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.
-63%
Free People
Adriel Midi Dress Brown
$62.99
$168.00
Rue La La
-58%
Vince Camuto
Midi Dress Black
$49.99
$119.00
Rue La La
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).
Theory
Treeca Cropped Slim Pull-On Pants White
$245.00
Bergdorf Goodman
-63%
7 For All Mankind
Alexa Army Cropped Jean Green
$75.99
$208.00
Rue La La
-40%
Frame Denim
Champagne The Reboot cropped trousers
$186.34
$310.57
TheDoubleF
-80%
MARRAKECH
Marrakech Tori Linen-Blend Cropped Pant Black
$44.99
$220.00
Rue La La
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.
-61%
Anne Klein
Pull-On Bias Flared Skirt Black
$39.00
$99.00
Rue La La
-40%
ASTR the Label
Smock Asymmetric Skirt in Black at Nordstrom, Size Large
$32.97
$55.00
Nordstrom
-44%
Vince Camuto
A-Line Long Skirt Blue
$49.99
$89.00
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.
-50%
AllSaints
Danni Shirr Midi Dress Brown
$214.00
$429.00
AllSaints
-66%
Adrianna Papell
Crepe & Taffeta Cocktail Dress Black
$59.99
$179.00
Rue La La
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.
-40%
Marc Jacobs
The Dual Mini Crescent Leather Shoulder Bag in Black at Nordstrom
$237.00
$395.00
Nordstrom
Kurt Geiger
Kensington Leather Mini Crossbody Bag in Black at Nordstrom Rack
$139.97
Nordstrom Rack
-65%
Walter Baker
Hazel Mini Leather Tote Black
$139.99
$398.00
Rue La La
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.
-53%
Free People
Lora Denim Tube Top Blue
$45.99
$98.00
Rue La La
-49%
Free People
Wink Wink Tube Top Black
$39.99
$78.00
Rue La La
Original text and content: Steph King