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.
Wolford
Asymmetric Semi-Sheer Midi Dress - Purple
$248.73
Italist
endless rose
Off-Shoulder Mesh Midi Dress Brown
$119.00
Anthropologie
Emporio Armani
Cotton Sleeveless Dress - White
$240.57
Italist
Maeve
Pintuck Midi Skirt Red
$128.00
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).
Costume National
Cropped Corduroy Trousers - Brown
$109.59
Italist
NYDJ
Plus Cargo Feather Cropped Jean
$31.99
Rue La La
Versace Collection
Geometric-Patterned Cropped Trousers - Red
$219.79
Italist
La Blanca
Open-Knit Crochet Cropped Pants Black
$99.00
Neiman Marcus
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
$217.06
Italist
Vince Camuto
A-Line Maxi Skirt Blue
$49.99
Rue La La
Alexia Admor
Ilana A-line 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.
Wolford
Asymmetric Semi-Sheer Midi Dress - Purple
$248.73
Italist
Farm Rio
Jaquard Asymmetrical Midi Skirt Red
$198.00
Anthropologie
Ganni
Asymmetrical Knot Tunic - Green
$209.14
Italist
Maeve
Asymmetrical Satin Godet Midi Skirt White
$138.00
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.
Marc Jacobs
Embroidered Mini Bag - Navy Blue
$210.11
Italist
Tory Burch
Romy Mini Crossbody Bag - Black
$366.73
Italist
Tory Burch
Romy Bucket Bag - Black
$470.83
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
$96.59
Italist
-39%
Maeve
Peplum Tube Top White
$59.95
$98.00
Anthropologie
Wolford
Fatal Matte Velvet Knit Tube Top Black
$190.00
Neiman Marcus
Faithfull The Brand
Tiera 100% Linen Smocked Top Yellow
$200.00
Anthropologie
Original text and content: Steph King