I’ve never really been a pants person. As a short gal, the whole hemming thing has always been a hassle, and, to be honest, I just prefer the throw-on-and-go ease of a dress. But even I can’t resist the timeless appeal of a good pleated trouser. In fact, I’d say the drapey, wide-leg bottoms have become something of a cool-girl marker these days. They’re undeniably polished and professional, but they also give off the impression of looking totally effortless—which is why they can also easily be worn well beyond the office. My only dilemma as someone who’s 5’1”? Figuring out how to style them without looking like a kid playing dress-up in mom’s ‘80s power suit.
Luckily, it’s easier done than stressed about. Thanks to brands like Abercrombie & Fitch and Madewell offering petite sizing, finding pleated pants I don’t drown in has become less of a quest. And after amassing a small collection in my capsule wardrobe, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to make them work for my height. But I’ve also enlisted the advice of Angela Foster, a stylist who specializes in dressing shorter frames, to map out the styling rules of wearing wide, pleated trousers as a shortie. “Petites can (and some absolutely should) wear pleated pants. Like any pants, it’s all about finding the ones best for your body shape,” says Foster.
