I remember the first time I was mistaken for a child as an adult. I was travelling on a bus to my job at the time, and the bus driver asked me what school trip I was going on, assuming I was part of the gaggle of kids on the same bus. Reader, I was 21. For that reason, for a long time, I bemoaned my 5’3” height. I hated that I had to ask people to reach things for me in shops and that I’d still get ID’d well into my 20s. And that’s before I’ve even discussed issues with clothes and finding the right pieces to fit my frame.
Now that I’m in my mid-30s, not only do I love it if I get asked for proof I’m over 18, but I’ve also managed to hone down the ultimate items that are ideal for those of us who are a little more petite. The staples in question are all items that I’ve found don’t swamp me and that give the impression that I’m taller than I am. It’s not that I’m desperate to add to my height, but it’s that I’d like to make sure I’m not mistaken for a child again.
While I’m definitely more a jeans woman, a few years ago, I discovered my love of dresses—midi ones in particular. On petite people, the midi dress gives an illusion that you’re wearing a long dress, but it doesn’t drag on the floor, meaning you look like you’re actually really tall. Well, that’s my theory, and I’m sticking to it.
I’d be the first person to admit that I used to be terrified of any item which is preceded by the word “cropped.” But I’m here to tell you that these items are ideal for petites. They’re great for pairing with high-waisted trousers (another petite staple), and they don’t swamp your body.
It’s a little trickier, but the long coat performs a similar illusion to the midi dress. The idea here is, again, to make people think you’re taller than you really are. Just ensure your coat is ankle-length rather than actually dragging on the floor. We’re channelling the Olsens here, people.
The one oversized exception is the oversized shirt. Yes, there is the danger you’ll look a little like you’re wearing your dad’s button-down, but with a little rolling of the sleeves (hit the elbows for maximum VB effect) and tucking in of waistbands, you’ve got yourself a chic, insouciant look.
Yep, cropped again. You won’t regret this purchase either. They just sit better, and tuck into jeans, trousers, and skirts without surplus bulk.
The sister of the midi dress, the midi skirt works on the same principle. Opt for slinkier versions such as the slip skirt or ones with ruffles for a fun take on the trend.
Fitted tops are another petite wardrobe mainstay. Whether they’re ribbed vests or bodycon Henleys or shirred blouses, these are your friends.
I know that Editor in Chief Hannah Almassi will vouch for these, as she’s also someone who’s petite and who loves a pair of high-waisted trousers. These elongate your legs, if that’s what you’re going for, but they’re also just super comfy and look great with shirts and tops tucked in.
I’m a huge denim fan, and let me tell you that a pair of classic, blue straight-leg jeans is great for anyone’s wardrobe. If you’re more petite, however, go for the high-waisted versions. If you can’t get quite the right leg length for you, consider getting them tailored so they fit perfectly.
Where would I be without a truly great belt? Not too skinny and not too wide, this works as a way to cinch oversized items and then as a great way to break up a look with high-waisted trousers or midi dresses.
While I might not have worn heels much over the past year and a half, I still love them. They are ideal for boosting your height in the most obvious way, but if you don’t fancy getting vertigo, I’d advise sticking to lower heels.
Next Up: I Tried On Loads of Petite Jeans—Here Are the Pairs I Rate
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
