As a group with a number of editors and contributors beneath 5’4”, we consider that good issues can are available small packages. Verify again for our go-to locations and styling recommendation on petite denim, outerwear, and a lot extra.

As somebody who has been fascinated by vogue since I used to be younger, I dreamed of donning the flowery seems to be that fashions wore strolling down the runway. However being 5’0”, garments by no means match me the identical means. Many conventional mini skirts and clothes fall nearer to knee-length, tank prime straps are too lengthy, shirt proportions are all improper, and I’ll be hard-pressed to discover a pair of denims that I don’t have to get hemmed. Maintaining with the pattern cycle is a problem, as a result of until it’s an of-the-moment colour (butter yellow, I’m taking a look at you), many buzzy silhouettes don’t look the identical on my body as they do on many influencers and fashions. Whereas there are actually occasions that I want I have been only a few inches taller, I don’t let that cease me from making an attempt completely different types. 

Canonically, styling ideas for petites typically warning towards carrying numerous hemlines, patterns, and types that overwhelm their body or make them look “frumpy,” like maxi skirts, daring prints, and drop-waist clothes. And whereas proportions are indubitably a fragile steadiness for folks beneath 5’4”, I’ve realized that limiting my wardrobe based mostly on arbitrary “dos” and “don’ts” doesn’t serve me. 

I’m decided to quash the parable that petite folks can’t put on sure tendencies or clothes, and forward, you’ll be able to see how I styled three seems to be incorporating components that petites are sometimes discouraged from carrying. Every look proves that regardless of your peak, you’ll be able to look cool and really feel assured in no matter you put on. 

Outsized Blazer + Maxi Skirt 

Styling outsized objects may be difficult, particularly for petites, as a result of objects like an outsized blazer can generally make me really feel like I’m a child carrying my dad’s big go well with jacket at a marriage. The trick is to pair it with contrasting textures and completely different proportions to make it really feel much less chunky. I wore my thrifted blazer with a square-neck crop tank, a lace maxi skirt, and knee-high kitten-heel boots.

The size of the skirt pairs effectively with the blazer as a result of they each have lengthy strains, in order that they draw the attention down the physique, creating the phantasm of extra peak. Moreover, the highest’s lower-cut neckline and the skirt’s delicate, semi-sheer material add some dimension to steadiness the boxy blazer silhouette. I opted for tall boots with the skirt to usher in extra of the black colour, and completed it off with a gold-studded purse and mixed-metal jewellery. 

Horizontal Stripes + Blended Prints

Petite individuals are typically discouraged from carrying horizontal stripes as a result of they allegedly draw the attention back and forth quite than up and down — doubtlessly making you look shorter. The important thing to styling stripes is discovering some extent of commonality, which on this case is the crimson hue featured in each the polo shirt and the shorts.

Whereas the highest has thick horizontal stripes, the bottoms have slim vertical stripes, permitting the highest to face out, quite than having each prints vying for visible consideration and overwhelming my body. Proportionally, I’ve longer legs and a shorter torso, so the French-tucked prime additionally creates the phantasm of an extended higher physique. I opted for silver-tone jewellery and sneakers to make this look really feel slightly extra edgy and put-together, and a pair of funky crimson sun shades for an additional dose of the colourful colour.

Bermuda Shorts

Whereas traditionally, I’m not an enormous fan of shorts, I like the bermuda model a lot that my associates are most likely already sick of me carrying these each different day thus far this summer season. Placing collectively an outfit round these boyish shorts is pretty just like styling round a knee-length skirt since they fall across the similar place. A garment that falls at this size sometimes just isn’t suggested for somebody of my peak, however a pair of crew socks and my favourite Nike Air Rift sneakers assist elongate my legs and lengthen the gaze down.

I wished to experiment with carrying the dishevelled shorts with some extra delicate, female items, so I styled them with a gingham boatneck prime with some bow adornments on the shoulders, and my trusty Stand Oil child pink bag. For a completion, I added a bow bag allure, taking cues from the bows on the highest. 

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