What Dresses Look Good on Petite?
28 Jan 2024
While the fashion world pays attention to plus size, the owners of another feature that does not fit the classic modeling standards, remain in the shadows. If you are short, you probably know firsthand how difficult it is to find dresses that fit you perfectly. There is no universal recipe for everyone, because we are all very different, and even within the same height - each of us has a different figure with unique features.
As you know, most women's outfits on the conveyor belts of factories are usually created with average height (from 164 to 170 cm) and average shapes in mind. Indeed, most women fall within this height range, but rarely do people think about how difficult it is to find clothes for short women.
Often when you shop online based on size charts on online platforms, it can be difficult to guess the right size, especially when it comes to dresses. After all, even if your chest, waist, and hip measurements match the parameters in the chart, the length of the item may still not be appropriate. In addition, even if small women manage to choose a dress of the right length, the sleeves are still too long, the shoulders are too wide, and the waist is not in its place.
Most often the basis of an attractive image is not the natural data, but their competent presentation. How to choose appropriate clothes for short women, especially dresses, to look stylish, and modern and emphasize their figure? We tell you how short girls can use the advantages of their height and figure, to hide the shortcomings.
As you know, most women's outfits on the conveyor belts of factories are usually created with average height (from 164 to 170 cm) and average shapes in mind. Indeed, most women fall within this height range, but rarely do people think about how difficult it is to find clothes for short women.
Often when you shop online based on size charts on online platforms, it can be difficult to guess the right size, especially when it comes to dresses. After all, even if your chest, waist, and hip measurements match the parameters in the chart, the length of the item may still not be appropriate. In addition, even if small women manage to choose a dress of the right length, the sleeves are still too long, the shoulders are too wide, and the waist is not in its place.
Most often the basis of an attractive image is not the natural data, but their competent presentation. How to choose appropriate clothes for short women, especially dresses, to look stylish, and modern and emphasize their figure? We tell you how short girls can use the advantages of their height and figure, to hide the shortcomings.
What Does Being Petite Actually Mean?
When most people hear the word "small," they assume it means "tiny." "petite" literally means small. However, in the fashion world, petite is a size range of clothing designed for women 5 feet 4 inches or under. When shopping for petite clothing, it is important to check retailers' size charts because a few retailers designate 5 feet 3 inches, rather than 5 feet 4 inches, as the top height for their petite clothing.
Petite fashion sizes first appeared in the late 1940s when Hannah Troy noticed that regular clothes, especially dresses were too long for women with short waists. However, for many years after petite sizing was introduced into the fashion world, relatively few designers took note and there was little choice.
If you are in this height range, petite will usually fit you best, regardless of your body shape or age. The keyword is shorter, like you. So, whether you are voluptuous or rectangular, hourglass, triangle or inverted triangle, slender or lush, this size range is for you. You can often find petite in the regular size range as well as in larger sizes.
Petite fashion sizes first appeared in the late 1940s when Hannah Troy noticed that regular clothes, especially dresses were too long for women with short waists. However, for many years after petite sizing was introduced into the fashion world, relatively few designers took note and there was little choice.
If you are in this height range, petite will usually fit you best, regardless of your body shape or age. The keyword is shorter, like you. So, whether you are voluptuous or rectangular, hourglass, triangle or inverted triangle, slender or lush, this size range is for you. You can often find petite in the regular size range as well as in larger sizes.
Petite Styling Suggestions
With any figure, the first condition for selecting perfectly fitting clothes: matching the size. But with a petite, special attention should be paid to the degree of fit of the silhouette of clothes. So, the best option will be a fitting or semi-fitting silhouette. It should be preferred to be overly voluminous or, conversely, tightening the figure of closet items. If you like a loose silhouette, give preference to fitted models or emphasize the waistline with a belt.
Why is it important? The baggy style of clothing for small women hides the proportions of the figure, including vertical (the ratio of the length of the torso to the length of the legs). As a result, your legs are visually shortened, making you look shorter and more squat.
Simple shapes and laconic lines in dresses are perfect for you. The presence of a large number of additional elements in clothes makes petite women look heavier and "eats up" their height.
If you prefer dresses or tops with ruffles, flounces, and layering, try to balance a complex piece with a simple one to create balance. For example, balance a blouse with a complex print with a solid-colored skirt or pants. Or combine a skirt with a complex cut with a blouse as concisely as possible without a lot of accessories.
What does that mean? Your pants, skirts, and dresses should occupy two-thirds of your figure (so a high-waisted version will be a winning style), and blouses - one-third of the figure. To achieve the most favorable proportions for the visual perception of the figure, you need to pay attention to where one or another thing ends. It is especially important where the edge of the garment ends near the hips, waist, and arms.
When choosing skirts and dresses, petite women should avoid midi length - i.e. things should not end in the calf area. The optimal length of the dress for short girls - either on the floor, especially with a vertical cut, or short, above the knee. The length of the mini visually lengthens the legs, and therefore increases the growth. The same applies to skirts. It is better to choose a little above the knee or a little below, but in no case not to the kneecap.
Look for skirts and pants with a waist that is at or above your natural waist. This fit visually elongates your leg line and subsequently your overall height.
The "one-third to two-thirds" rule means that your waist should be between one-third : the upper part of your figure and two-thirds: the lower part of your figure. To create this illusion, high-heeled shoes combined with a thin belt on the dresses will help you.
And lastly, you probably know an easy way to look taller and slimmer with a small stature: monochromatic outfits. Create sets using one color. In this case, the vertical color will be your true assistant on the way to a slim and harmonious image.
Why is it important? The baggy style of clothing for small women hides the proportions of the figure, including vertical (the ratio of the length of the torso to the length of the legs). As a result, your legs are visually shortened, making you look shorter and more squat.
Simple shapes and laconic lines in dresses are perfect for you. The presence of a large number of additional elements in clothes makes petite women look heavier and "eats up" their height.
If you prefer dresses or tops with ruffles, flounces, and layering, try to balance a complex piece with a simple one to create balance. For example, balance a blouse with a complex print with a solid-colored skirt or pants. Or combine a skirt with a complex cut with a blouse as concisely as possible without a lot of accessories.
What does that mean? Your pants, skirts, and dresses should occupy two-thirds of your figure (so a high-waisted version will be a winning style), and blouses - one-third of the figure. To achieve the most favorable proportions for the visual perception of the figure, you need to pay attention to where one or another thing ends. It is especially important where the edge of the garment ends near the hips, waist, and arms.
When choosing skirts and dresses, petite women should avoid midi length - i.e. things should not end in the calf area. The optimal length of the dress for short girls - either on the floor, especially with a vertical cut, or short, above the knee. The length of the mini visually lengthens the legs, and therefore increases the growth. The same applies to skirts. It is better to choose a little above the knee or a little below, but in no case not to the kneecap.
Look for skirts and pants with a waist that is at or above your natural waist. This fit visually elongates your leg line and subsequently your overall height.
The "one-third to two-thirds" rule means that your waist should be between one-third : the upper part of your figure and two-thirds: the lower part of your figure. To create this illusion, high-heeled shoes combined with a thin belt on the dresses will help you.
And lastly, you probably know an easy way to look taller and slimmer with a small stature: monochromatic outfits. Create sets using one color. In this case, the vertical color will be your true assistant on the way to a slim and harmonious image.
Flattering Maxi Dresses for Petite Women
It's no secret that long dresses look especially good on tall and slender people. But don't be sad if you are short - with the help of our tips you will be able to find the perfect maxi dress!
For many seasons in a row do not go out of fashion a variety of maxi dresses, which we love so much for their beauty, elegance, and convenience. Putting on such a dress, we spread our shoulders and straighten our back, lift our chin, and our look becomes softer, more feminine, and attractive!
1. Vertical lines
Such a print visually "pulls out" the figure, so, when choosing maxi dresses, be sure to pay attention to the direction of the lines. As a "side effect" vertical lines will bring with them a couple of extra kilograms.
Why does it work? It's all about optical illusion: the human eye is much more accurate in determining distances horizontally than vertically, and besides, it matters in which direction our gaze slides. It is enough to compare a square consisting of vertical lines and a similar figure of horizontal stripes to notice that the first square seems narrower and taller. By wearing a dress with such a print, you "force" others to follow the lines in the right direction, thus creating an optical illusion.
2. Asymmetrical hemline and cut of the dresses
Showing a little bit of bare skin is always a good solution, as long as you understand the word "a little bit" as adequately as possible. With a cut and asymmetrical bottom, you give your outfit a depth that creates the effect of being taller than it is.
Both of these options almost necessarily require a heel, at least a small one.
3."Tight-fitting"
If your figure, despite the low height, can boast ideal proportions, and in general you are only happy to demonstrate your body shape, choose dresses that will sit on you like a second skin.
The ideal length is ankle length or floor length. Do not choose dresses that end in the middle of the calves, so you on the contrary only lose height.
4. Monochrome
But not just any color, but close to the shade of your skin. This is the same technique that prescribes choosing shoes of beige, or nude colors if you want to visually lengthen your legs.
By opting for such colors, we get rid of unnecessary transverse lines that divide our figure into segments, giving them a limited length.
5. Heart neckline
The heart neckline looks very feminine, but in addition to that it performs two more important functions - firstly, it visually lengthens the neck, and secondly, it concentrates the attention of those looking at the bodice of the dresses.
If you complement the neckline with an elegant pendant and/or long earrings, the effect will be even more pronounced.
6. Dresses with a split on the side
A dramatic slit makes the legs look almost endless - just what short women need. Add thin strappy sandals or mind-blowing narrow-toe loafers to the look, and an everyday summer dress will turn into a Hollywood outfit for a special evening.
For many seasons in a row do not go out of fashion a variety of maxi dresses, which we love so much for their beauty, elegance, and convenience. Putting on such a dress, we spread our shoulders and straighten our back, lift our chin, and our look becomes softer, more feminine, and attractive!
1. Vertical lines
Such a print visually "pulls out" the figure, so, when choosing maxi dresses, be sure to pay attention to the direction of the lines. As a "side effect" vertical lines will bring with them a couple of extra kilograms.
Why does it work? It's all about optical illusion: the human eye is much more accurate in determining distances horizontally than vertically, and besides, it matters in which direction our gaze slides. It is enough to compare a square consisting of vertical lines and a similar figure of horizontal stripes to notice that the first square seems narrower and taller. By wearing a dress with such a print, you "force" others to follow the lines in the right direction, thus creating an optical illusion.
2. Asymmetrical hemline and cut of the dresses
Showing a little bit of bare skin is always a good solution, as long as you understand the word "a little bit" as adequately as possible. With a cut and asymmetrical bottom, you give your outfit a depth that creates the effect of being taller than it is.
Both of these options almost necessarily require a heel, at least a small one.
3."Tight-fitting"
If your figure, despite the low height, can boast ideal proportions, and in general you are only happy to demonstrate your body shape, choose dresses that will sit on you like a second skin.
The ideal length is ankle length or floor length. Do not choose dresses that end in the middle of the calves, so you on the contrary only lose height.
4. Monochrome
But not just any color, but close to the shade of your skin. This is the same technique that prescribes choosing shoes of beige, or nude colors if you want to visually lengthen your legs.
By opting for such colors, we get rid of unnecessary transverse lines that divide our figure into segments, giving them a limited length.
5. Heart neckline
The heart neckline looks very feminine, but in addition to that it performs two more important functions - firstly, it visually lengthens the neck, and secondly, it concentrates the attention of those looking at the bodice of the dresses.
If you complement the neckline with an elegant pendant and/or long earrings, the effect will be even more pronounced.
6. Dresses with a split on the side
A dramatic slit makes the legs look almost endless - just what short women need. Add thin strappy sandals or mind-blowing narrow-toe loafers to the look, and an everyday summer dress will turn into a Hollywood outfit for a special evening.
Ideal Short Dresses for Petite Women
We are against restrictions - tall and short girls can wear any length they want. But the eye-catching mini seems to be the best option for women with petite figures - the freedom with which they can style the ultra-short length is something taller women can only envy.
Sweater dress
Most sweater dresses that are sold in stores are ultra-short. This is a peculiarity of the style - otherwise, it would seem rough and baggy. Tall women often have to deny themselves the pleasure of dressing up in a warm and cozy dress, but miniature girls are much luckier here - they can wear it with tube boots and boots, without risking to look vulgar.
Zap and draping
Airy summer dresses with a smell and more textured models with a smooth drape laid in waves - a great choice for women of low height. The secret is in the asymmetrical hem, which adds lightness to the silhouette and lengthens the legs.
Blazer dress
Dresses resembling elongated men's jackets, we recommend to wear exclusively with boots - classic "pipes" or spectacular boots are suitable. Such a neighborhood will help to balance the image: if you will be wearing loafers or loafers, opening almost the entire length of the legs will certainly cause questions. Low girls and women with fragile proportions can wear voluminous dresses with a straight silhouette, but for those whose height exceeds 165 centimeters, it is better to complement the outfit with a wide belt or a large leather belt.
A-line dresses
Short women should look first and foremost at A-silhouette dresses. This 'A-silhouette' mini-dress will help to highlight the beauty of your legs, giving your figure more harmonious proportions. Their cut is not tight, but not too loose: in combination with a short length, the style will emphasize the fragility and femininity of a short girl. Winter options - dresses made of dense materials in black, wine, or beige colors, and summer - weightless models made of cotton and linen in a light palette.
Sweater dress
Most sweater dresses that are sold in stores are ultra-short. This is a peculiarity of the style - otherwise, it would seem rough and baggy. Tall women often have to deny themselves the pleasure of dressing up in a warm and cozy dress, but miniature girls are much luckier here - they can wear it with tube boots and boots, without risking to look vulgar.
Zap and draping
Airy summer dresses with a smell and more textured models with a smooth drape laid in waves - a great choice for women of low height. The secret is in the asymmetrical hem, which adds lightness to the silhouette and lengthens the legs.
Blazer dress
Dresses resembling elongated men's jackets, we recommend to wear exclusively with boots - classic "pipes" or spectacular boots are suitable. Such a neighborhood will help to balance the image: if you will be wearing loafers or loafers, opening almost the entire length of the legs will certainly cause questions. Low girls and women with fragile proportions can wear voluminous dresses with a straight silhouette, but for those whose height exceeds 165 centimeters, it is better to complement the outfit with a wide belt or a large leather belt.
A-line dresses
Short women should look first and foremost at A-silhouette dresses. This 'A-silhouette' mini-dress will help to highlight the beauty of your legs, giving your figure more harmonious proportions. Their cut is not tight, but not too loose: in combination with a short length, the style will emphasize the fragility and femininity of a short girl. Winter options - dresses made of dense materials in black, wine, or beige colors, and summer - weightless models made of cotton and linen in a light palette.
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