Working as a stylist in a small boutique with petite offerings, I am surprised to learn that many women do not realize they are petite and are shopping in “regular” sized clothing. The most common reason is that many women believe that to be “petite,” you must be small and thin. However, weight is not a factor and Petites come in all shapes and sizes.
The question to ask yourself is, “are you under 5.4”? If you are, then technically, you are petite. That doesn’t necessarily mean you can only wear petite size clothing, but it is certainly worth factoring this in to make sure you are getting the best fit.
Create balanced proportion in your outfits
A key goal for petite women is to appear taller and create longer-looking legs. A great way to do this is by wearing high-waisted pants. However, it is also important to create balanced proportions. As a rule of thumb, you never want to cut your body in half by wearing a bottom and top that hits at the halfway point. This is often at the widest part of the hip area and not a great look for any woman. The rule of thumb in fashion design is a 2/3 1/3 ratio or vice versa. For example, pair high-waisted jeans with a cropped top (2/3=bottom,1/3=top) or do a partial or full front tuck.
Petite clothing designed for the petite body!
Petites come in all shapes and sizes, and clothing designed for petite women comes in standard and sizes. has shorter sleeve lengths and shorter in-seams. Tops, sweaters, and jackets that fall at the high hip provide the illusion of longer legs!
Shop petite clothing stores
Shopping for petite clothing can be frustrating and challenging! I do not find the best selections at the larger department stores like Nordstrom or Macy’s. The stores that offer some of the best petite selections from 00 to plus size include all flavors of Ann Taylor (The Loft, The Loft Outlet), Banana Republic Factory, Talbots (0 – Plus), White House Black Market.
Don’t like shopping, I love to shop; let me be your personal stylist and shopper!
Factor in your body shape
Regardless if you are a “regular” or a “petite,” all women come in the same shapes and sizes. Knowing and understanding how to dress for your body shape is critical. Not sure what your body shape is check out Discover your body shape!
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