Clothing brands tailor their clothes to specific templates and average sizes, so people with so-called "non-standard" shapes may have trouble finding styles that fit them well. In reality, it's harder to find people with figures that are based on the charts than those who deviate from them, because every body type is different. Furthermore, even when comparing ourselves to people with the same measurements as ourselves, our shapes can visually differ significantly. In this post, I'd like to share a few tips for styling petite figures. Want to learn fashion advice for petite women? Read on!
Petite line stores - fashion for short girls
To find clothes for short women, it's worth looking in stores that have a separate petite line . These clothes are designed with smaller measurements in mind, making them more flattering for shorter figures. These clothes already have shorter sleeves, legs, and body lengths, so you won't need any tailoring alterations in these areas.

Tailoring alterations
Referring to the above, a trusted seamstress is a treasure trove that will help you build your dream wardrobe. If you like a particular garment, you can buy it and consult with your seamstress to see if it can be altered to fit your figure. If not, you can return it. Remember that while seamstresses' services can be expensive, it's an investment in beautifully tailored clothing, and alterations can achieve truly stunning results.
What tailoring adjustments can be made? Depending on the garment's construction and material, you can:
- shorten/lengthen sleeves and legs,
- narrow/widen the waist and hips,
- narrow/widen the back in jackets and shirts,
- change the lining.
Similarly with women's accessories , for example a belt that you really like, but all the sizes are too big for you - you can shorten the belt for a symbolic price, adapting it to your dimensions and gaining a beautiful accessory in your wardrobe that will complement your outfit.
Optical leg lengthening
A popular trick is to optically lengthen the legs, which makes the entire silhouette appear longer and taller.
How to visually lengthen the figure and legs?
- Choose shoes that are the same color or similar to the bottom of your outfit . Loose, floor-length trousers under high heels create a great effect. This will physically lift your heel a few centimeters and create the visual effect of very long legs.
- Avoid horizontal cuts in your outfit or contrasting colors , which visually shorten your silhouette. This effect occurs, for example, when you wear black shorts, beige tights, and black ankle boots. In this combination, the leg is cut in two places, creating two contrasting transitions. Instead of beige tights, wear black tights, even thin ones, to ensure the bottom of the outfit is a uniform color palette. Similarly, when wearing pants that end slightly above the top of your ankle boots, wear longer socks to minimize the contrast between the color of your shoes, pants, and your skin.
- For light-colored outfits, choose nude shoes , such as delicate sandals, which won't cut into your legs, making them appear shorter. Furthermore, nude shoes are very practical and go well with a wide range of outfits, both monochromatic, such as pastels, and multicolored.
- Wear high-waisted clothes . These will lift your waist and visually lengthen your legs. Additionally, to accentuate your waistline, you can wear a belt with a beautiful buckle—a classic, minimalist one, or a more expressive, jewel-like one—depending on your overall look and personal style.
- Tuck the top of your outfit into your pants/skirt, such as a women's T-shirt , shirt, or sweater . This will accentuate your waist. You can tuck the entire garment into the pants / skirt , just the front, or just in one area. If you don't like to show off your hips and don't want to tuck your blouse inside, choose shorter styles to show off as much leg as possible.
- Show off your legs , for example, by styling them with mini skirts or shorts , preferably high-waisted. If you like to show off your legs, incorporating bottoms that reveal them into your outfit will make you look longer.
- Go for the maxi length . While there's still a myth that fashion doesn't cater to short women, wearing maxi dresses and skirts can actually make you look longer. Remember to seek the help of a seamstress, who can adjust the length to your height and the waistline to your figure.
Proportions
Pay attention to your body proportions and dress to balance your upper and lower body. If you opt for wide-leg trousers, pair them with a slightly fitted top. A balanced silhouette will create a harmonious overall look without overwhelming your figure with excess volume.
Monochromatic styling - an ally of short people
Referring to the previously mentioned contrasts, create monochromatic styles that not only look chic and fashionable, but are the answer to the question "how to elongate the silhouette."
What clothes for short women?
Ankle boots
I'd like to mention ankle boots and flat shoes, which short girls often shy away from, opting exclusively for models with higher heels. Styles for short girls can also look great if you choose (often more comfortable) flat or low-heeled styles. Remember to choose ankle boots that are narrow at the ankle and end above it. Shoes with a wide shaft and/or those that end mid-calf will visually shorten your calf.
High heels
There's nothing wrong with wanting to lift your heels a bit! High heels can work wonders, adding a few inches to your height. When choosing platform or heeled shoes, remember to maintain proportions. Heels that are too high or platforms that are too large can accentuate your short stature and make you look caricatured. If you have a petite figure, stilettos without a platform in the front will usually look better.
Pointed-toe shoes
When choosing shoes, look for ones with a pointed toe, which will visually lengthen your legs. If you don't like pointed toes, choose models with a tapered toe – fashionable shoes with a square toe can shorten the leg and make it appear bulky.
High hair updos
Creative solutions are recommended! A hairstyle, such as a high bun or ponytail, can also add centimeters. Of course, this is a very individual matter, and everyone likes this style. Higher hair will visually add height, making your entire figure appear taller.

Hats
Similar to the point above, a hat can also add a few inches to your height. It's a unique accessory, so it looks very fashionable and attracts attention. Especially in autumn outfits, a hat can be a style statement.
Cardigans and jackets
I mentioned avoiding horizontal cuts and lines, but vertical ones, such as those created by a long cardigan or jacket, can look stylish and work to your figure's advantage. You can wear a monochromatic base and a longer jacket or cardigan, which will create a long, vertical line. Remember to choose the right sleeve length (you can have them shortened by a seamstress if necessary) and allow for exposed wrists (this usually looks better and visually reduces the silhouette). Shorter cut blazers are especially appealing to short women. Boxy cuts or shorter shirt jackets are currently very fashionable. All shorter styles of blazers, trench coats, and jackets will accentuate your waist. Tailored for taller heights, they can also be useful in creating your own style.
Clothes closer to the body
Oversized clothing can distort your proportions because it visually elongates your figure, making it appear shorter. Although it's currently a popular style of clothing, for short women, too much fabric can make you disappear beneath layers of clothing. Opt for slightly fitted cuts that accentuate your figure.
Size of accessories for short women
Accessories can work wonders in even the simplest of outfits! Eye-catching earrings, an interesting necklace, or an elegant belt are all eye-catching elements. Again, remember proportions and avoid oversized accessories , which can look out of place compared to your figure.
Fine patterns and vertical lines
Avoid large patterns, especially on one area of the body, as they can be overwhelming. Instead, opt for smaller, more delicate designs that add subtlety to the look. Polka dots, delicate flowers, and vertical stripes look beautiful.
I hope you've found some new tips worth trying. There are no specific rules for how a short woman should dress. As someone of average height, I believe elegance isn't about height, but about the ability to accentuate your assets. The best styles for short women are those that make them look and feel special.

Martyna from ANSIN


