Understanding your body type is a key part of finding fashion that works for you. For petite women—usually women who are 5’4” or under—finding clothes that fit properly and offer a flattering look can be a bit of trial and error.

From oversized fits to pants that are too long, petite fashion can be a challenge. But no more; we’re here to help you find practical, confidence-boosting styles that every petite woman should own.

Learn more about petite fashion and find the perfect petite pieces to add to your wardrobe.

• Why Fit Matters More Than Trends
• Wardrobe Essentials Every Petite Woman Needs
• Must-Have Accessories for Petite Women
• Quick Tips for Shopping as a Petite Woman
• Shop Petite Fashion Essentials

Why Fit Matters More Than Trends

Proportions are especially important in petite women’s fashion. Petite clothing isn’t just smaller than standard women’s clothing; it’s also designed to fit proportionally. Petite clothes tend to be shorter in length and have shorter arms, but higher knee and elbow placement. These design choices are specifically made for petite women.

Petite fashion sizes are designed for women who are 5’4” and under, and they’re made to fit specific proportions. Some women may find petite clothing that offers a flattering fit, but it can be difficult if you don’t have the standard petite proportions. Having your clothes tailored gives you a custom fit, but it’s more expensive and time-consuming.

You don’t have to focus on finding all the latest trends in petite women’s fashion—many of the staples are stylish and on-trend. As long as you’ve got the essentials, you can always create a stylish ensemble.

Wardrobe Essentials Every Petite Woman Needs

A little advice goes a long way—especially when you’re just looking to cover the essentials. Here are eight petite fashion staples every woman should have.

1. High-Waisted, Tailored Trousers

Jeans are great when you’re going for a more relaxed, casual look, but it’s nice to have something a little more professional in your wardrobe. High-waisted, tailored trousers are suitable for various occasions, from formal to casual events. Tailored trousers that are slim-fitting help elongate the legs to create a more proportional look.

If you regularly attend formal events or work in an office setting, make sure you have a few different pairs of tailored trousers. Denim, wool blends, and cotton are all great materials, depending on your preference and the style you’re going for. Start with a few neutral colors like white, black, and beige to pair with various outfits.

1. Cropped or Fitted Blazers

Blazers are a staple in women’s style, but it can be difficult to find one that doesn’t overwhelm your frame. Blazers in standard sizes are often too long and flowing for petite frames, but cropped or fitted styles are a little shorter to avoid overwhelming your frame.

Cropped and fitted blazers are an excellent match with high-rise bottoms. The high-rise bottoms will help elongate your legs while the shorter blazer accentuates your frame, giving you a fashionable look that highlights your frame instead of draping over it.

Midi Dresses 

Petite dresses and skirts can be tough to find, especially when you’re looking for a midi dress. It’s important to choose a midi dress that doesn’t make you look shorter because of its length.

The best way to find a midi dress that accentuates your frame is to look for styles with slits, vertical patterns, or cinched waists. These dresses don’t create the same flowing look that a solid midi dress does, which helps you avoid looking short.

There’s a wide variety of styles to choose from, so you can find a color or print that fits your unique style and offers a flattering fit.

Skinny or Straight-Leg Jeans (Ankle-Length)

Finding the perfect pair of jeans as a petite woman can be difficult, but it starts with finding your ideal inseam length. The ideal inseam length for petite jeans is usually somewhere between 25 – 28”, but your perfect inseam will vary based on your exact height and your proportions. You can have your inseam measured to find jeans that fit properly.

Skinny or straight-leg jeans are ideal because they help elongate your legs. For an even better fit with some added comfort, look for jeans that have some stretch in them.

Fitted Tops & Bodysuits

When you wear loose-fitting clothes with excess fabric as a petite woman, those clothes have a tendency to create a flowing look that swallows smaller frames. Fitted tops and bodysuits are ideal because there’s no excess fabric to create that oversized top look. Plus, these fitted tops can help accentuate smaller frames.

Because there’s no extra fabric, fitted tops create a clean silhouette that allows for comfortable and stylish layering. If you’re trying to figure out what to wear while traveling, bodysuits provide a good base layer.

Structured Above-the-Knee Skirts

Skirts that are too long can make your legs look short, and that’s not the fit you’re looking for as a petite woman. Structured above-the-knee skirts are ideal because they have a shorter length that helps elongate your legs. Whether you’re enjoying a night out or dressing for a casual day, above-the-knee skirts are a great choice.

For petite women, A-line and pencil skirts are two of our favorite options. These skirts offer contrasting styles that work well with different types of outfits, so you can find the perfect skirt for any outfit if you’ve got a couple of each style.

Petite-Friendly Outerwear

When you’re looking for jackets for petite women, it’s important to avoid outerwear that’s long with no waist definition. These longer jackets create a flowing look that covers up your frame, which can make you look shorter and smaller. If you’re wearing a long coat, look for one with a cinched waist that creates a clear line between your upper and lower body.

Finding petite-specific cuts is the best way to make sure your jacket fits and flatters your body. For an added touch of style, you can roll up the sleeves slightly to elongate your arms.

Pointed-Toe Flats or Heels

The clothes you wear aren’t the only thing that impacts your frame—shoes (as well as other accessories) can play a role as well. Pointed-toe heels and flats have a slightly sharp look that helps visually elongate your legs a bit, which is perfect for petite frames. Nude tones that match your skin tone are a neutral option that you can wear with just about anything.

Styling flat shoes is simple because they pair well with so many outfits. From evening outfits to casual everyday wear, flats are almost always an excellent shoe choice.

Must-Have Accessories for Petite Women 

We mentioned how important accessories can be for petite women, and it’s not just about your shoes. There are lots of smaller accessories that can have a significant impact on how flattering your outfit looks.

Crossbody bags are a perfect accessory for petite women. Look for crossbody bags in scaled-down sizes that don’t make your small frame stand out. Oversized bags can overwhelm smaller frames.

Belts are also essential for defining your waist and creating a boundary between your legs and torso. You can wear your belt over your favorite dress or jacket to create a cinched waist for a more flattering silhouette.

As far as jewelry goes, dainty pieces tend to complement petite women more than bulky jewelry. Look for thin bracelets, dainty necklaces, and smaller earrings to complement your frame and ensemble.

Quick Tips for Shopping as a Petite Woman

If you’re having trouble finding clothes that work for your frame, we’ve got a few petite fashion tips that can help.

Find stores and brands that carry petite sizes. Some brands and stores focus on carrying everything but the standard women’s sizes, so those are going to be your best bet. At Chico’s, we’ve got a wide selection of versatile petite fashion for women.

You should also keep an eye out for important keywords like “short,” “cropped,” and “petite.” This is the type of clothing you’re looking for—pieces that are specifically designed for your proportions. Avoid loose-fitting dresses that don’t have a cinched waist unless you’re wearing a belt.

You might be able to find petite clothing that fits well, but that’s not the case for every woman. If you can’t find petite clothing that fits, consider having your favorite pieces tailored for a better fit. It’s also typically worth spending the money to have your clothes tailored when you’re attending a formal event or buying investment pieces.

Shop Petite Fashion Essentials

Mastering petite fashion for women can be a challenge, but the key is looking for the right pieces in the styles that best complement you. As long as you’ve got the essentials like tailored pants and petite-friendly outerwear, you can put together a flattering, stylish outfit for any occasion.

At Chico’s, we make it easy to find stylish petite clothing that accentuates your frame without making you look small. Not only do we have all the essentials, but we regularly add new arrivals to our collection. Browse the selection of petite fashion essentials at Chico’s and upgrade your wardrobe today.