As a shortie, I’m constantly tweaking all the trends for my figure. I follow my favorite small-stature celebs (love you lots, Florence Pugh!) to see how they are rocking the latest looks, but since I don’t have a movie costumer on speed dial, I can’t depend on getting everything tailored to my bod’s particular long-waisted, big-bootied proportions. However—I do have access to a stylist! To refresh my wardrobe for fall as a petite woman, I can't dependably just add-to-cart every new trend and expect it to look good on my frame. I asked petite stylist Angela Foster for pro tips on what I should have to create a petites capsule collection of my own. The ten items she recommended are now ready to go in my closet, and will dependably take me through everything from business casual (um, hello silk skirts) to vacation chic, all without making me took like I’m swimming in fabric or wearing my dad’s jacket. Here are my shoppable recommendations, based on Foster’s insider guidance and expertise, for what every woman under 5’4” should buy now and forever.
10 Items Every Woman Under 5'4" Needs in Her Wardrobe, According to a Stylist
Including the one shoe to never wear
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Meet the Stylist
Angela Foster is a Ft. Lauderdale-based wardrobe consultant who specializes in short women’s style. After working as an executive in the fashion and beauty industry for 20-plus years, Foster now advises busy professional women on what to wear to maximize their authority and style while minimizing time and effort on evolving a closet full of the latest and classic petite-friendly styles.
Shirts
1. V-Neck Blouses and Sweaters
“If given a choice between V-neck or any other neckline, go with the V every time,” Foster says. “The airiness combined with the 'arrow' shape helps petites create the illusion of length.”
Shop V-Neck Tops
2. Cropped Styles
Foster advises clients to take advantage of the varied cropped styles available this season. “They’re a blessing for petites—they hit many of us (especially short-waisted petites) in the exact right spot (at the hipbones or slightly above) without flashing a ton of midriff like they would on tall chicks,” she says.
Shop Cropped Shirts
3. Off-the-Shoulder Tops
“Off-the-shoulder is another gorgeous option, especially for summer,” Foster says. “Plus, it creates a similar lengthening effect as V-necks.”
Shop Off-the-Shoulder Tops
Skirts
4. Long Slip Skirts
“A long slip skirt is an amazing option for petites. The lightweight material is incredibly flattering and the style is ridiculously versatile: work, weekends, date nights, et cetera,” Foster says. The stylist likes the way the skirt is elegantly covered-up without adding too much bulk to a small-framed woman.
Shop Long Slip Skirts
5. Mini and Above-the-Knee Skirts
“When it comes to skirts and dresses, petites should go short or long and avoid anything in between,” the stylist says. “A style that hits around the knee visually chops our vertical line and makes us look shorter. Minis are super popular right now…if you’re wondering about the ideal length, it helps to remember that the most flattering length is when the hem hits just underneath the widest part of the thigh.”
Shop Above-the-Knee Skirts
6. Maxi Pencil Skirts
“Maxi pencil skirts are an on-trend style that works magic on short girls, elongating the appearance of the legs without adding gobs of extraneous material like oversized styles or full pleated skirts,” Foster says.
Shop Maxi Pencil Skirts
Pants
7. Wide-Length Pants and Jeans
“Wide-length pants are all anyone’s talking about this season. And yes, some petites can pull them off—for example: women with a more voluptuous bust paired with slim hips and thighs,” Foster says. For petites with a different body shape, Foster recommends choosing a straight-leg option.
Shop Wide Leg Pants
8. Joggers
“Joggers are everywhere, and petites around the world rejoice,” Foster says. The stylist thinks of them as the updated version of skinny jeans, which she says are “a universally flattering style for petites—especially curvy petites. And you can wear them without all the negative chatter about the style being dead, like skinny jeans.”
9. Capris/Cropped Pants
Foster tells me “Capris are a popular item in stores because of the resurgence of ‘90s fashion. As with skirts, petites should avoid styles that stop right at the knee." Instead, look for pairs that hit at the mid-calf or below. For more, check out one petite PureWow editor's exploration into capris-for-petites.
Shop Capri Pants
Shoes
10. Pointed-Toe Shoes/Boots
“Shoes and boots are one of the easiest ways to turn an ensemble instantly flattering. Look for a pointed toe, regardless of the heel height, for the appearance of lengthening the leg,” Foster says.
Shop Pointed-Toe Boots/Shoes
Don't: Wear Ankle Straps
But whatever you do, remember to avoid any style with ankle straps, Foster advises, “especially super-thick ones or ones in a color that contrasts your skin tone.” The ankle strap breaks up the long line of your leg—not helpful for us shorties.
