Petite Magic Tricks

Dressing petite shapes requires wardrobe magic tricks like no other special-sized customer. Creating the illusion of height is the primary goal, and leaning into image science is the only way to achieve a flattering petite wardrobe. It takes knowledge, effort and careful curation, so here are the top five best magic tricks for building chic and complementary petite outfits:

1. Monochrome
   Dressing in a single block of color lengthens and strengthens the silhouette, which is an ideal go-to look for any petite woman. Be sure to incorporate varying tone-on-tone fabrics to create interesting, complex compositions of textures and hues. Try pairing dark wash trouser jeans and a navy cable knit turtleneck with a midnight blue herringbone jacket for a cohesive mashup of textural and ombré elements that playoff each other. Or, for a simpler, foolproof option, stock up on jumpsuits and wrap dresses that guarantee a one-and-done color column with every wearing.

2. Ditsy prints
   When it comes to petite dressing, scale is everything. Medium to large prints overpower, and even small scaled patterns can be too strong of a statement, Instead, opt for ditsy prints for diminutive, safe motifs that add visual interest but don’t upstage the wearer. Keep color palette limited to two or three hues, making sure other outfit elements connect to ditsy print palette. Try a smocked, off-shoulder and empire-waisted maxi dress in a ditsy floral and accessorize with platform espadrilles, a raffia clutch, statement sunglasses and chandelier earrings for a fun and flattering summer look.

3. Vertical lines
   If you’re petite, consider line science your best friend. Vertical lines create an illusion of height, so integrate them wherever and whenever possible — stripes, pleats, cable knits, princess seams, duster coats, over-the-knee boots, pencil skirts and column dresses with high slits. Also leverage line-extending tricks like matching shoes to skin tone for a leaner, longer effect and intersecting lines that create points that lengthen — v-necks, pointy-toed shoes, asymmetrical necklines and hems.

4. High-waisted bottoms
   Keeping the silhouette parsed in thirds creates the most flattering outfit proportions, which is a petite woman’s magic formula. Use high-waisted bottoms as a tool to elongate the body’s bottom half to two-thirds, then pair with minimalist base layers up top to maintain its one-third portion. Think paper bag pants, high-waisted midi skirts, double-belted shorts and empire-waisted dresses. If you can incorporate vertical stripes (say, pin tucks) with high-waisted bottoms (like trousers), even better.

5. Tailoring
   Above all, fit precision is key when it comes to petite clothing. Always consider stretch content for a sharper fit and find a great tailor who can personalize any garment to your body specifications. While size diversity has improved in recent years, petite clothing options are still limited so rely on standard sizes and let your tailor work his (or her!) magic.

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