropped, avoid tunics)
I don’t wear crop tops like they’re advertised or intended to be worn with the mid-section showing (not an area I feel comfortable flaunting), but I’ve found that crop tops fit me more like regular tops. If regular-sized tops are too long on you, you might give crop tops a try.
Tunics are longer tops, and usually flowy, that tend to swallow a petite figure. However, I think petites can make tunics work if not too long or baggy and paired with the right bottoms, like skinny pants or leggings. Tunics with thin, vertical stripes are even better as the vertical stripes will help create the illusion of height.
Wrap Dresses (seek wrap dresses, avoid shirtdress)
Wrap dresses are flattering on all body types, but especially petites, because they cinch the waistline and highlight curves- or create curves for those with straight and narrow figures.
Tailored Layering/Suit Separates (seek tailored layering, avoid oversized layers)
A cropped blazer that hits at your waist will visually elongate your legs. Oversized jackets and blazers tend to hit far below the waist chopping off a portion of your legs and making them appear shorter.
Vertical Stripes (seek vertical stripes, avoid horizontal stripes)
If you’re petite, it’s important to put the focus on your “vertical line” to create the illusion of a taller height. Vertical stripes- ideally thin, vertical stripes- elongate your figure, while horizontal stripes can make you look wide. Diagonal lines are also a great alternative to horizontal stripes.
Corset and Structured Tops (seek structure, avoid boxy)
Structured tops accentuate your figure, while boxy tops can disguise your shape.
Straight & Skinny Denim (seek straight-leg denim, avoid loose-fitting denim)
Straight-leg and skinny jeans hug and elongate the legs. They make you appear taller by making your hips look narrower and legs look slimmer.
Mini Skirts (seek mini skirts, avoid midi skirts)
Midi skirts can “cut off” your legs making you appear shorter than you actually are. They tend to be too long, hitting closer to the ankles instead of where they’re supposed to lay (just past the knees or near the widest part of your calves). As a petite, it’s much easier to find a well-fitting mini skirt than a midi skirt. Since they’re designed to be short, you rarely have to worry about them being too long in length.
Ankle Boots (seek ankle boots, avoid mid-calf boots)
Ankle boots help elongate your legs, while mid-calf boots cut off your legs ruining the illusion of height. It’s important to also seek ankle boots that match the color of your pants. This also helps elongate the legs and eliminate the horizontal line that’s created by contrasting colors.
