What Is the Definition Of A Petite Woman?
In fashion, the term “petite woman” is used to denote a woman who is smaller than the average woman. It refers not only to height but also the overall body type and features of a woman. The definition of a petite woman can vary based on standards followed by different clothing brands in the fashion industry. Some consider women shorter than 5 feet 4 inches to be petite, while others define petite as shorter than 5 feet 2 inches. The range may look significantly different in different cultures. Generally, petite women appear delicate, youthful, and feminine than taller women. There are a lot of fashion choices they can make to look stylish. The following section provides a few styling tips you can follow as a petite woman to elevate your outfits.
How To Dress If You Are Petite Or Short Woman – Tips, Dos & Don’ts
Outfit Ideas For Short Girls (And Petite) Body Types
1. Bridal Dresses
Big days better be the best in every sense. Just show off your assets and pull it off with all the confidence you have got. Flaunt your frame with off-shoulder dresses and choose these over sweetheart necklines because they create an illusion of a broader canvas. Sheer necklines that trickle down to become backless work towards your advantage. Other choices are noodle straps dresses or halter styles that are open and light at the top, cinch at the bodice, and billow out as they move down. Avoid dresses with high necklines, full sleeves, and the train down since you will probably get lost in so much fabric.
2. Maxi Dresses For Short Women
Choose maxi dresses that have some definition over straight cuts. Asymmetrical hemlines, cap or flower sleeves, ruffled bodice, etc., are great. Dresses with lighter fabrics like organza, georgette, etc., are good too. You can also pick flowy dresses with empire waistlines to create an alluring look. Bump it up with chunky accessories but ensure they are not too consuming.
3. Sequin Skirt And Tucked In Shirt
Pencil skirts complement your body type and blend in entirely, but you need to style the outfit with something that does not shrink you further. Drop those tank or tube tops and look for fresher pencil skirt outfit ideas. We say, swap them with a plaid or chambrayi A plain-weave cotton fabric, based on cambric cloth, made using a white filler yarn and a dyed warp yarn. shirt that has the right amount of volume. Roll up the sleeves. This cinches the shirt even further so you are not swallowed up by the material. Tuck it in, and doll up in pointed heels – it is the most obvious way of looking taller.
4. Jumpsuit
Swapping your playsuits with a jumpsuit can make a lot of difference to the height. The tieable ones instead of the buttoned downs are even better. Wearing cap sleeves instead of going sleeveless is another trick to open up your frame a little. Focus on the length of the pants. A cinched ankle style is always best on a petite woman. If you want a wider leg, make sure it is cropped.
5. Pantsuits For Short Women
Want to know how to dress classy? Think a little out of the box and up your fashion game by going for slightly flared up formal pants instead of pencil cuts. For a complete formal look, pair this with a well-fitted shirt or bodysuits and a blazer with a flared hemline, again to accentuate it a little. Or, opt for a linen blazer, trousers, and tops that do not stick to your body and give you enough structure.
6. Oversized Sweater And Denims
Nobody looks as cute as a petite woman in an oversized sweater and jeggings, skinny denim or leggings. If you can get your hands on sweaters with in-built chokers, off-shoulders styles, etc., it only gets better. Salinger offers an expert tip, “Be sure to tuck an oversized sweater into the top of your jeans to show off your waist and define your shape. For longer, tunic-style sweaters, pair it with skinny jeans or leggings. You need to balance out the oversized nature of the sweater with a fitted bottom half.”
7. One Piece Dress
Sweater, T-shirt or denim dresses can look uber chic, however, try and add layers to your dress. Add a kimono or shrug, sweater or a coat in winter, etc. Choose a layer that is either the length of your dress or longer to spruce it up a little, but of course, do not overlayer. It also makes for a great dress to hide your belly and look your confident best.
8. Jeans For Petite Women
Boyfriend/mommy jeans, distressed denim, etc. add a filter to your outfit. Choose an ankle-length style. They stretch your lower body and make it seem longer. Tops with ruffles, puffed sleeves, off or cold shoulders, etc. spruce them up for you. Audrey Coyne, a YouTuber, shared what she wears on her petite body frame and the clothes she tends to avoid wearing. She avoids long pants or pants with wide legs and goes for ankle-length pants. She says, “I’ve found that some longer length jeans work with my personal inseam But ultimately going for cropped styles tends to be perfect (i).”
9. Formal Wear
The rule pretty much remains the same, if you are a fan of bodycon formal dresses, go ahead. But adding a blazer might be a good idea. Or, if you prefer ankle-length trousers, go for slightly off-beat choices of formal tops like a silk top instead of satin. The idea is to do whatever it takes to not look too minuscule and lost in your clothing.
10. Black T-Shirt Dress With A Kimono Or Jacket
A lot of people assume that T-shirt dresses are meant for smaller body types, but it can look pretty bland because of your straight body type. Doll up with some accessories or anything else that complements the dress and also add a little zing to your outfit.
11. Baggy Trousers And Ruffled Tops
If you are headed to an evening or cocktail party, ditch your regular LBDs and swap them with crop tops and baggy pants, palazzo pantsuits, etc. that make your legs look elongated. Make sure the middle of your outfit has a cinched effect. Either tuck in your shirt or choose a crop top that hits you at your waist. Remember to always wear heels or wedges with this get-up.
12. V-Neck Top And Ankle Length Boots
V-neck or plunging necklines add length to your bodice and stretch out your upper body. Wearing them with ankle-length boots instead of your regular heels can make the outfit look quite trendy and interesting. However, Audrey prefers avoiding plunging necklines and deep V-necks as she has a small torso and these kinds of tops end on her belly button. Instead, she opts for a cropped neck. “My work around for this that I have found is to find crop tops that have these details added to them. They tend to work a lot better because everything’s kind of lifted up a little bit.”
13. Short Floral Dress And Boots
Keep your short dresses above the knee, anything below that can look funny. Classic and elegant dresses are always a safe choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with edgier styles.
14. Long Winter Coat
If you enjoy wearing skinny jeans and well-fitted tops, do that, but add some fun layers in winters (like a statement-making coat) to go with your boots.
15. Striped Shirt And Scarf
We, women, tend to avoid horizontal striped dresses or tops because they tend to make us look plumper than we are. But, if you are petite, it will help you. Where dresses are concerned, choose vertical and thinner stripes. Thicker stripes will overwhelm a petite figure.
Online And Offline Stores To Shop For Petite Women
Amy Salinger opines, “I would add, having a great tailor is a must. Yes, you can find great petite sizes at stores, but you need to make sure they are tailored perfectly to you. Even a quarter inch too long on a skirt or pants will completely change the look of the garment. Consider tailoring part of the price when you are buying things.” What should petite women avoid when dress shopping? Petite women should avoid dresses with overwhelming patterns and those made of heavy fabrics. They should also steer clear of long dresses with horizontal stripes as they can make them look shorter. Can a short girl wear a midi dress? A hi-low midi dress looks cute on petites. Always choose a tight-fit top for a midi skirt; otherwise, an oversized or loose top can be overwhelming. How should you wear a petite curvy dress? If you are petite and curvy, then consider high-waisted or flared jeans, try a mini skirt that adds length to your legs, and have garments that are tailored to your size or add shape to your dress with a belt. Are high-waisted pants good for petites? Yes. High-waisted pants are good for Petites. Try to wear a short top or shirt paired with your pants, which will make your legs look longer than they are.
Illustration: Dresses For Petite Women – Great Outfit Ideas
Calling all petite girls! Discover a variety of stylish outfit ideas tailored specifically for your petite frame from this video and get ready to amaze everyone!
