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, most clothing is not designed with petite frames in mind. As a 4ft11 fashion editor, I know first hand how hard finding the best petite fashion buys can be, particularly as historically, petite lines have felt very few and far between. Luckily, in recent years more and more brands have heard the call and are finally launching collections created specifically with women 5'3" and under in mind meaning shopping for great petite fashion has got a whole lot easier.
From Reformation to Reiss as well as Rico's newly launched range, petite women now have more choice than ever when it comes to their wardrobes with many brands offering dedicated ranges designed for those of us with smaller statures. And, to make it even easier, I've compiled an edit of the best petite pieces available to buy right now, from summer occasion wear to holiday heroes.
But as anyone who's petite knows, 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, according to a Fashion Editor:
"I'm a huge fan of a tailored co-ord for those days when I want to look put together with minimal effort. This pinstripe set from Whistles is a winner, featuring a chic round neck waistcoat and wide leg trousers. Plus, it gets extra points for the pinstripe, which will give the illusion of extra inches."
"Rixo launched into petite earlier this year and I couldn't be happier about it with wedding season now in full swing. Rather than creating new petite specific designs, Rixo have recreated some of their best selling styles, like the Cinzia, to be better fitted for petite proportions."
"Finding trousers that fall at the perfect length for petite legs can be a struggle so I love that this pair from Reiss have a tiny roll at the bottom so they can easily be altered if required. They also sit high on the waist, a huge plus for making legs look longer, while the pleat detail will create an elongated appearance."
"While many brands are now catering to petite body shapes, it can still be tricky to find shoes in petite sizes. That's where Pretty Small Shoes come in, a brand catering to those with petite feet.
If you're on the lookout for the perfect shoes for upcoming summer weddings or occasions, these mules are the perfect option. Not only do they look great but the mini heel will ensure you can stay on your feet all day long too."
"I'm thoroughly impressed with how expensive this dress from Boden looks. Featuring sleek fluted sleeves, contrasting toned embroidery and elasticated waist detailing, for a snug fit, it's the perfect dress for summer holidays."
"I'm a huge believer in when you find a great pair of petite jeans, it's worth buying them in every colour. That's why I currently own this pair in all three washes as they offer a flattering fit and can easily be dressed for both day and night."
"I love how this shirt offers a more minimalist approach to traditional summer florals. While it's not technically petite, it's ideal for petite frames as it's not oversized (something it's often tricky to avoid in mainline ranges) and features cuffed sleeves for a more fitted shape."
"I'm a huge fan of a trench coat in the current unpredictable weather and this one from Ro&Zo has just topped my wishlist. I love the addition of cuffed sleeves and the waist belt, so it won't swamp my shape, while the khaki tone makes a chic alternative to classic beige."
"If you didn't already know, Abercrombie has one of the biggest petite offerings of all the high street stores. While it's not signposted on their website, most of their pieces come in petite, regular and tall options with many of their trousers coming in both short and extra short lengths.
This crochet dress will make the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe. Simply pair with co-ordinating black sandals for an easy-to-wear day look."
"Petite swimsuits are usually hard to find, so, over the years I've discovered a few go-to brands that offer swimwear sized on the smaller end of the spectrum. One such brand is Hunza G, who's one size fits all approach, means their swimwear moulds to your shape, ideal for those of us who are petite."
"While Nobody's Child are known for their floral dresses and bold prints, they also do some great basics that can form the basis of your summer looks. This denim jumpsuit is a great example as it can be worn alone or layered with blouses and shirts to create endless outfit possibilities."
"Drop waist dresses are a huge trend at the moment however they can be tricky for us petite gals. This one from 4th & Reckless is a great option however, as the contrasting tones create definition stopping the shape from swamping small frames."
"Available in size 4-20 in petite length, I promise you'll love this skirt season after season. White denim is a summer staple and by opting for ac classic shape like this, you'll ensure it never goes out of style."
"Fitting slim at the hips and loose through the leg, M&S' wide leg jeans offer a snug fit without compromising on coolness. I love the rich indigo tone for an elevated feel but if you want something more relaxed the light denim tone is great too."
"One of the things I struggle with as a petite woman, is that people frequently believe I'm much younger than I am (and not in a good way). Because of this I tend to gravitate towards pieces, like this blazer, which feel elegant and grown up. To style, simply drape over your shoulder with your favourite summer dress or wear with the matching trousers for a chic office look."
"If you regularly find waistcoats gape open at the neck, this petite style from Whistles is a great option. Not only does it feature a flattering high neck but it also has a buckle back so you can cinch it in for the perfect fit."
"Finding a mini that's actually mini length can be extremely tricky but Reformation have got it down to an art. I'm obsessed with this bubble hem style for a fun 80's nod but their sleek a-line shapes are also a winner if you prefer something more classic."
"One of my favourite hacks when it comes to jean shopping, is to shop for cropped lengths from the mainline to get the perfect full length petite fit. H&M are one of my favourites for cropped jeans as they offer them in all styles, from straight to wide leg."
"If you're looking for a standout dress for any upcoming summer weddings, it doesn't get much better than this satin floral style from Reformation. The slip style will drape your frame for a flattering fit while the chain halter neck gives an elevated feel."
"Linen is a go-to for effortless summer style and this linen maxi skirt ticks that box perfectly. Wear alone or with the matching waistcoat for added co-ordination."
"If you're looking for a flattering swimsuit, you need to try this petite style from next. The monochrome print creates an optical illusion to mimic an hourglass figure while an invisible tummy shaping panel will smooth and sculpt."
"These simple linen trousers are a great place to start for so many summer looks. From paring with a simple ribbed tank to an oversized shirt, you'll reach for these day after day"
"For an easy to throw on summer dress, add this stripe style to your basket ASAP. Combining a simple stripe print with a bold colour way, it's both striking yet simple in equal parts."
"Cropped jackets are a staple in any hardworking petite wardrobe as they won't swamp your shape. This boxy style from Mango will go far in your wardrobe, working with tailored pieces and more relaxed styles alike."
"For those of us with petite torsos, jumpsuits can prove especially problematic. This waistcoat style from River Island is designed with petite proportions in mind, so there's less change of it fitting incorrectly or finding the legs are much too long. Plus, there's that elongating pinstripe print again, which I'm a huge fan of."
"Want to tap into the provincial girl summer trend? Then this dress from Rixo's petite range has your name on it. Pair with fisherman sandals or mesh ballet flats and a basket bag to channel the look from top-to-toe."
"I've been looking for a great pair of leopard print jeans for a while now, but they rarely come in petite length. When I spotted this pair from Never Fully Dressed I know my dreams were answered: featuring an on-trend straight leg, statement print and sturdy fabric, they're an all-round win."
"If you want to keep a more minimalist aesthetic, you'll love this strapless dress from Next. Part of Rochelle Humes collection it's made from a lightweight denim tencel and features for a flattering drape an elasticated back fro a snug fit."
"The Emerson is one of Abercrombie's best selling styles and it's no wonder why. With a ruched fitted bodice, cottage core inspired puff sleeves and available in a multitude of prints, it's perfect for all occasions from more dressed up events to summer days out."
"Available in UK sizes 1-3, these kitten heeled thong sandals are the perfect petite sandal of choice. Alongside white, they also come in classic black and tan so there's something for everyone."
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."
