by Sapna Kaur

Petite Style Tips - Discover Our 10 Top Outfits for Petite Women

Petite Style Tips - Discover Our 10 Top Outfits for Petite Women

When it comes to fashion, being petite comes with its own set of challenges.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t dress stylishly and confidently while still
making an impression.

In this article, we explore 10 petite-style tips that can help you elongate your frame
and balance your proportions.

What Does 'Petite' Mean in Fashion?

Before getting into the petite dressing tips, let’s unveil what petite means in fashion.
Petite refers to women with a height of 5’4″ or shorter, forming a distinct category in
the clothing industry. This, in turn, means that fashion brands aiming at petite ladies
must follow some rules when designing their clothes.

For instance, waistlines and armholes may need to be cut slightly higher than the
rest of the product lines. Other details, such as pocket sizes, collars, and lapels, may
need to be designed smaller.

Simply put, 'petite' refers to shorter women and the clothing specifically designed for
them.

Petite Outfit Ideas for Shorter Women

caption_Models wear White Miley Shirt in UK size 8 and 18

Jeans & A Top

High-waisted jeans create the illusion of longer legs, while a fitted top defines the waist. This simple yet effective combination is one of the best styling tricks for petites.

Add some extra height with heeled ankle boots or sleek pumps.
caption_Model wears Black Vegan Leather Trousers in UK size 10/ US 6

The Power Of Monochrome

Wearing the same colour from head to toe creates a streamlined look, thus making you appear taller.

A monochrome look could be a black suit, a green co-ord set, a navy dress, or an all- white ensemble. Whatever you choose, the result will be an effortlessly chic vibe.

Wrap Dresses: A Petite Woman’s Best Friend

Wrap dresses are a petite woman’s best friend. Indeed. Regardless of whether you pick the mini or midi version of them. They cinch at the waist and create a flattering silhouette, while their elongating V- neckline adds height—which you need.
caption_Model wears Blue Lottie Wrap Dress in UK size 8/ US 4
  • Valentine Animal Mini Vienna Dress Petite Valentine Animal Mini Vienna Dress Petite
    low stock
    Sustainable
    Valentine Animal Mini Vienna Dress Petite
    £99.00
  • Leopard Lucia Dress Petite Leopard Lucia Dress Petite
    low stock
    Leopard Lucia Dress Petite
    £99.00
  • Silver Sequin Kira Wrap Dress Petite Silver Sequin Kira Wrap Dress Petite
    low stock
    Silver Sequin Kira Wrap Dress Petite
    £169.00

Tailored Blazer & Slim-Fit Trousers

Let’s see another petite dressing tip—a well-fitted blazer paired with slim-fit trousers.
On the one hand, the blazer that stops at the hip adds structure to your outfit, while the slim-fit trousers highlight the lower part of your body. Finish your look ideally with pointed-toe shoes for a more polished, elongated appearance.
caption_Model wears Soller Mini Lauren Shirt Dress  in UK size 8/ US 4

Mini Dress & Knee-High Boots

No petite styling guide is complete without this classic combination. A mini dress paired with knee-high boots creates the illusion of longer legs, which you seek.

Go for an A-dress or boho design, and opt for bold prints that attract the eye and prevent it from noticing your height. Just show off those legs, girls!
caption_Model is 5ft5” and wears UK size 8/ US 4

High-Waisted Shorts & Tucked-in Blouse/Shirt

Do you need more dressing tips for petite ladies? Off we go! The shorts and blouse are similar to the high-waisted trousers and tucked-in shirt combo. The high-waisted shorts create the illusion of longer legs, and the blouse (or shirt) defines the waist. It adds volume to the upper part of the body. Combine them with dainty heels for a cute, casual, petite outfit.

Co-ord Set With a Twist

Co-ord sets have a double effect. They create a streamlined effect while
accentuating your figure. A suit is more professional and austere. A cardigan with a mini skirt is more playful but still makes you look well put together. Pair them with pointed-toe flats for a leg-lengthening effect—without the discomfort of heels. Don’t forget to add stylish accessories for a polished finish.
caption_Model wears  Black Raffia Marra Trousers in UK size 8/ US 4
  • Gold Sun Miley Shirt Gold Sun Miley Shirt
    low stock
    Gold Sun Miley Shirt
    £89.00
  • Gold Sun Elissa Trousers Petite Gold Sun Elissa Trousers Petite
    low stock
    Gold Sun Elissa Trousers Petite
    £79.00
  • White Miley Shirt White Miley Shirt
    White Miley Shirt
    £69.00
  • Shells Elissa Trousers Petite Shells Elissa Trousers Petite
    Shells Elissa Trousers Petite
    £89.00
caption_Model wears  Stripe Suki Trousers in UK size 6/ US 2 in petite

Vertical Stripes

Which pattern contributes to an elongated look? Did you think of vertical stripes? Bingo!

These stripes naturally draw the eye upward, making you appear taller. It’s an illusion, but who cares? After all, this is the role of petite dressing tips, right?
This trick works every time—whether it’s a striped maxi dress or a sleek blouse paired with jeans, vertical lines are your secret weapon.
image

Flowy Maxi Dress with a Cinched Waist

Finally, a maxi dress can be an incredibly flattering petite-style outfit. Well, if it’s the right fit, of course!
Look for a dress with a defined waist and a slit to add movement and length to your look. Pair with heeled sandals for extra elevation.

FAQs

1. Does the Term “Petite” Refer to Skinny Women?
Despite common misconceptions, 'petite' in fashion refers to height, not body shape.
In more detail, petite women are 5 '3 tall or under.


2. Which Type of Clothing is Ideal for Petite Women?
Clothes on petite women have basically one goal: to make them appear taller than
they are. So, ideally, the best type of clothing is items with vertical stripes,
monochrome outfits and high-waisted skirts and trousers (bottoms in general).


3. What Length Should Dresses Have For a Petite Lady?
Since the goal is to make a petite lady seem to have longer legs, dresses and skirts
should be knee-length or just a bit above the knee. These can be wrap dresses and
skirts, A-dresses, or structured ones.

What If You Are Petite? NFD Has You Covered!

The petite style tips you’ve just read in this article can influence how you appear to
others, particularly how they view your height. Furthermore, NFD has a whole collection dedicated to petite ladies - like you - with the most stylish items. So, go ahead and explore our petite section to find the best outfit for you.

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