When it comes to fashion, petite style often gets the short end of the stick (pun intended). Not all stores carry petite sizes and those that do tend to offer a limited selection. As a result, shopping and dressing for a smaller stature can be a challenge. But if you’re after petite fashion tips, you’re in luck. We tapped Petite Ave founder Vanessa Youshaei, for her best petite shopping and styling advice.
“Throughout my life, I struggled to find casual and professional clothing that fit,” Youshaei tells InStyle. “Standing at 5’0, everything was always too long on me. As a result, I spent a lot of time and money finding and altering clothing.” Once Youshaei realized she wasn’t alone in her search for petite clothing, she launched Petite Ave. Ahead, she breaks down which styles look best on petite bodies and the quick tricks she keeps in mind while getting dressed.
Keep scrolling for expert-approved petite shopping tips and petite-style outfits.
What to Consider When Shopping for Petite style
Know Your Measurements
“There are a few measurements that are really important when trying to find your exact size: Bust, waist, hip, and inseam measurements,” Youshaei tells InStyle. Knowing this information will help to make sure that you’re purchasing the correct size once you look at a brand’s size chart and the product description.
Identify Your Body Shape
Every body is shaped and proportioned differently and petites are no exception. Before you start shopping for petite clothing, Youshaei suggests identifying what your body shape is. This way, you can research stores that carry clothing meant to complement that specific shape.
“For example, for [people] who are ‘triangle’ shaped, researching stores that carry A-line dresses and skirts is a great place to start since these pieces help balance out their lower half,” Youshaei advises. “Once they’ve found the pieces they’re looking for, they can check the product description to make sure the garment isn’t too long.”
Shop Petite and Non-Petite Sections With a Specific Purpose
Just because a store sells petite fashion doesn’t mean those pieces are fashion-forward or suitable to your personal style. But that doesn’t mean you’re at a loss, either. Youshaei recommends purchasing basic wardrobe staples from the petite section, then shopping for trendier items from the regular department.
That being said, when shopping in regular-size departments, keep in mind the ideal lengths for petites in tops, bottoms, dresses, and jackets. “Look for traditionally shorter pieces that will likely be full-length on petites,” Youshaei says. “For example, crop tops, mini skirts, and cropped pants might be full-length on petites.”
Petite Style Fashion Tips
1. Keep Regular-Sized Blazers and Jackets Unbuttoned
According to Youshaei, doing this creates “a long, uninterrupted central column that runs from head to toe,” while buttoning up “interrupts this vertical line and therefore has the opposite effect.”
2. Use Accessories to Appear Taller
Believe it or not, heels aren’t the only accessory that creates the illusion of height. One of Youshaei’s best petite fashion tips involves belting a dress above your natural waistline, this way your torso will appear shorter and your legs will look longer, thus making you appear taller overall.
3. Go Monochromatic
She also reveals that going monochromatic with your footwear can have a similar effect. For example, wearing skin-toned, nude shoes with skirts should make you appear taller. But, “If you’re wearing an outfit that calls for black tights, then it’s best to pair that outfit with black shoes,” says Youshaei.
4. Choose Delicate Over Chunky Accessories
If you choose to wear jewelry or carry a handbag, Youshaei says, opt for delicate pieces like minimal chains and small purses that match your small stature. These smaller items won’t overpower you.
5. Over-the-Knee Boots Can Elongate Your Legs
“When styling these [thigh-high] boots, tuck your top into a pair of high-waisted pants or jeans in the same color,” says Youshaei. “Matching the color of the boots and pants, along with elevating your waistline, helps your legs appear much longer.”
6. Less Is More When Picking Out Maxi Dresses
“While maxis might seem overwhelming for a petite frame, petites can definitely pull them off by picking dresses that are monochromatic or have smaller prints,” Youshaei tells us. These designs, in tandem with higher waistlines and V-necklines, will help petite women appear longer and leaner, and don’t take away from their small frame.
7. Balance Oversized Pieces With Form-Fitting Items
Oversized sweaters and jackets can “swallow” up a petite frame, but petite women don’t have to miss out on this cozy trend. According to Youshaei, the key to pulling off oversized pieces is to pair them with more form-fitting items, such as skinny jeans or leggings. This creates balance within the outfit and will help show off your figure without getting lost in its loose form.
