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.
Parosh
P.A.R.O.S.H. Knitted Midi Dress - Black
$149.20
Italist
Alexia Admor
Harper Midi Dress Blue
$79.99
Rue La La
-50%
Ulla Johnson
Luca Coverup Midi Dress Purple
$210.00
$420.00
Neiman Marcus
Kensie
Midi Dress Blue
$56.99
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).
Costume National
Cropped Corduroy Trousers - Brown
$107.38
Italist
-31%
Alo
| Airlift High-Waist Super Sleek Contrast Capri Pants in Black/White, Size: Medium
$93.00
$134.00
Alo Yoga
Stefano Mortari
Side-Zip Cropped Cropped Trousers - Black
$225.13
Italist
Majestic Filatures
Drawstring French Terry Pants with Rolled Hem Brown
$245.00
Bergdorf Goodman
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.
Max Mara
Nastro Jeans - Blue
$204.44
Italist
Alexia Admor
Ilana A-line Skirt Blue
$49.99
Rue La La
-20%
Vince Camuto
A-Line Maxi Skirt Blue
$49.99
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.
Kenneth Cole
Cowl Neck Midi Dress Brown
$53.99
Rue La La
Ganni
Asymmetrical Knot Blouse - Green
$249.91
Italist
AFRM
Swezey One-Shoulder Maxi Dress Brown
$158.00
Anthropologie
Sovere
Loni Asymmetric Midi Dress Red
$178.00
Anthropologie
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.
Tory Burch
Romy Bucket Bag - Black
$440.14
Italist
Cult Gaia
Solene Mini Rhinestone Sculptural Top-Handle Bag Beige
$498.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Tory Burch
Perry Shoulder Bag - Brown
$392.39
Italist
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.
Costume National
Strapless Tube Cotton Blouse - Navy Blue
$94.83
Italist
-30%
Wolford
Fatal Matte Velvet Knit Tube Top Black
$133.00
$190.00
Neiman Marcus
Mare Mare
Strapless Plaid Top
$128.00
Anthropologie
Avec Les Filles
Faux Leather Strapless Top Brown
$98.00
Anthropologie
Original text and content: Steph King