Being a petite woman can present unique challenges when it comes to finding the right clothes to flatter your body. From finding the perfect fit for your height to choosing the right prints and colors, dressing a petite frame can be a tricky task. However, with the right tips and tricks, it's possible to create a wardrobe that not only fits perfectly but also looks stylish and on-trend.
In this ultimate guide, we'll share our top style tips for petite women. Whether you're looking to elongate your legs, create a balanced silhouette, or simply find clothes that fit just right, we've got you covered. From choosing the right fabrics to accessorizing strategically, these tips will help you feel confident and stylish no matter your height.
So whether you're headed to the office, out for a night on the town, or just running errands, follow these style tips to elevate your look and feel your best every day.
Determine Your Proportion
Measure Your Body
It's crucial to know your body measurements to determine your proportion. Use a measuring tape to measure your bust, waist, and hips. Also, measure your inseam if you plan to buy pants or jeans.
Identify Your Body Shape
Once you know your measurements, identify your body shape. Petite women can have various body shapes, including pear, apple, hourglass, and rectangle. Knowing your body shape will help you choose the right clothing and create a balanced look.
- Pear-shaped women have a smaller upper body and wider hips and thighs.
- Apple-shaped women carry more weight around their midsection.
- Hourglass-shaped women have a well-defined waist and equally proportioned bust and hips.
- Rectangle-shaped women have a straight figure with little waist definition.
Dress for Your Proportion
Once you know your body shape, choose clothing that flatters your proportions. For example, if you have a pear-shaped body, choose A-line skirts and tops that accentuate your waist. For apple-shaped bodies, opt for tops that lengthen your upper body and create a more defined waist. Hourglass-shaped women can wear clothing that highlights their curves, and rectangle-shaped women can add volume to their upper body with layered tops or statement jewelry.
Choosing the Right Patterns and Prints
Stick to Smaller Prints
Petite women should avoid large prints that overpower their smaller frames. Instead, opt for smaller prints that are proportionate to your size. Tiny florals, graphic patterns, and pinstripes are great options that won't overwhelm your figure.
Vertical Stripes are Your Friend
Vertical stripes create the illusion of a longer and leaner body, making them a perfect choice for petite women. Whether it's a print on a blouse or a striped dress, these classic lines elongate your silhouette.
Avoid Bold and Busy Prints
Bold and busy prints can be overwhelming and make you appear smaller than you actually are. If you love a particular bold print, try incorporating it into a statement accessory like a scarf or handbag. When it comes to clothing, stick to simpler prints and patterns to avoid being overwhelmed.
Think About Proportion
When choosing prints, it's important to think about proportion. Large prints on a small body can be overwhelming, but tiny prints on a larger frame can make you appear even bigger. Consider your body shape and size when choosing the right size pattern for you. A general rule is to choose prints that are similar in size to your facial features, like polka dots the size of your thumbprint.
Picking the Right Colors for Your Outfit
Consider Your Skin Tone
When choosing colors for your outfit, it's important to consider your skin tone. If you have a warm skin tone, try wearing clothes with warm colors like orange, yellow, and red. For cool skin tones, try wearing blues, greens, and purples.
Understand Color Combinations
Colors can be combined in many ways to create different effects. Some classic color combinations include black and white, navy and white, and beige and gold. Consider experimenting with different color combinations to find what works best for you.
Avoid Clashing Colors
While experimenting with color combinations is important, it's also important to avoid clashing colors in your outfit. For example, don't wear a red top with green pants. Stick to colors that complement each other to create a cohesive outfit.
- Black and white
- Blue and red
- Pink and gray
Accessorize with Color
If you're not comfortable wearing bold colors, try adding pops of color with your accessories. For example, you could wear a neutral outfit and add a bright scarf or a statement necklace to add some color to your look.
Consider the Occasion
Finally, consider the occasion when choosing colors for your outfit. For a formal event, it's best to stick to classic colors like black, navy, and gray. For a more casual event, you can experiment with brighter colors and bolder patterns.
The Right Clothing Styles for Petite Women
1. High-Waisted Bottoms
High-waisted bottoms are a great clothing style for petite women because they elongate the legs and create the illusion of height. These bottoms can come in the form of pants, jeans, skirts, shorts or even swimsuits. They should sit at your natural waist to create the best effect.
2. Vertical Stripes
Vertical stripes are another great clothing style for petite women that elongate the body. You can wear them in the form of dresses, blouses, tops, or even pants. Avoid horizontal stripes as they can make you look wider and shorter.
3. Fitted Clothes
Wearing fitted clothes is important for petite women as oversized or baggy clothes can make you look shorter and wider. Tight clothes aren't recommended either, so choose pieces that have a snug fit without being too tight. This can include blazers, tops, dresses, and pants.
4. Monochromatic Looks
Wearing a monochromatic look helps elongate the body too, as it creates a continuous flow of color and makes you appear taller. Try wearing shades of the same color in different pieces, such as a black blouse and pants, or a navy skirt and top.
5. V-Necklines
V-necklines are another great style for petite women because they elongate the neck and create an overall slimming effect. This can be in the form of blouses, dresses, or even cardigans.
Overall, finding the right clothing styles for petite women can be a challenge. But with these tips, you can create a wardrobe that not only flatters your body but also enhances your personal style.
Accessories That Complement Your Outfit
Jewelry
When it comes to jewelry, petite women should stick to small and delicate pieces. Large and dramatic jewelry can easily overwhelm their small frames and make them look shorter than they really are. Dainty necklaces, small hoop earrings, and delicate bracelets are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any outfit.
Also, consider the proportion of the jewelry in relation to your body. For example, if you have a small face, choose small earrings instead of big statement ones. If you have a petite frame, avoid chunky necklaces and opt for delicate chains and pendants instead.
Bags
When it comes to bags, petite women should avoid overly large bags that can overpower their small frames. Instead, opt for smaller bags like crossbody bags, clutches, or mini backpacks. These bags will not only complement your outfit but also help visually elongate your silhouette.
Avoid shoulder bags that fall below your hip as they can make you look shorter.Rather, choose a bag that falls at your hip or above to give the illusion of height.
Belts
Belts can be a great accessory for petite women to add definition to their waistline and create a more balanced silhouette. Opt for thin belts in a contrasting color to your outfit to make your waist appear more defined. If you’re wearing a dress, wearing a belt high on your waist will create the illusion of longer legs.
Just remember to avoid wide belts that can cut off your torso and make you look shorter than you are.
