Want to know how to style a Petite body type? – Adele Mitchell (2024)

Want to know how to style a Petite body type? – Adele Mitchell (1)

Want to know how to style a Petite body type? – Adele Mitchell (2)

Officially you are petite if you are 5’3″ and under. If you would like to know how to dress your petite body type read on.

Petite means you have a shorter scale but you still have the attributes of one or more of the 5 body shapes, hourglass, pear, strawberry, rectangle or apple.

The problems petite ladies find when buying clothes is sleeve length, trouser length and waistlines not being in the right place.

The aim when dressing a petite body type is to draw the eye upwards, enhance the height using clothes to give the appearance of being a little taller and create a long, clean line that is not interrupted. With this in mind all in one outfits can create the ideal look!

Want to know how to style a Petite body type? – Adele Mitchell (3)

Once you know the guidelines for dressing your body shape you can then add these additional tips for styling your petite frame.

  1. Opt for dresses, trouser suits, jumpsuits and skirt suits for all in one outfits.
  2. Clothes that fit you well are a must to avoid being swamped in fabric. Some high street chains have excellent petite ranges and its also worth looking in the children’s section, a lot of petite women find the 10-15 age jeans a much better fit.
  3. Avoid cutting your body in half by ending tops at the waist, decide what you want to focus on and end your top higher than the natural waist to length the leg or lower to length the upper body.
  4. Wear a ‘column of colour’, wearing the same colour top and bottom elongates your proportion, add some heels and you’ll feel 6ft tall!
  5. Skirts and dresses are best if they end either mid thigh length or floor length, anything in between will shorten your leg length. Although having said that I’ve seen some fabulous petite ladies in midi skirts so its worth experimenting!
  6. Shorten sleeve length by rolling them up and adding instant style.
  7. High waisted jeans will lengthen the leg length as will crop tops!
  8. Low tops that finish below the hip will lengthen the torso but make sure they’re worn with a fitted bottom half.
  9. ‘V’ neck or plunge necklines lengthen the upper body but check the guidelines for your body shape here.
  10. Match the colour of trousers or tights with shoes to elongate the leg, in summer match bare legs with nude/skin colour shoes.Want to know how to style a Petite body type? – Adele Mitchell (4)
  11. Heels and great wedges are more comfortable!
  12. Try and avoid ankle straps on shoes unless they are skin colour or very thin as they will shorten the leg.
  13. Avoid large patterns, checks and large polka dots choose smaller prints.
  14. Avoid large accessories, you don’t want your handbag to look bigger than you!

If you have found this helpful and want to know more about your body shape email me at style@adelemitchell.co.uk or message me via this website..

Thanks for reading

Want to know how to style a Petite body type? – Adele Mitchell (5)

Want to know how to style a Petite body type? – Adele Mitchell (2024)

FAQs

What style dress is best for a petite? ›

A: The best dress shape for petite women often includes styles that define the waist and enhance curves, such as wrap dresses, fit-and-flare dresses, and sheath dresses with hemlines just above the knee. These shapes can accentuate your waistline and elongate your legs, creating a harmonious and flattering silhouette.

How to dress when you are petite? ›

Short, fitted outer garments that do not fall on the hip. Avoid horizontal stripes. Stay away from oversized garments and don't excessively layer. If you do want to layer pieces, keep voluminous layers in check by wearing a belt.

What looks good on a petite frame? ›

Read on for some awesome outfit ideas and tips on how to dress for a petite body type.
  • Wear long vests with high waisted denim. Starting out with a bang! ...
  • Wear dresses that stop just above the knee. ...
  • Pull up waistbands to hip length. ...
  • Wear striped denim with a cropped jacket. ...
  • Turn a blouse into a tie waist top.

Where should a dress fall on a petite woman? ›

If you like shorter, go with a mini dress that is above your knees, 3-4 inches at least. The mini length is great for those who want your legs to look longer. Or, if you are not a big fan of mini, then a longer dresses at ankle length could also look good on petites by lengthening our short frame.

What should a petite body type wear? ›

This body shape is all about defining your waistline.

A universal v-neck, peplum, fitted, and wrap style tops are all fabulous options and will pair perfectly with curvy fit or straight-leg high-rise pants or jeans. Wrap yourself in a faux wrap dress for a figure-flattering look!

What neckline looks best on petite? ›

V-neck. The v-neck top is a classic, perfect for layering, or just showing off a great necklace. The neckline also happens to be a wonderful option for petites! The v-shape lengthens the neck area, providing the illusion of more length on the body overall.

What body size is considered petite? ›

Petite refers to stature not weight. Most people still think petite means skinny when in fact petite has nothing to do with weight. Petite is the term used in the fashion industry to describe a woman who is 5'3 tall or under. Petite women come in all shapes and sizes, whether they're a size 4 or 14.

How should petites wear leggings? ›

How to Style Leggings as a Petite
  1. Monochromatic Outfits. Creating a monochromatic outfit with leggings can visually elongate your body. ...
  2. Layer with a Casual Shirt. ...
  3. Add a Blazer. ...
  4. Opt for High-Waisted Leggings. ...
  5. Choose the Right Length. ...
  6. Pair with Heeled Shoes. ...
  7. Experiment with Patterns and Textures.
Oct 30, 2023

What is the best length for a petite dress? ›

The ideal length for women's petite dresses is mini or to the floor. Sheath dresses are perfect models for short beauties. Every girl wants to look like a princess. If you can't take your eyes off puffy skirts or ruffled tops, wear a high platform or heels, visually increasing your height and height/volume proportions.

What kind of shoes should a petite woman wear? ›

As a petite woman, heels are the obvious choice. These lengthen the leg and give the impression of a shorter body. However, other shoe types work well with your dresses. Flats make you look cute and innocent.

What height is considered a petite model? ›

The term petite model refers to a person between 5' and 5'6". Agencies and brands use petite models for all types of campaigns. From commercial, high-street fashion brands who's sizes are for the average-sized consumer to beauty products where height is often irrelevant.

How to look elegant when you are short? ›

CHOOSE HIGH WAISTED BOTTOMS

High-waisted styles help elongate your lower body, making you appear visually taller and adding a touch of elegance to your outfits. Pair them with tucked-in tops to further accentuate your waistline and create a balanced and flattering look.

What is the rule of thirds in petite dressing? ›

When it comes to petite style, proportion is everything. By using the Petite Fashion Rule of Thirds, petite women can achieve a balanced and flattering look. This rule emphasizes a combination of one-third on top and two-thirds on the bottom or vice versa.

Do maxi dresses look good on petite? ›

They are usually very flattering on petite women. They project the illusion of longer legs. If you fall in love with a maxi dress that does not have a fitted waistline, then you can create one with a belt. Just be careful to keep the belt simple.

Are petite clothes shorter in the sleeves? ›

Shorter Sleeves: Whether short, three-quarter-length or long, the sleeves of petite tops are slightly shorter than regular sizes. An ill-fitting sleeve can undermine an otherwise fantastic outfit. (One trick to determine if long sleeves fit properly: hang your arms loosely at your sides when trying on tops.

How should I dress if I have short legs? ›

Opt for high-waisted pants, skirts, and shorts to visually lengthen your legs and create a well-balanced silhouette. This style will accentuate your waistline and make your legs appear longer. Do Embrace Vertical Patterns. Incorporate clothing with vertical stripes or patterns into your wardrobe.

Does petite clothing mean short or skinny? ›

Petite refers to stature not weight. Most people still think petite means skinny when in fact petite has nothing to do with weight. Petite is the term used in the fashion industry to describe a woman who is 5'3 tall or under. Petite women come in all shapes and sizes, whether they're a size 4 or 14.

Can a petite woman wear a long dress? ›

Surprisingly long dresses can look stunning even on short women. As long as we pick up the right long dress design that is body- flattering there is nothing we should worry about. As this is the case with most types of clothing, petite women should wear clothes that don't make them even more shorter.

What is considered petite fashion? ›

In the fashion world, "petite size" is a standard applied primarily to women who are under 5'4" (162.56 cm). It's important to note that petite sizing is not a reflection of weight; rather, it focuses on height and proportion.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edmund Hettinger DC

Last Updated:

Views: 6302

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edmund Hettinger DC

Birthday: 1994-08-17

Address: 2033 Gerhold Pine, Port Jocelyn, VA 12101-5654

Phone: +8524399971620

Job: Central Manufacturing Supervisor

Hobby: Jogging, Metalworking, Tai chi, Shopping, Puzzles, Rock climbing, Crocheting

Introduction: My name is Edmund Hettinger DC, I am a adventurous, colorful, gifted, determined, precious, open, colorful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.