The petite girl’s guide to style, according to short celebrities
When you’re petite, shopping for clothing can be a minefield. With conflicting information about the best cuts and styles to suit your—no offence—shorter frame, it’s easy to end up right where you began: unsure.
Well, fear not: we’ve rounded up six short celebrities who’ve nailed petite style. Here are their guidelines.
It’s time to bust the myth that petite women shouldn’t wear midi dresses! As Salma Hayek exemplifies, a dress that stops above the calves will elongate your legs rather than shorten them, giving the illusion of being taller. Mini dresses above the knee are another great option.
Vince Camuto
Ruffle Midi Dress Black
$69.99
Rue La La
-56%
Calvin Klein
Midi dresses Blue
$135.00
$308.00
Yoox.com
Bl^nk London
Ferlina Long-Sleeve Midi Shirt Dress Black
$148.00
Anthropologie
Finding cropped trousers when petite might feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but it’s absolutely worth it. Ankle-grazing, slim, and high-waisted silhouettes are the most flattering for petite women–as exemplified by Zoë Kravitz–as they elongate the legs and make you appear taller. The newly-trendy capris are also a good option (if you dare).
Bella Dahl
Wide Leg Crop Pant
$59.99
Rue La La
Theory
Treeca Cropped Slim Pull-On Pants White
$245.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Lafayette 148 New York
Murray Cropped Pant Brown
$119.99
Rue La La
-60%
Liu Jo
Pants Beige
$70.00
$177.00
Yoox.com
3. Jenna Ortega's maxi skirt
Just like with dresses, petite women shouldn’t think long skirts are off the table. Maxi skirts definitely can (and should!) be a part of your petite wardrobe: follow Jenna Ortega’s example and go for a skirt with a very defined shape, or with an A-line silhouette. Generally speaking, try to stay away from skirts with too much fabric; those might drown you.
-15%
Palm Angels
stripe-detail A-line miniskirt - women - Cotton/Polyester - S - Pink
$214.00
$252.00
FARFETCH
Gracia
A-Line Skirt Black
$50.00
Rue La La
Diagonal lines infuse a garment with dynamic energy, creating a sense of movement and distracting the viewer from any feature you might wish to hide. When it comes to petite frames, diagonal lines (like Sabrina Carpenter’s asymmetrical dress) help create the illusion of height.
-68%
Mac Duggal
Hand Embellished Asymmetrical Long Sleeve Midi Dress in Nude Gold at Nordstrom, Size 16
$108.00
$338.00
Nordstrom
BHLDN
Abigail Asymmetric Cowl-Neck High-Shine Satin Maxi Dress Gold
$248.00
Anthropologie
-40%
Free People
In My Dreams Sleeveless Midi Dress in Pearl Blue at Nordstrom, Size X-Large
$64.80
$108.00
Nordstrom
-50%
Ganni
Ruched asymmetric velvet minidress Black
$190.00
$380.00
Mytheresa
5. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's proportional accessories
At 5'0 and 5'1, respectively, Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen are among a legion of stylish, petite celebrities.
Accessories are often overlooked when thinking about the proportions of an outfit, but they’re a key component that shouldn’t be ignored. Take inspo from the ever-so-stylish Olsen twins and try going for accessories proportionate to your frame, like small bags. Avoid belts, bags, scarves, and jewellery that are overtly chunky or oversized.
-38%
Marc Jacobs
The Mini Sack Bag Hand Bags Beige
$296.00
$474.00
Wanan Luxury
Kurt Geiger
Kensington Leather Mini Crossbody Bag in Black at Nordstrom Rack
$139.97
Nordstrom Rack
Hammitt
Hammitt Mini B Charm Black Brushed Gold
$125.00
Hammitt
6. Kim Kardashian's strapless top
When you’re on the shorter side, showing off your shoulders can actually help you appear taller! A cold-shoulders design and Kim Kardashian’s heart-shaped corset top draw the viewer’s attention upwards, thus making you look taller than you are.
-35%
Pilcro
Strapless Faux Fur Trim Denim Top Blue
$89.95
$138.00
Anthropologie
-43%
Billabong
Keep It Simple Smocked Tube Top in Blue Bird at Nordstrom, Size Medium
$22.97
$39.95
Nordstrom
Rta
Jemila Tank Sweaterdress Green
$58.99
Rue La La
-35%
Boys Lie
Let Love Guide My Way Rhinestone Tube Top in Brown at Nordstrom, Size X-Small
$42.25
$65.00
Nordstrom
Original text and content: Steph King