What Kinds of Clothes Look Good on Short Petite Women?

While vertically challenged, a petite woman isn't necessarily fashionably challenged.

It's a cliche to say that good things come in small packages, but it's a mistake to belittle the truth in those words -- especially when in connection with a well-dressed petite woman. For the words to ring true, though, the short, petite woman must wear the right clothes, and they aren't hard to find.

General Dimensions

In general, a petite woman measures at 5 feet 4 inches or shorter. If you fit in this category, any clothes you wear should emphasize vertical lines and minimize horizontal lines. Wear straight-leg or "cigarette-leg" pants. Cords or pin stripes work well for a short woman. Avoid leg cuffs, flares, crops and any pant legs that taper or end just above the ankle. Snug-fitting styles complement petite frames, but steer clear of wide-legged pants -- unless their volume is balanced by heels and a defined shape on top. Avoid skirts that fall mid-calf.

Patterns and Colors

Larger patterns littered with shapes bigger than your fist don't flatter short women. They tend to overwhelm your shape by "competing" with your shorter size. Darker colors suit shorter women well, as they tend to have a slimming effect. If you wear pantyhose, wear those of the same color as your pants or shoes, if possible. Matching colors between pants, shoes and pantyhose prevents a disruption of the vertical line, thus drawing attention away from the shorter stature.

Finding Clothes

Having to wear shorter-length clothes doesn't mean that petite women face a shortage of clothing options. Staff writers at "Oprah" magazine note that, when you're a shorter girl, you find ways to be stylish, even against all odds. Don't shy away from well-known labels. And browse the kids departments at clothing retailers; you might find some fitting treasures. Also, make your tailor your best friend (as opposed to diamonds, say "Oprah" writers).

Shoes and Accessories

Wear any shoes, such as heels, that give you a slight lift. Pointy-toed and V-shaped shoes will give your feet a lengthened, "taller" look. Avoid shoes that have horizontal straps that noticeably fasten across the top of your feet. If there are straps on your shoes, choose shoes with strap colors that match your skin tone, so that the straps won't be as pronounced. If wearing heeled boots while wearing a skirt that falls below the knee, choose boots that match your skirt color. Avoid flat shoes with skirts below the knee.

References

• Petite Resource: Petite Fashion Tips
• Dressing the Petite Woman; Ellen York
• Oprah Magazine: Style and the Short Woman