Did you know that 50% of the world's female population is under 5'4"? In fact, according to data the mean height of women in the UK is around 5'3". Yet, sadly, clothing is rarely made for those of us who stand at that stature.
Finding the best petite fashion buys can be quite the task, particularly as historically, petite lines have felt very few and far between. Luckily, in recent years it seems that more and more brands have heard the call and are finally launching collections created specifically with women 5'3" and under in mind.
From Reformation to Reiss, and the Whistles collection, which launched just last month, petite women now have more choice when it comes to their wardrobes. With this in mind, I made it my mission to track down the best petite spring and summer buys available right now and try them on to ensure the perfect fit. (For reference, I stand at the relatively tiny height of 5'0", so I am also on the smaller end of the general petite spectrum.)
When it comes to petite dressing, there is so much more to think about than simply the clothes you buy. How you style and tailor a look also needs to be taken into consideration, which is why we spoke to designer and petite expert, Liza Belmonte, to understand the tips and tricks petite women need to know. Liza is the founder of the petite-specific brand, Kjinsen, which creates luxury womenswear in the UK for women 5'4" and under.
Keep scrolling for my favourite petite summer buys, then head to the bottom of the page for all of Liza's petite styling tips.
Shop The Best Petite Spring Buys, Tried and Tested by a Fashion Editor:
Whistles Petite Maya Plisse Dress
"If you're looking for a summer dress that will seamlessly see you through office days, weekend drinks and maybe even a wedding (with the right accessories) then this is it. I love the intricate plisse detailing of this dress, and the length was just right." - Zoe Anastasiou, Fashion Editor
Reiss Petite Milena Button Front Midi Dress
"Wimbledon is just around the corner and I'm pretty sure I just found the perfect outfit. The button-down front and pleated skirt make me feel like this is the kind of polished look you'd find on The Princess of Wales. The length was just perfect too, although I have to say the dress felt slightly long in the body. Either way, it's still a yes from me." - Zoe Anastasiou, Fashion Editor
Boden Petite Highbury Linen Trousers
"Finding trousers that fit has been a lifelong journey, but I can confidently say Boden got the length right with these ones. The hem sat at the perfect point just below my ankle, though the fabric was a little more transparent than I would typically like." - Zoe Anastasiou, Fashion Editor
Whistles Danny Linen Jumpsuit
"I was thoroughly impressed by the Whistles denim jumpsuit I tried on last season, and this linen interpretation they've created is just as impressive. The proportions were perfect on my small frame, right down to the cropped ankle trouser." - Zoe Anastasiou, Fashion Editor
Nobody's Child Petite Orange Shirred Maisi Midi Dress
"This was my first time trying Nobody's Child Petite and I have to say, I was impressed. Historically—despite liking the brand's fun prints and timeless silhouettes—I haven't been able to buy into Nobody's Child because the proportions didn't work on my shape. Luckily, the label's petite range fit me just right. The hem of the dress finished right around my ankle, and the shirred bodice of the dress offered the perfect waist-enhancing length." - Zoe Anastasiou
Boden Tie Front Linen Midi Dress
"Florals for Summer? It's a yes from Boden. I loved the large-scale floral print of this dress and definitely think the bright hue is just perfect for the season. Personally, I felt like the fit of the dress was quite a lot wider on me than on the model but at least that means you're guaranteed to be comfortable. If you're after something slim-fitting, this might need some tailoring." - Zoe Anastasiou, Fashion Editor
Piccoli Lagoa Petite Linen Playsuit
"Founded in 2022, Piccoli is a new womenswear brand that caters specifically to women 5'3" and under. Created by Julia, who is 5'2" herself, the label aims to minimise your need for trips to the tailor. Personally, I loved this cute linen playsuit, and proportionally, the fit did not disappoint. I could definitely imagine myself wearing this look on vacation over swimwear. But be warned, the v-neck silhouette is quite low, so you'll need a cami or bandeau when wearing the look for dressier occasions." - Zoe Anastasiou
Reiss Esme Linen Side Tie Midi Dress
"Reiss really excels in the eventwear department and this dress is no different. Although the fit felt a little wide, I could definitely see this dress working well for a summer wedding or formal event. Just add heels." - Zoe Anastasiou, Fashion Editor
Nobody's Child Petite Pink & Orange Gingham Kylie Mini Smock Dress
"As a petite woman, mini dresses have always been hard to find, but this one fit me so perfectly. The puff sleeve added interest without being overwhelming, while the gathered skirt felt flattering. Not to mention, this dress has pockets (what a dream!). This is one of Nobody's Child's key silhouettes so if the orange and pink combo isn't for you, you can also shop the dress in a black and white gingham or a floral pattern." - Zoe Anastasiou
Hobbs Petite Tullia Dress
"If you're looking for office-ready petite buys, Hobbs is a great place to start. Proportionally, this dress fit like a glove. From the length to the shoulder width, I couldn't fault it. Plus the floral print and silhouette are quite classic, meaning this is a look that could stay in your wardrobe for years to come." - Zoe Anastasiou, Fashion Editor
Nobody's Child Petite Black Linen-blend Halter Neck Nuria Jumpsuit
"Do you have a wedding to attend this season? This black, linen blend playsuit is perfect for creating that effortless wedding guest look. It's chic and classic, without being boring, and the length of the trouser will work with kitten heels or higher stilettos. Just gorgeous!" - Zoe Anastasiou
Whistles Petite Annabelle Cape Sleeve Dress
"If you're a petite woman, looking for elevated wardrobe essentials, boy, do I have good news for you? Whistles released its first-ever petite collection last month and its proportions are honestly perfect! This dress would make an ideal wedding guest look, featuring a floaty, cape sleeve and just right midi length." - Zoe Anastasiou, Fashion Editor
Piccoli Mooca Petite Linen Mini Skirt
"Mini skirts that are actually mini, yes apparently they do exist. I can't fault the fit of this skirt at all. The size 6 fit me so well across the waist and in the length. I also really love the button detailing and small split at the hem." - Zoe Anastasiou
Reformation Petites Mason Pant
"Reformation has been championing petite sizes for quite a while. And by now, the brand effectively has it down to an art form. Finding trousers is a particularly difficult task for women on the shorter side, but I can happily report that these Reformation trousers fit perfectly. I am wearing a very, very low block heel with these trousers, but anticipate they would work just as well with sneakers or sandals in summer." - Zoe Anastasiou, Fashion Editor
Levi's Wedgie Jeans
"I love a denim brand that provides multiple leg length options, and Levi's has been doing so for years. Rather than having a specific petite collection, at Levi's you can opt for a shorter leg length in order to find the perfect fit. These are a 26-inch inseam, which would be a cropped mid-calf length on some, but provides the perfect ankle length on me. Not to mention, these are some of the most comfortable jeans in my wardrobe." - Zoe Anastasiou, Fashion Editor
Whistles Petite Crepe Boyfriend Blazer
"I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, but I've just found another gem at Whistles. Historically, I have avoided investing in boxy boyfriend blazers as they would end up looking too oversize, but the proportions on this worked so well. Any petite woman will know that sleeve lengths can be quite an issue but here the sleeves hit right at my wrist, while the shoulders were also the perfect width." - Zoe Anastasiou, Fashion Editor
Kjiinsen Wool and Cashmere Blend Suit
"Liza Belmonte, the designer behind Kjinsen, is a petite woman herself. Standing at 5'1" Belmonte has the lived experience to understand what petite women want. She has created a line of elevated products that look and feel premium. And you can certainly tell the craftsmanship and construction of this suit is high-end. Made from a cashmere and wool blend, the fabric is soft and comfortable, while the fit takes into account the proportions of a petite woman. The shoulder width and sleeve length of the blazer were just perfect." - Zoe Anastasiou, Fashion Editor
Petite Dressing Tips You Need To Know
We tapped petite expert, and the founder of fashion label Kjinsen, Liza Belmonte for her top tips for styling and dressing as a petite woman.
1. Prioritise Fit
"The most powerful thing you can do for your wardrobe is prioritise a good fit," Belmonte explains. "Invest in clothes that fit well or get clothes altered to fit you," she adds. As a petite woman, there is nothing worse than having sleeves that are too long, and trouser hems that drag on the floor, creating a look that drowns you in fabric.
"Slim and tailored fits will always be easier to style if you are petite but that does not mean you always have to wear fitted clothes. If you want an oversized look, don’t just go for a size up, choose clothes that have been engineered to be oversized on your petite proportions," Liza recommends. "I always recommend getting your oversized clothes from a petite brand to avoid that frumpy look.
2. Accessorise strategically
"Your accessories have the power to really transform how tall you appear so make sure you use them in your favour," Liza explains, suggesting that a large handbag can shink your frame, while smaller handbags will work to make you appear taller.
She continued, "A belt, depending on where it is placed, can dramatically affect your proportions. I use belts on pretty much everything (dresses, blazers, etc.) to mark my waist higher than it is and give the illusion of longer legs."
In addition to this, Liza also said that jewellery, hair accessories and even scarves, have the ability to draw the eye upwards, while in the footwear department, nude tones and pointy-toe silhouettes can work to elongate your legs.
3. Show some skin
While many say that ankle-length trousers will work to elongate your frame, Liza argues that it is actually more valuable to show off your wrists and neck. "Show skin around your wrists and forearms by rolling up your sleeves, and your neck by styling your hair up. They are the daintiest parts of anyone’s body and help create a balance of proportion," she explains. "This is especially key when you are wearing oversized clothing. The Olsen Twins who are very petite use this styling trick regularly. As part of their signature minimalist style, they wear a lot of oversized clothing, yet their sleeves are almost always rolled up or pulled up."
4. Go for monochrome or a colour gradient looks
"A tried and proven way to use colour to give the illusion of height is to wear a monochromatic look," Liza says. "It creates vertical lines and elongates the silhouette." Liza continues that adding accessories is a great way to ensure your outfit still looks interesting.
"If you are petite and love combining multiple colours or neutrals in your outfits, it is a good idea to create a colour gradient—for example, beige, to taupe, to brown—rather than wearing “blocks” of highly contrasting colours (like a white top and black trousers). The gradient will streamline the whole look and avoid creating harsh lines and blocks that cut across the silhouette."
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