How to Dress if You Are a Petite or a Short Woman

Most short girls out there would probably agree with me when I say that I have a love-hate relationship with standing below 5’3. There are days when I feel like being cute, but most of the time, I wish I was taller.

Aside from reaching the top of the shelf, another struggle when you’re petite is shopping for the right clothes. Although we have already accepted the fact that we’re never going to grow taller, we often want to make it possible even if it is by simply creating an illusion.

“The way you dress is an expression of your personality – Vivotion,” which means dressing to look taller isn’t bad. In fact, it can boost self-esteem. However, there are a few things to remember if you want to appear a few inches longer in your clothes.

Being petite comes in all shapes and sizes, so you don’t have to worry about being slim or not. These guidelines will help you create an illusion of being taller while still looking good in your outfit!

Stick to High-Waist

If you’ve been avoiding anything high-waisted bottoms, now is the time to become friends with them because they’re a must in any petite girl’s wardrobe.

High-waist bottoms can give the illusion of an elongated body – making you look taller. It doesn’t matter if you choose jeans, shorts, or skirts. As long you tuck in your blouse or wear a cropped top, your waist will be emphasised, creating a taller figure.

Always Cuff Long Sleeves

Long-sleeves aren’t the most flattering for petite girls. They can make you look like you’re drowning in cloth, and you’ll end up appearing even smaller.

But don’t worry, the simple solution to this problem is to cuff the sleeves and tuck them in. This will show off some skin whilst highlighting your shape instead of your height.

Choose Vertical Stripes

Wearing clothes with vertical stripes to make you look tall is probably the longest-known trick to man. It is no secret that these long lines that draw the eyes up and down, making your body look longer.

Plus, vertical stripes never go out of style so you can wear them all year round. So the next time you go shopping, make sure to choose some cute clothes with vertical stripes!

Avoid Thick Belts

If you plan to wear a belt to complete your outfit, make sure it’s a narrow one. Just like high-waisted bottoms, skinny belts also define your natural waist, therefore elongating your figure.

Just make sure to avoid thick belts as they tend to make you look shorter, and they can overpower your entire outfit.

But if you still think that a narrow belt makes you look like you’re being cut in half, go for one that has the same colour as your outfit so that it doesn’t stand out as much.

Wear v-Necks

Tops that have plunging “V” necklines are another staple in every petite girl’s wardrobe. This is because a “V-neck” opens up the chest and elongates the neck, which therefore gives the illusion of a longer torso.

A Crew neck top, on the contrary, may make others eyes look side to side so you’ll look wider.

Stick to a Monochromatic Look or Keep Tones Similar

Aside from making heads turn, wearing an outfit that features different colours can cut your body in portions, making you look smaller and wider.

When choosing the perfect OOTD (Outfit of the Day,) make sure to stick to one colour family from head to toe, so you’ll appear taller. The reason behind this is because using colour is one of the most effective techniques to create an illusion of height.

However, if you find a monochromatic look boring, you can also match outfits of slightly different tones. But we suggest ensuring they are still almost similar in colour. Just remember that when it comes to colours, always keep it simple.

You Can Never Go Wrong With All Black

Now if you’re scared of going for a monochromatic look to appear taller, here’s the ultimate trick: Wear all black.

Wearing black clothes and shoes is a simple yet sophisticated outfit that any short girl can pull off. By wearing only one colour from head to toe, you won’t be breaking your body in proportions. As a result, you’ll look taller than ever.

Maxis Aren’t Petite-Friendly

It can be tempting to wear a flowy maxi skirt especially during summer, but take note that if you’re petite, it’s NOT for you.

This can be bad news, but we have to accept it. Instead of looking at the selection of maxis, visit the A-line mini skirt or pencil skirt section as those would look better on your frame. Instead of hiding your legs under a maxi skirt, flaunt them while wearing a mini skirt and a cute top!

Take Your Wide-Leg Trousers to the Floor

While maxi skirts should be avoided, high-waisted wide-leg trousers are widely acceptable for petite women. However, if you opt to wear one, make sure that they touch the floor in order to make your legs look longer than they actually are.

In addition, this trick can also cover the 5-inch heels you’re wearing beneath your trousers.

Small Heels Also Work

If you can’t bear wearing high heels all day, here’s the good news: Shoes with small heels are also effective. Aside from saving you from accidentally tripping over, wearing small heels are also, without a doubt, more comfortable and less awkward to wear.

Although they may only add a few inches to your height, they can still make you look taller than you actually are.

Wear Pointy Pairs

But of course, most of us don’t like the sound of wearing heels every day just to make us look tall.

Therefore, as an alternative, petite gals can opt for a pair of shows with pointed toes. This type of shoe will add length to your leg line, and you know what that means.

Keep Your Bag Small

Aside from your outfit, accessories can also affect the illusion of height. That’s why you have to keep your accessories proportioned to your body. For petite girls, that means you should pick small accessories, including your bag.

You need to leave all unnecessary things behind and just bring with you a small bag. It could be a cross-body bag, clutch, or a shoulder bag. Just make sure that it’s not wider than your body size.

So, How To Dress If You Are A Petite Or A Short Woman?

Well, in Short We Have These Style Tips for You, as a Short or Petite Person: 

Stick to high-waist, always cuff long sleeves, choose vertical stripes, avoid thick belts, wear v-necks, stick to a monochromatic look or keep tones similar, go with all black, don’t go with maxis, take your wide-leg trousers to the floor, small heels also work, wear pointy pairs, keep your bag small.