My Favorite Petite Styling Tips

Petite, short, fun-sized, vertically challenged, pint-sized, little…however you choose to say it, shopping for clothes when you fall under the average height can be a challenge. Typically, designers base their proportions for women’s clothing on a model height of around 5’ 7”. For me, that’s a height difference of 7.5”! This means that a lot of standard-size clothing just simply isn’t designed to fit those of us who have to climb on counters to reach all the shelves in our kitchen. So today, I’m sharing my favorite petite styling tips!

Obviously, you can find tons of brands that offer clothes designed for petite babes. In fact, I’ve even shared a few posts about my favorite petite-friendly jeans and where I shop for petite denim. But, those brands often come at a higher price tag. And, if you’ve read any of my other posts or follow me on Instagram, you know I’m all about being chic but cheap. My favorite petite styling tips not only help me stay on trend but also on budget!

Follow the Golden Ratio

Have you ever heard of the Golden Ratio? It’s a mathematical relationship that occurs when the sum of two numbers divided by the larger number equals the ratio of the larger number divided by the smaller number. Sound confusing? It’s really not! The ratio roughly equals a proportion of 1/3 to 2/3. (Just check out the Golden Spiral example below!)

But what’s so special about this ratio? Well, it’s often found naturally occurring in nature and is generally recognized as being the most visually pleasing ratio to our eyes. I first learned about this phenomenon when I studied print media layout and design but I love applying it to fashion. It’s all about creating a balance to your outfit and the reason you’ll often see me pairing high-waisted jeans with a cropped shirt. The jeans create that 2/3 proportion and the cropped shirt the 1/3. Alternatively, it could also explain why you prefer the length of some dresses or skirts to others.

So next time you’re struggling to style an outfit or a specific item of clothing, imagine that outfit in thirds.

Create Balance

It’s not just about proportion when it comes to creating a visually balanced outfit! It’s also about volume. A bulky top with bulky bottoms looks frumpy. A really form-fitted top with tight jeans looks too boring. Our eyes are naturally drawn to things that are visually balanced, and you can apply that to your outfits! For petite babes, this is especially important for styling certain trendy items like wide-leg jeans or maxi skirts.

With wide-leg and flared pants and jeans becoming so popular, I’ve heard many petite babes say that they’re too short to wear these styles. But, I promise, you absolutely can! It’s just a matter of pairing those bottoms with styles that create balance. Think of styling a pair of high-waisted wide-leg jeans with a bodysuit or cropped fitted tee. The high waistline will help create the illusion of longer legs and the fitted top will balance out the wider bottom.

Speaking of elongating the legs…

Try Nude or Clear Heels

When you weren’t genetically gifted with long legs, sometimes you have to create the illusion that you were. Enter the nude or clear heel! Whereas a heel or shoe that’s a darker or brighter color would stop the eye at the ankle, visually cutting off the leg, a clear or nude heel visually extends the leg.

With a nude heel, look for a style with a pointed toe versus a rounded toe. And with a sandal, even though it’s trendy right now, avoid the squared-off toe. Remember, you’re trying to create the illusion by extending the visual, not cutting it off.

Remember what I said about a high waistline creating that illusion of length? Pair these two tips together to really trick the eye and make yourself appear taller! 

Don’t Sleep On The Kid’s Section!

Yes, you read that right. The children’s section can be a petite babes ally when it comes to shopping for clothes that are trendy, affordable, and fit! Think about it, these are clothes that are designed for someone shorter. In fact, many brands typically design little girl’s size XL and XXL based on a height of around 60” to 64” (or 5’ to 5’4”) . So if you fall in the petite category of being under 5’4”, these clothes are designed to be closer to your proportions.

And, honestly, kids’ clothes these days can be just as cute as their adult counterparts. I mean, have you walked through the children’s section at Target lately?

And it works with shoes too! I don’t know about you, but I find that many brands either don’t carry my size in-store or they stock a very limited amount of them. Whereas the children’s equivalent of my size can be easier to find. Plus, you can often find popular styles in a children’s version (particularly with sneakers) and it saves you money.

For reference, I typically wear a size 6 in women’s clothing and fit a size XL in girls. For shoes, I’m a true 5.5 but sometimes wear a 6 (depending on if they run small or large) and buy a size 3.5 in kid’s shoes.

Grab Some Scissors

If you follow me on Instagram or Tik Tok, you’ve probably heard me say that the raw hem trend is the best thing that’s happened for petite babes. 

Found a really cute pair of jeans on major clearance but they’re regular length? All you need is a pair of your favorite jeans to use as a guide, some sharp scissors or a fabric rotary blade, and a steady hand. (And, sure, you could just get them hemmed at a tailor but…my way is cheaper.)

What about that t-shirt or sweatshirt that hits at just the most awkward part of your waist? Trim off that excess to make it hit at the point that’s perfect for your proportions!

Make your clothes work for you!

Want more petite and affordable outfit inspiration? Make sure you follow me on Instagram or Tik Tok! And check my LTK page to shop my favorite finds!