How to Dress When You’re Petite over 40 & Where to Shop
Petite Gals, 40, 50, 60+, this post is for you! I’ve had many of you asking for advice on how to dress and where to shop, so I’ve put together a handy style guide. Here’s how to style up in more ways than one!
What’s Considered Petite?
If you’re on the short side (under 5’4″) and smaller-boned than average, you’re most likely considered petite.
Dressing as a petite can be challenging—ridiculously long sleeves, ill-fitting jackets, and pants that always need hemming. Getting dressed can feel like a lot of work!
Finding the right balance between too big and baggy regular sizes and smaller sizes that look junior is difficult, but not impossible when you stick to petite-sized clothing.
What is Petite-Sized Clothing?
Petite-size clothing is specifically designed for women 5’4″ and under. It has been cut proportionally to fit and flatter the petite woman’s frame. However, as you may know, petite clothing is not always readily available.
How to Get Started Dressing When You Are Petite
The first step in looking fabulous when you are petite is to change your mindset. You need to stop seeing your petite size as a limitation and instead embrace it as a form of self-expression, showcasing a style that is uniquely yours.
Next, you must know the best petite styles and understand how to assemble petite outfits. Then, it’s where to find and shop for the best petite clothing to make you look fabulous!
I have suggestions. Let’s dive in!
How to Dress When You Are Petite – Best Styles & Styling Tips
Tip #1: Choose High-Waisted Pants
Opting for high-waisted bottoms, such as pants, jeans, or skirts, is a game changer for petites. High-waisted clothing sits higher on the waist, making your legs look longer and leaner. If you tuck in your top, you’ll enhance the illusion of being tall and highlight your waist, which also helps.
Tip #2: Wear Off-The-Shoulder, V and Deep Necklines
Off-the-shoulder, scoop, and V-necklines elongate your neck and give the illusion of height by drawing the eye upwards. Sweetheart necklines work, too. Be cautious with higher necklines, such as crew neck and turtleneck styles. Make sure they are not too bulky. They should fit close to your body. A mock neck is better than a high turtleneck.
Tip #3: Consider the Hemline on Dresses
Hemlines that fall just above the knee will lengthen your legs. If you’re not comfortable with a shorter length and prefer a maxi dress, opt for one with a slit that reveals some of your legs. Revealing some skin will make your legs appear longer as you walk. Midi dresses are fine, too, but opt for one that is belted or features cinching or ruching at the waist to create a defined waistline.
Tip #4: Wear Monochromatic Colors
Monochromatic dressing is wearing the same color or shades of the same color from head to toe. This styling trick creates a long column of color, which has a slimming and elongating effect. When you don’t wear contrasting colors, you don’t have visual breaks in your outfit and appear taller. You can experiment with different textures, like this tweed blazer, to add depth to monochromatic looks.
Tip #5: Pay Attention to Proportions
Proportions are key when it comes to flattering your petite figure. Focus on well-fitting clothes that highlight your curves and create a balance between your upper and lower body. For example, if you wear a chunky sweater, pair it with slim-fitting bottoms, such as bootcut jeans or slim ponte pants. Similarly, when wearing wide-leg jeans or a flowy skirt, pair it with a form-fitting top, but avoid skin-tight styles.
Tip #6 Keep Accessories Understated
The best way to wear jewelry when petite is to keep it minimal and understated so it doesn’t overwhelm your small frame. If you prefer chunky necklaces, consider wearing only that and skip the stacked bracelets and long drop earrings.
As for bags, bigger is only sometimes better! Oversize totes will become the focal point and make you look smaller than you already are. It would be best if you had all eyes on your well-constructed outfit, so keep the size of the bag in proportion with the rest of your look.
Tip #7: Wear Heels (Any Kind!)
Petite gals, you know heels are your friend, but they don’t have to be 4 “stilettos to make a big difference. Low-block and kitten heels add a hint of height, which is exactly what you need to boost your confidence. Plus, these styles are very comfortable. Additionally, consider looking for shoes with pointed toes, as these can elongate your legs. One final tip: Match the color of your shoes to your skirt or pants, and you’ll appear taller.
Where to Shop for Petite Women’s Clothing Over 40, 50, 60
Now that we’ve discussed how to dress when you’re petite let’s talk about where to shop. Here are my top picks for stylish petite clothing that suits any budget.
Ann Taylor – quality basics with splashes of color for work and weekends.
Boden – unique and original pieces focused on wardrobe mainstays you’ll wear for years.
JCPenney offers an impressive selection of petite clothing, and the prices are remarkably affordable.
J.Crew – wardrobe classics with a hint of preppy.
LOFT – modern clothing designed to flatter every body type and make you feel confident and beautiful.
Nordstrom – Many of Nordstrom’s trending styles are available in petite sizes.
Talbots – offers a great selection of modern and classic petite styles in cheery colors and prints.
Are you looking for the perfect pants for Petites? Spanx and Not Your Daughter’s also offer petite sizes; their styles are always classy and modern.
Looking stylish when you are a pint-sized fashionista doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Petite clothing, specifically tailored to your petite figure, can make a huge difference, and the selection keeps getting better! Remember, better things come in small packages!
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Deb, Thank you so much for this post for petites. I definitely need to watch the necklines on new items I purchase. As you know, I am 5’2″ This will be a reference that I refer back to as time goes on.
Great Dianna, I’ll be doing some more post for petites so watch for those. So many gals are petite!
Thank you for all this helpful info! Everything you said is correct, and my problem is that petites aren’t carried in stores much around here. We have Loft, Talbots, J-Jill, & BR, which is getting fewer petites in stores, etc. Ann Taylor is a factory outlet with petites, but you can hit or miss there since COVID-19.BR is also a good-quality factory outlet, but small items are scarce in the store. I am excited to check out Boden, as you suggested. I am a PXS and 0P or 2P in jeans and bottoms. One question I have for you is whether it is okay to wear huge prints. I noticed one looked bigger but was cute! I loved all your suggestions, and thank you so much for thinking of us petites. For anyone wanting to try Chico’s, order the 000 in cropped length if my size and 00P are too big. The 000 regular misses is an inch smaller in measurements. Great quality clothes. I do have some Talbots, too, but mostly jeans or bottoms.
Deborah,
This is so helpful! You are right; the selection of petite clothing has improved greatly. It is important to have clothing tailored to a petite frame to look well together. I shop at Nord, Chicos, Talbots, AT, and Loft. My wardrobe is classic but feminine.