Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
PureWow
10 Items Every Woman under 5'4" Needs in Her Wardrobe, According to a Stylist
By Dana Dickey,
1 day ago
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here .
As a shortie, I’m constantly tweaking all the trends for my figure. I follow my favorite small-stature celebs (love you lots, Florence Pugh !) to see how they are rocking the latest looks, but since I don’t have Pierpaolo Piccioli on speed dial I can’t depend on getting everything tailored to my bod’s particular long-waisted, big-bootied proportions. However—I do have access to a stylist! Angela Foster is a Ft. Lauderdale-based wardrobe consultant who specializes in short women’s style, so I asked her for what I should have to create petites capsule collection of my own. The 10 items she recommended are now ready to go in my closet, and will dependably take me through everything from business casual to vacation chic, all without making me took like I’m swimming in fabric or wearing my dad’s jacket. Here are my shoppable recommendations, based on Foster’s insider guidance and expertise, for what every woman under 5’4” should buy now and forever.
“If given a choice between V-neck or any other neckline, go with the V every time.” Foster says. “The airiness combined with the 'arrow' shape helps petites create the illusion of length.”
Foster advises clients to take advantage of the varied crop-top styles available this season. “They’re a blessing for petites—they hit many of us (especially short-waisted petites) in the exact right spot (at the hipbones or slightly above) without flashing a ton of midriff like they would on tall chicks,” she says.
“A long slip skirt is an amazing option for Petites. The lightweight material is incredibly flattering and the style is ridiculously versatile: work, weekends, date nights, etcetera,” Foster says. The stylist likes the way the skirt is elegantly covered-up without adding too much bulk to a small-framed woman.
“When it comes to skirts and dresses, petites should go short or long and avoid anything in between,” the stylist says. “A style that hits around the knee visually chops our vertical line and makes us look shorter. Minis are super popular this summer and fall…if you’re wondering about the ideal length, it helps to remember that the most flattering length is when the hem hits just underneath the widest part of the thigh.”
“Maxi pencil skirts are an on-trend style that works magic on short girls, elongating the appearance of the legs without adding gobs of extraneous material like oversized styles or full pleated skirts,” Foster says.
“Wide-length pants are all anyone’s talking about this season. And yes, some petites can pull them off—for example: women with a more voluptuous bust paired with slim hips and thighs,” Foster says. For petites with a different body shape, Foster recommends choosing a straight-leg option.
“Joggers are everywhere, and petites around the world rejoice,” Foster says. The stylist thinks of them as the updated version of skinny jeans, which she says are “a universally flattering style for petites—especially curvy petites. And you can wear them without all the negative chatter about the style being dead, like skinny jeans.”
“Capris are a popular item in stores because of the resurgence of ‘90s fashion. As with skirts, petites should avoid ones that stop right at the knee. Instead, look for a traditional biker short length (mid-thigh) or a version that hits at the mid-calf or below,” Foster says. For more, check out one petite PureWow editor's exploration into capris-for-petites .
“Shoes are one of the easiest ways to turn an ensemble instantly flattering. Look for a pointed toe, regardless of the heel height, for the appearance of lengthening the leg,” Foster says. But whatever you do, remember to avoid any style with ankle straps, Foster advises, “especially super-thick ones or ones in a color that contrasts your skin tone.” And finally, avoid any style with ankle straps (especially super thick ones or ones in a color that contrasts your skin tone) is always best.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Most Popular
Comments / 0