10 Items Every Woman Under 5'4" Needs in Her Wardrobe, According to a Stylist

“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.​​​​​​​​”

Foster advises clients to take advantage of the varied crop-top 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.

“Off-the-shoulder is another gorgeous option, especially for summer,” Foster says. “Plus, it creates a similar lengthening effect as V-necks.”

“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, etcetera,” Foster says. The stylist likes the way the skirt is elegantly covered-up without adding too much bulk to a small-framed woman.

“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 this summer and fall…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.”

“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.

“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.

“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.”

“Capris are a popular item in stores because of the resurgence of ‘90s fashion. As with skirts, petites should avoid ones that stop right at the knee. Instead, look for a traditional biker short length (mid-thigh) or a version that hits at the mid-calf or below,” Foster says. For more, check out one petite PureWow editor's exploration into capris-for-petites.

“Shoes 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. 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.” And finally, avoid any style with ankle straps (especially super thick ones or ones in a color that contrasts your skin tone) is always best.