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Petite? Here Are 9 Mistakes That Could Be Killing Your Style

May 13, 2021

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Most Petite women love being Petite. So, dressing to flatter your frame is really about not looking shorter. Clever ways we can create the visual illusion of length.
And avoiding common mistakes that interrupt the illusion and make us look shorter. Because shorter often means wider.
Gadzooks, Batman! That definitely needs to be avoided.

So, here are the 9 most common mistakes Petites should avoid.

#1 – Oversized Dresses:

Avoid These Petite Style Mistakes

I love oversized dresses especially heading into hotter temperatures. The idea of bind-y clothes in 100-degree weather sounds and feels horrible.

However, petites should be super picky about any oversized outfits they add to their closet. The sheer amount of fabric can easily overwhelm your smaller frame and turn frumpy.

What To Wear Instead…

Avoid excess fabric both top and bottom without any tapering or delineation. Here are two perfect examples.

Fashion Mistakes Every Petite Should Avoid

Miss Guided Plaid Maxi Dress $25. On Sale Now. Tap The Pic To See If Your Size Is Still Available.

Jonathan Simkhai – Crissy Cotton Puff Sleeve Mini Dress $245. Tap The Pic For More Info.

#2 – Too Large Handbags:

Fashion Mistake Short Girls Make - Large Handbags

When you’re Petite accessories matter. A lot. And I know, a big work tote that carries everything you need to face your busy day is super tempting. However, oversized slouchy unstructured handbags can easily look like your bag is wearing you.

What To Wear Instead…

Fashion Mistakes Short Girls Make - Handbags

STAUD – Scotty Croc Embossed Leather Top Handle Bag $325. Tap The Pic To Check It Out.

I added the model shot for scale.

Fashion Mistakes Short Girls Make - Handbags

Smaller, structured handbags will always be more flattering.

Pro Tip – While I love online shopping, this is a purchase that’s so much better made in-store where you can check proportion and ensure all your necessities fit.

Fashion Mistakes Short Girls Should Avoid - Too Large Handbags

Kate Spade – Remedy Small Top-Handle Bag $278. Tap The Pic To See The Other Colors.

#3 – Midi Length Anything:

Fashion Mistakes Short Girls Make - Midi-Length Skirts & Dresses

Go big or go home. Or in this case, go short or go long. Any wishy-washy in between will cut you off prematurely when our goal is to create the illusion of length.

What To Wear Instead…

Maxi-dresses & skirts.

Fashion Mistakes Every Short Girl Should Avoid - Midi Length Dresses

ba&sh – Oriane Printed Wrap Maxi Dress $595. Tap The Pic For More Info.

Or Mini-Dresses & Skirts.

Fashion Mistakes Petite Girls Make

ba&sh – Alma Embroidered Mini $285. Also Available In Black & Red. Tap The Pic To See More.

#4 – Above The Ankle Blk Boots:

What Should Petites Not Wear - Calf Length Boots

There is absolutely nothing I love as much this season as a comfy babydoll, a flirty empire waist, or tiered hem dress paired with a clunky pair of combat boots. The juxtaposition makes my heart happy. However, black above the ankle or mid-calf boots will chop your legs off (visually, of course) prematurely and make us look shorter.

What To Wear Instead…

You have a bunch of alternatives that’ll give you the same feel, without any adverse style repercussions.

Choose a clunky black platform loafer. It’ll add height without the pain of traditional heels.

What Petites Should Not Wear - Calf Length Boots

CIRCUS – On Sale Now $39. Tap The Pic To See If Your Size Is Still Available.

Or choose white combat boots.

Fashion Mistakes Every Short Girl Should Avoid - Calf Length Black Boots

Steve Madden – BETTYY WHITE $99.95. Tap The Pic For More Details.

I like the next one because the black sole adds a bit of edginess.

Fashion Mistakes Short Girls Should Avoid - Calf Length Boots

CIRCUS BY SAM EDELMAN – Sammie Platform Boot On Sale Now For $39. Tap The Pic To See Which Sizes Are Still Available.

Or if you absolutely must have black, go taller and pick boots that end just below your knee. And yes, summer boots are totally a thing this season.

Fashion Mistakes Petites Should Avoid - Calf Length Boots

Dirty Laundry – Knee High Combat Boots $78. Tap The Pic For More Info.

#5 – Ankle Straps:

Fashion Mistakes Petites Should Avoid - Ankle Straps

Staying with the footwear theme, you’ll want to avoid ankle straps, especially in a color that contrasts with your skin.

What To Wear Instead…

Shoes that match your skin tone are always your best bet when it comes to visually lengthening your legs.

Fashion Mistakes Every Petite Should Avoid - Ankle Straps

Sam Edelman – Marlena Padded Strap Heel $140. Tap The Pic To See All The Colors.

Whether you choose heels or flats, pointed toes are super flattering as they create the illusion of your legs going on and on and on.

Style Mistakes Petites Should Avoid - Ankle Straps

Stuart Weizman – ANNY $398. There Are A Ton Of Colors and Heel Heights Available. Tap The Pic To See Them All.

#6 – Prints As Big As Your Head:

Style Mistakes Petite Women Should Avoid - Big Prints

You’re small. Keep your prints the same.

What To Wear Instead…

A sporadic print like this.

Style Mistakes Petites Should Avoid - Oversized Prints

Madewell Navy Slip Dress $345. Tap The Pic For More Details.

A print with softer colors like the next two.

Fashion Mistakes Petite Women Should Avoid - Oversized Prints

J. Crew – Polka Dot Dress. On Sale Now For $77. Tap The Pic To See All The Details.

Fashion Mistake Petites Should Avoid - Large Prints

Zadig & Voltaire – Floral Maxi Dress $328. Tap The Pic For More Info.

#7 – Tops With Too Much Going On:

Fashion Mistakes Petites Should Avoid - Styles With Too Much Going On

Poof sleeves, lots of ruffles, bulky bows can turn into a distraction if not used wisely.

What To Wear Instead…

Keep design elements to a minimum. Petite ladies are better off sticking to crisp, clean lines. If you just love one of the above elements, choose a softer, wispier fabric that flows, versus a stiff material that adds unwanted width.

Fashion Mistakes Every Petite Should Avoid

Ravella – Milano Silk Blouse $245. Tap The Pic To See All The Colors.

Now, the below is actually Tall. But it’s perfect for long waisted Petites. Or long enough for Petites to tuck.

Fashion Mistakes Petite Women Should Avoid - Tops With Too Many Design Details

Grey Silk Tie Top. On Sale Now For $21. Tap The Pic To See If Your Size Is Still Available.

Don’t be sad! Minimalist doesn’t mean boring as these next lovely styles demonstrate.

Style Mistakes Petites Should Avoid

Misguided – Petite Sheer Crinkle Shirt $22. Tap The Pic For More Details.

The extreme v-neck on the next examples maximizes the illusion of length. Not to mention, are brilliant choices if your bust is your favorite feature.

Fashion Mistakes Petite Girls Make

Joie – Tariana Silk Top $166. Tap The Pic To See All The Details.

What Petites Shouldn't Wear

Intermix – Meryl Pointelle Knit Polo Top $530. Tap The Pic To See More Colors.

Fashion Mistakes Short Girls Should Avoid

Emporio Armani – Metallic Knit Long Sleeve Top $425. Tap The Pic For All The Juicy Details.

#8 – Jewelry That Weighs a Ton:

Fashion Mistakes Petites Should Avoid - Chunky Jewelry

Same as handbags, oversized, chunky jewelry can overwhelm. Petite ladies are best off sticking to smaller, more delicate jewelry. If you love bold pieces, keep them confined to one area. For example, one statement ring, one large bangle, or chandelier earrings, and pair with more delicate pieces.

Style Mistakes Petites Should Avoid - Chunky Jewelry

Banana Republic – Bamboo Earrings $30. Also Available In Gold. Tap The Pic For More Info.

Style Mistakes Petite Women Should Avoid - Oversized Jewelry

GORJANA – Super Star Pendant Necklace $36. Tap The Pic To Order.

Kendra Scott – Tomon Silver Stretch Bracelet In Iridescent Abalone $68. Available In Gold & Four Different Stones. Tap The Pic To See All The Options.

If you’d like more accessory tips, check out How To Accessorize Every Outfit In Your Closet. (And make sure to snag your free cheat sheet.)

#9 – Ankle-Length Pants:

Fashion Mistakes Petite Women Should Avoid - Cropped Pants

Cropped and ankle-length pants prematurely cut off your legs.

What To Wear Instead…

The most flattering length for you is what I call toe skimming. Pop on a pair of pointed-toe heels, and you’ll be rockin’ your inner style icon.

Fashion Mistakes Petites Should Avoid

Ann Taylor – Wide Leg Pant in Doubleweave $129. Tap The Pic To See More.

Or A More Casual Option.

Style Mistakes Petite Women Should Avoid - Cropped Pants

Banana Republic – Wide-Leg Satin Pull-On Pant $49. Tap The Pic For More Info.

Pop A Bow On It:

The 9 Style Mistakes Petites Should Avoid

  • Oversized Dresses
  • Unstructured Slouchy Handbags
  • Midi-Length Anything
  • Above The Ankle/Mid-Calf Boots
  • Contrasting Ankle Straps
  • Huge Prints
  • Tops With Lots of Design Details
  • Chunky Jewelry
  • Ankle-Length Pants

Any lightbulb moments or style epiphanies? Leave a comment below, and let’s get this conversation started.

‘Til next week.

Hugs & Happy Shopping.

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Want more style tips for petites? Then you’ll want to check out the articles below. Enjoy!

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