Clothing labeled as petite is cut with that proportion in mind. Compared to standard items, you’ll often find narrower shoulders and shorter inseams. So whether you’re a size 00 or a size 16, if you’re shorter, the petite section is worth a look. With that in mind, BuzzFeed Life turned to bloggers Jean Wang of Extra Petite, Kelly Tucker of Alterations Needed, and New York City-based stylist Cindy Gordon, for their best tips and tricks on nailing shorter style.
1. For bustier petites, balance is key. “Fuller petite body types can vary, but overall, celebrating shape is important,” Gordon told BuzzFeed Life. “For big-busted petites, empire waists are great since they nip you in beneath the bustline.” Or, try a fitted top paired with a high-low skirt. This way you’ve got a fitted base with an outer layer to balance — all without sacrificing shape. 2. Smaller frame? Depending on the brand, don’t overlook kids’ sizes. Smaller frame? Depending on the brand, don't overlook kids' sizes. Sizing doesn’t always make sense, even with retailers that have specific lines for petites. So when shopping, don’t look at sizing tags, look at measurements. With some brands, the larger kids sizes are interchangeable with the smaller petite sizes — and they often cost less too. More here. This can also apply to standard sizes: This can also apply to standard sizes: Think about functionality, too. “I love cropped tops in regular sizing which work perfectly as not-too-long tops on petites,” Wang said. “I also look for items that look like higher empire-style waists on the models, since those tend to fit like regular dresses on petites.” Both have the classic boot shape with rubber ridged soles and decorative (not functional) buckle on the side. Both boots bend, but the Tour is more pliable since they're designed to fold in half or roll up more easily. In my opinion though they are in no way flimsy and the soles are still durable in feel. The heel on the Tour is more defined in shape and marginally (maybe 1/4") higher than the kids which I like. The kids actually looks pretty truncating on me in these photo against pale legs, but I promise they look more flattering with black tights or dark denim, like in this older pic:
4. Use layers to fake a perfect fit.
If an item is fine in some spots but too big in others, use layers to strategically cover the latter. Whatever your reasons, I’m betting most women have these in their closet, with excuses ranging from the ones I mentioned, to weight fluctuations, sale goggles, and “I’d go broke if I altered everything I bought” (If you’re as petite as I am, this is a real consideration).
Depending on how you style these items, you might be able to get away with wearing them without obviously looking like you’re wearing something that doesn’t fit. Here’s a few tricks I use to help “fake fit” on items that are just a bit off-fitting on me. I’ll start with one of my wardrobe favorites, and a notoriously hard-to-fit item for smaller petites such as myself…shoulders on blazers and jackets.
I want to come all over that sexy blonde's black dress
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