14 things petite women should never wear, plus 16 they definitely should

Petite girls often face unique challenges when it comes to finding clothing that fits well and flatters their smaller frames. From excessively long hemlines to ill-fitting proportions, navigating the world of fashion can be frustrating for those on the shorter side. Limited options and alterations can add complexity, underscoring the need for a tailored approach to style for petite individuals.

Don’t put baggy with baggy

With petite individuals, it’s important to focus on lengthening vertically. When you wear an oversized top and bottom, it does the opposite and makes you look wider or lengthened horizontally. That’s not what petite individuals want, especially if they want to look taller.

What should you wear then? Keep reading!

DO wear tighter on top, if wearing baggy on bottom

Create a good balance with your clothes when you want to look taller as a petite woman. You can wear a tighter top paired with a looser bottom or the other way around.

Or baggy on top with tight on the bottom

When petite women opt for a looser top and tight bottom, it can create a more balanced and flattering silhouette. The looser top adds volume and proportion to the upper body. Paired with tight bottoms, this combination highlights the curves and elongates the legs, creating a sleek and well-proportioned look that enhances the petite figure.

Say ‘no’ to low-rise jeans. High-waisted jeans elongate.

The best way to elongate your petite figure is to use your legs. Wearing high-waisted jeans will make it appear that your legs start higher than they really are

No chunky shoes

Wearing chunky shoes, including wedges, heeled sneakers, or “Dad” shoes, makes you look the same: chunky or heavy. As petite women, we don’t want to look heavy when we want to look tall.

Wear nude heels or wedges to elongate

Instead, wear heels or nude shoes or shoes that match your skin tone. This will elongate your legs and balance your petite stature instead.

Avoid oversized handbags

Oversized handbags give the same effect as chunky shoes. It will overwhelm your petite frame and make you look frumpier and heavier than you actually look.

Small handbags are flattering

Small to medium-sized handbags are more proportionate to your petite figure. These bags complement your figure and make your look taller naturally.

Stay away from large patterns

Large patterns can be a great design but not for petite figures, especially when you want to draw attention away from a particular body part. Once that large print or pattern settles on that body part you want to to hide, all eyes will be drawn there.

Simple, smaller patterns are better

Opt for small, subtle patterns instead. They’re easier on the eyes and they can actually be used to highlight a body part you want to accentuate.

Pants that are too long

Wearing pants that are too long can overwhelm the proportions of petite women, causing them to appear shorter and potentially tripping over excess fabric.

Cropped pants elongate legs

Cropped pants fall perfectly on the ankles and make these the perfect length for petite women. This makes the pants versatile and can be worn with any type of shoes.

Watch out for seams in the wrong places

Certain body parts, which varies per woman, need to be emphasized to achieve the right look for a petite woman. You need to find the right tops that focus on the body part with the seams in the right places. Otherwise, you will look frumpy and sloppy.

Find seams that fit your shoulders and waist

Once you find the right clothes, where the seams fall exactly on the body part you want to highlight, will make you look more relaxed and casual. These are usually the shoulders, wrist, and waist. Sometimes, you’ll have to buy one size bigger to achieve this look but you’ll be happy you went that route.

Don’t get lost in oversized jackets

It’s very easy to get lost in oversized jackets or coats. Plus they do ruin your clothing intentions as well.

Roll your sleeves and cinch your waist

Don’t get lost in your oversized coat or jacket again when you do these two things. Roll up your sleeves so your wrists are visible. Cinch the waist part by using a thin belt. These two things can help you still be seen and not get lost.

Avoid shin-length skirts and dresses

Wearing skirts or dresses at this length cuts off your legs and doesn’t give you the length you need.

DO wear mini skirts

Petite women can enhance their proportions by opting for mini skirts, which elongate the legs and create the illusion of height. The shorter length helps to showcase their legs, adding a sense of length to their overall silhouette.

Or wear long skirts

Long skirts can be a flattering choice for petite women, as they elongate the silhouette and create a graceful, flowing look. Opting for high-waisted styles and to even further enhance the leg line, adding sophistication and height to the overall appearance.

Steer clear of short, fitted blazers

Petite women should avoid short, fitted blazers as they can truncate the torso, making them appear shorter. Additionally, these blazers may not provide enough coverage, resulting in an unbalanced look that detracts from the overall proportions.

Longer blazers work best

Petite women can elevate their style by opting for long blazers, which elongate the torso and create a streamlined silhouette. The extended length provides added coverage and sophistication, making it a flattering choice that enhances their proportions.

Half boots will make you look shorter

Petite women should avoid half boots as they can visually cut off the legs at an unflattering point, making them appear shorter.

Knee-high boots elongate

Knee-high boots are a stylish choice for petite women as they visually elongate the legs, creating a flattering and streamlined silhouette. Pairing knee-high boots with skirts or dresses can further accentuate the length of the legs, adding height and confidence to their overall look.

Or go for ankle-height shoes/boots

Ankle boots are a versatile staple for petite women, offering a sleek and proportionate footwear option that doesn’t overwhelm the frame. Their lower profile helps maintain the leg line, making them ideal for pairing with both casual and dressy outfits to accentuate the legs and provide a balanced silhouette.

Avoid chunky cable-knit sweaters

Petite women should avoid chunky cable-knit sweaters as they can overwhelm the frame and add unnecessary bulk, making them appear smaller.

Find smaller-patterned sweaters

These sweaters offer subtle visual interest while maintaining a sense of balance and refinement, enhancing the overall appearance of petite individuals.

No Bermuda shorts

Petite women should avoid Bermuda shorts as they can visually shorten the legs, creating an unbalanced silhouette.

Wear high-waisted short shorts instead

The higher rise visually lengthens the lower body, enhancing proportions and accentuating curves for a stylish and confident look.

Avoid busy patterns on pants

Petite women should avoid busy patterns on pants as they can overwhelm their frame and detract from their overall appearance.

Stay sleek and neutral

For petite women, sticking to sleek and neutral tones can create a polished and elongated silhouette. Choosing minimalist designs and muted colors ensures a sophisticated look that enhances their proportions without overwhelming their frame.

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Article Sources:

Elanda Kinda

Naomi Boyer

Audrey Coyne

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