Like me, you’re short, and that’s great—but sometimes finding the trends and pieces that work for our height can be tricky. While actual growth is out of the question, dressing is made easier by simply knowing what not to wear. If you’re wondering if your clothes don’t look right because you’re on the shorter side, it’s entirely possible that you’re just wearing the wrong trends.
From avoiding a particularly tricky print to knowing the right silhouettes to stock up on, dressing for your height comes down to a simple set of fashion tips, which is why we put together our edit of the best clothes for short women looking to embrace their stature. Keep reading to find out which fashion trends to avoid if you’re short, and shop our top picks for petite girls along the way.
A cropped style can help elongate any look and is an easy way to add on-trend dimension to your outfit. Pair it with your favorite high-waisted pants for an easy look that won’t seem baggy.
If you’re on the petite side, a shirtdress can easily swallow you up and make it look like you’re accidentally wearing an oversize style. Try a gathered or wrap dress instead to ensure that your look is falling just right.
A chic, well-tailored pantsuit looks good on any body type but especially on someone petite. A sleek blazer and suit pants are a great dressier option for someone with shorter legs.
Horizontal stripes typically give a widening illusion, while vertical stripes are elongating, so the latter is usually a go-to for shorter girls.
Structured tops are a guaranteed way to make sure you’re showing off your figure and not getting swallowed by oversize pieces.
Solid colors are often considered more flattering and give an overall statement look rather than loud prints that can overwhelm a small figure.
Don’t drown yourself in oversize denim. Instead, opt for a straight-leg fit that still gives the illusion of bagginess while remaining more formfitting.
Midi skirts can cut shorter legs in the wrong place. Opt instead for a miniskirt.
A smaller bag for a smaller person. It’s all about proportions.
A shorter hemline lends itself to the look of longer legs. Pairing it with some high heels only adds to that effect, if that’s what you’re going for.
Mid-calf or knee-high boots could cut your legs off in odd places. Try ankle boots instead so your legs aren’t as covered up.
A low cut vamp on pumps, mules, and flats elongates the legs and and is more flattering option than ankle strap sandals.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has been recently updated.
Up next, I’m 5-feet tall, and this is what’s on my current wish list.