As petites, we’ve grown accustomed to the standard sizing struggles – long hemlines, boxy fits, pants that require a 3-inch heel (minimum) to keep off the floor.
Fortunately, there are designers looking out for the 5’4 and under set. Today, I’m reviewing Petite Studio NYC, which, as the name suggests, is designed for style-seeking shorties like us.
Read on for my take on the brand and a Petite Studio discount code for Elegance Edit readers.
What is Petite Studio NYC?
It’s simply good manners to begin with an introduction. So, I’d like you to meet Petite Studio – the first indie clothing brand exclusively designed for petites.
Here you’ll find small-batch collections of flattering pieces for those 5’4 and under. The Petite Studio team designs all pieces in-house at their New York City headquarters, where garments undergo multiple rounds of fit tests on petite models.
I’ve gathered some fast facts here so you can get to know the brand:
Founded in: 2016 by Jenny-Wang Howell
Production Model: Slow fashion, small-batch collections
Price Range: $80 – $350 (investment pieces, not fast fashion)
Shipping: Worldwide, with free shipping on U.S. orders over $150
Core Aesthetic: Modern, feminine staples with an effortless aspect
My Petite Studio Review: Fabric & Fit
You’re here to learn whether Petite Studio pieces are worth it. I put multiple pieces to the test on my 5’3 frame. Read on for my unfiltered Petite Studio review. This review has been fully updated for Fall 2025, featuring my hands-on look at their new wool, cotton, and corduroy pieces.
Petite Studio Cotton
Quality cotton is a must in any timeless wardrobe, and I was particularly interested to see how Petite Studio handles this essential, natural fiber. I put two of their popular cotton pieces to the test: a classic pair of jeans and a chic corduroy dress.
Abby Corduroy Dress
First up is the Abby Corduroy Dress, a piece that feels perfect for the crisp days of fall. Let’s dive into the most important elements: fit and fabric.
The Fit & Fabric
The dress is crafted from a blend of 97% Cotton and 3% Spandex, which gives the traditionally rigid corduroy a comfortable hint of stretch.
As for fit, this dress runs slightly large. I’m normally a size small in Petite Studio, but the small in this style swallowed me. I sized down to an XS, and the fit was much better, though still relaxed. If you prefer a more tailored look, I would size down.
Like the look? Use my Petite Studio discount code CELESTE20 for 20% off your order.
How I’m Styling It
Because of the dress’s relaxed silhouette, I found that adding a belt was the key to leveling up the look. I styled it with a simple leather belt to cinch the waist.
I then paired it with brown boots for a chic, monochromatic fall look. To complete the outfit, I added some simple gold jewelry to complement the beautiful gold buttons on the dress—a small detail that really pulls everything together.
What Petites Should Know
- Sizing: As mentioned, I recommend sizing down in this particular style, especially if you have a smaller frame or prefer a more defined silhouette.
- Length: On my 5’3″ frame, the dress hits a few inches above the knee. It’s a great “mini” length for petites that helps to elongate the legs.
- Proportions: The boxy cut lends itself to be a more relaxed piece, which has its merits. Adding a belt at the natural waist is an option for a more defined waist.
Bentley Jeans
Finding the perfect pair of 100% cotton jeans is a quest for any denim lover, so I was eager to try the Bentley Jeans.
The Fit & Fabric
As a fan of rigid denim, I was pleased to see these are made from 100% Cotton. I personally love this because it means they hold their shape beautifully throughout the day.
The fit is where things get interesting. While described as a “relaxed, straight-leg,” on my frame, they fit more like a subtle barrel leg, curving out from the hip and tapering slightly at the ankle. Looking closely at the model, you can see this gentle curve as well, so it seems to be an intentional part of the design.
How I’m Styling It
Given the light color and the embroidered “PS” logo on the back pocket, these jeans feel decidedly daytime to me. I’ll slip them on for a casual, polished look.
I’ve styled them here with the Lexi Wool Sweater, tucking in the front to highlight the high waist.
They would also look crisp with a simple, structured t-shirt and a pair of classic loafers.
What Petites Should Know
- Length: The inseam is perfect, hitting right at the ankle on my frame with no tailoring needed.
- Silhouette: Be aware that these are not a true straight-leg. However, if you enjoy a modern, subtle barrel leg, the fit is very chic.
- Versatility: While I had initially hoped to dress these up, the prominent “PS” embroidery on the back pocket gives them a more casual feel.
Petite Studio Wool
I’ve been in search of quality wool for the cooler months so was eager to see how Petite Studio, a brand known for its feminine staples, would handle this essential fiber.
Lexi Wool Sweater
This piece excited me the most out of the recent collection. So often with knitwear, I find you have to make a choice: you can have interesting designs in synthetic blends, or you can have timeless but plain sweaters in high-quality natural fibers. The Lexi Wool Sweater marries the two.
The Fit & Fabric
The sweater is knitted from 100% Mercerized Merino Wool, which feel soft to the touch with none of the itchiness that can sometimes come with wool.
Fit-wise, it has an effortless, relaxed silhouette with dropped shoulders. I’m wearing my usual size small, which is perfect for tucking into a skirt or wearing loose over jeans. For those who prefer a cozier, slightly more oversized look, I could definitely see sizing up as an option as well.
As you can see in the photo, the small sits perfectly on my frame without being overwhelming.
How I’m Styling It
The neutral colors in the abstract print make this sweater surprisingly easy to style.
I love playing with patterns, so I paired it with a brown gingham skirt, letting the similar color families tie the two pieces together. On another day, I draped it over my shoulders so the print peeked out from the back.
What Petites Should Know
- Proportions: The relaxed cut and dropped shoulders are flattering. It hits right around the hip, so it doesn’t shorten the leg line.
- Sleeves: The sleeves are designed with a classic ribbed cuff that keeps them from looking sloppy or too long, a common issue for petites with oversized knitwear.
- Weight: While its made of 100% wool, the piece is lightweight. So I’d consider more of a transitional or layering piece. If you’re after something super warm, this sweater isn’t checking the box.
Petite Studio Linen from Past Seasons
Ines Linen Vest Top
Next is this sculpted button-down vest from Petite Studio’s Spring 2025 collection. Shall we delve into the most important items- fit and fabric?
The fit is true to size. I’m normally a size small and the small fits perfectly. As for fabric, I pay close attention to fabric composition in my garments and am impressed with the 70% linen, 30% cotton construction.
Cut, quality, and first impressions
I adore a crisp, white linen in warmer months and this vest delivers. The linen texture looks elevated — it’s structured and textured in a way that can be dressed up or down. The neckline is a classic rounded one and the pockets are real which is surprisingly uncommon in women’s clothing so bonus points there.
How I styled it
The elongating power of a monochrome look is not to be underestimated. So I paired this with the matching Teigan skirt (scroll down for my review of that) for a cohesive look that garnered compliments from strangers.
That said, this vest would undoubtedly play well with loose bottoms like a-line shorts or a flirty mini that contrast against its structure. Loads of spring outfit ideas are coming to mind…
What Petites Should Know
Length: The vest hits right below the hip on my shorter frame. This is ideal as it gives a long, lean line without feeling boxy. Anything longer could overwhelm a petite frame, in my humble opinion.
Armholes: The armholes fit snugly without gaping. This is key because oversized armholes are a common frustration for petites; this vest avoids that entirely.
Proportions: The rounded hem and gentle flare at the hips are super flattering. It creates definition without bulk.
Lackluster closet? I crafted this petite capsule wardrobe to help.
Teigan Linen Pencil Skirt
To round out this Petite Studio review, let’s get into another linen piece- this elegant pencil skirt in the same fabric as the vest.
Fit and fabric.
Once again, the fit runs true to size. I’m typically a small, and the small hugs at the waist and gently skims over my hips without clinging. It’s designed with petites in mind and it shows.
The fabric matches the vest: 70% linen, 30% cotton. It has that same structured, nubby texture that feels both luxe and breathable. However, it is prone to wrinkling so I’d suggest steaming before stepping out.
Cut, quality, and first impressions
As I slipped on this skirt, the phrase evated essential came to mind. The cut is slim but not restrictive. And thank goodness for the back slit which makes walking comfortable.
The waistband sits right at my natural waist, which I find the most flattering on a petite frame. Lat but perhaps most importantly, the fabric weight is substantial enough that it’s not see-through (a must for white linen!). This is thanks to the 100% cotton lining of the skirt. In short, this is now in my petite outfit ideas rotation.
How I styled it
For a sleek monochrome moment, I paired it with the Ines Vest and added chocolate brown boots to ground the look. But I can also see this pairing beautifully with a tucked-in knit tee or Petite Studio’s adorable Mohair Sweater for a fun combination of textures. A piece this clean and classic leaves room to play.
What Petites Should Know
Length: On me (5’3), it hits a few inches above the ankle— slightly higher than on Petite Studio’s model (5’2), where it sits a bit lower. That difference likely comes down to proportion. If your legs are longer relative to your torso (like mine), expect it to sit a bit higher. That said, it still reads as chic and polished.
Waist: The waistband sits high and flatters without cutting in. No awkward gaping or tugging. There are belt loops built in if you’d like to throw on waist cinching piece.
Slit height: The back slit is functional without being revealing — perfect for petites who want comfort but still appreciate modesty.
Proportions: The skirt gives a clean, balanced silhouette. I wouldn’t say it lengthens the legs (add heels for that effect) but the vertical seam detailing subtly guides the eye downward, which helps maintain proportion. I also appreciate how the slim, structured shape balances well with more fitted or cropped tops.
A Petite Studio Discount Code for You
The team at Petite Studio was kind enough to offer a personalized discount code to share with Elegance Edit readers. When you shop the brand, use code CELESTE20 for 20% off your order.
Petite Studio Fabric & Fit Review
You may have spotted Petite Studio on my list of petite-friendly clothing brands. But I’d love to get into the details with you. Let’s talk fit, quality, and sizing so you can shop confidently.
Quality & Fabric
What I Like: As I explored Petite Studio’s site, I found a mix of fabrics in the collections. Many of their garments feature the kind of natural fibers I actually want to wear. I saw pieces like:
- Jeans made from 100% cotton, which tends to wear beautifully over time and feels substantial.
- A trench coat in a thoughtful blend of 59% cotton and 41% Tencel-breathable, durable, and perfect for transitional weather.
I also noticed several wool sweaters and coats with a high percentage of wool content that look well-constructed and cozy (perhaps I’ll add one to my elegant fall wardrobe).
What I Didn’t Like: That said, not every piece meets this standard. I still find that some items lean heavily into synthetics, which can feel misaligned with their premium, slow-fashion branding.
For example, they seeing “suede” pieces for over $150 made of 90+% polyester is disappointing. At that price point, I believe elevating the fabric selection to natural fibers or more luxe blends would make these pieces feel much more worth the investment.
Fit & Sizing
Petite Studio leans into true petite tailoring — think shorter rises, higher waist placements, and adjusted sleeve lengths that save you a trip to the tailor.
As someone who’s 5’3″ with a shorter torso and longer legs, I notice when proportions are designed with petites in mind, and Petite Studio gets a lot right.
My sizing experience
My experience Petite Studio sizing has been mostly consistent, but I have noticed some variations between different styles and fabrics, which is important to be aware of.
- For pieces with a more structured or tailored fit, like the Lexi Wool Sweater or the older Ines Linen Vest, I’ve found my usual size Small fits perfectly.
- However, for pieces with a more relaxed or oversized silhouette, like the Abby Corduroy Dress, I’ve had to size down to an XS to avoid being overwhelmed by the fabric.
My advice: Always read the product description carefully. If a piece is described as “relaxed” or “oversized,” and you prefer a closer fit, I would recommend sizing down. Otherwise, their sizing is generally very reliable.
Their size chart vs. real-world fit
Petite Studio’s size chart is one of the most in-depth I’ve seen, mapping weight and height in addition to inches. In my experience, it lines up well with how the clothes actually fit. The chart gave me confidence that my normal petite small would work, and it did.
I’d trust it — but if you’re unsure, many items have reviews where you can see pieces on other women of different weights and heights.
Style & Versatility
From feminine to Parisian-chic to polished academic, certain styles call to us and we can’t help but answer.
So who is Petite Studio best suited for? If you like classic pieces, feminine silhouettes, and understated staples, you’ll enjoy the collections. I notice the pieces have an ease yet polished aspect to them.
The majority of pieces are versatile enough to play well with others, coming in neutral tones that are easy to style. If you’re building out a base of investment pieces for your petite closet, this is a stellar place to shop.
Petite Studio NYC FAQS
To bring this Petite Studio review to a close, I’m answering your questions below.
Yes, Petite Studio a trustworthy, female founded brand headquartered in New York City. They’ve been featured in Vogue, Who What Wear, and other usual suspects we devour for fashion inspiration.
In my experience, the Petite Studio clothing I received arrived exactly as pictured on their website, with thoughtful tailoring and quality fabrics that lived up to their descriptions.
Yes, Petite Studio occasionally runs sales like the spring sale they ran in late March of 2025. The brand also does discount pieces from past seasons so you can sometimes snag summer pieces in the fall, winter in the spring- you get the picture.
Petite Studio NYC is owned by founder Jenny Wang-Howell who founded the brand in 2016.
