Asking for help reaching the top shelf. Getting swallowed by oversized clothing. Receiving a slew of height-focused nicknames. Navigating life as a petite woman comes with its attendant burdens.
Fortunately, a petite capsule wardrobe can solve a few (okay one) of the aforementioned problems.
WHAT IS A PETITE CAPSULE WARDROBE?
A petite capsule wardrobe is a curated set of clothing that can be easily mixed and matched to create flattering outfits for those 5’4 and under. My petite capsule consists of intentionally selected garments that complement each other in color, style, and fit. The result? A simplified approach to getting dressed that accommodates the needs of my petite frame.
Let’s create yours.
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A 20-PIECE PETITE CAPSULE WARDROBE
As a petite woman with a penchant for elegant styles, I’ve learned how to simplify getting dressed while lengthening my 5’3 frame. The capsule wardrobe and my small-stature styling tips below will help you do the same.
Below, I’ll explain how each piece flatters your figure and sprinkle in advice on what to avoid when styling them.
Tops (5)
V-Neck Shirt
Open necklines are a must in your petite capsule wardrobe. The simple v-neck creates a downward pointing line that elongates the chest area, stretching you vertically.
Turtleneck
The classic turtleneck is a cold-weather essential that will do your frame a favor. Since the shirt goes all the way up the neck, it creates a long uninterrupted line. It’s an optical trick that the 5’4 and under crew can use to our advantage.
Styling Tip: To avoid looking frumpy, choose a fitted option rather than an oversized one.
Cropped Blouse
You’ll notice cropped clothing popping up in this closet. That’s because slightly shorter cuts that sit above the hips won’t cut you off visually.
Sweetheart Neckline Top
If you’re a fan of dainty, feminine wardrobes then you likely have this neckline in your shirt rotation. Sweetheart tops display the neckline and chest area, balancing out the top.
Styling Tip: If you have a smaller upper body, pick a puff sleeve style to balance out your proportions.
Off-the-Shoulder Top
Aside from being alluring, an off-the-shoulder top balances your proportions. This is because they highlight the shoulders and collarbone. Pick one that you can tuck into high-waisted bottoms to define your figure.
Pants (4)
High-Waisted Trousers
Trousers are a petite capsule wardrobe staple I can’t live without. High-waisted ones do a beautiful job of visually lengthening the legs. The right pair will also accentuate the waist, adding definition to your frame.
Striped Pants
Stripes of the vertical variety give the illusion of length. That’s why petite fashion bloggers love a good stripe moment. Sprinkle striped pieces in if you want to appear taller. Striped pants are especially helpful for those with shorter legs and longer torsos.
Cropped Jeans
Cropped denim styles are petite-friendly and chic. My tip? Pick a pair that hits at the ankle. This gives the appearance that your legs are just too long for the pants. You can’t help that they’re just soooo lengthy.
Wide-Leg Shorts
Ready for a slimming leg look? Replace tight shorts with a looser fitting option that cinches at the waist. The fabric will hang slightly away from the body, creating a slimming effect for your stems.
Styling Tip: Play around with short options. Mid-length, paper bag, and Bermuda shorts are all stellar short options to test out.
Dresses (3)
Midi Dress
Slip a few midi dresses into your petite capsule wardrobe for a chic one-and-done outfit option. Styles that have an open neckline are particularly petite-friendly. Styling Tip: Don’t pick a dress that cuts you off at the knee as this will visually split your vertical line.Vertical Striped Dress
Lines, glorious vertical lines. Slip on a striped dress that cinches at the waist to fake a few extra inches. This way, you get the figure-defining benefits in the middle and the stature-enhancing benefits throughout.Jumpsuit
We know that dressing in the same color from head to toe creates a continuous vertical line. Well, you can create that one long line in one garment. Petites, take advantage of the jumpsuit.Skirts (2)
Midi Skirt
A midi skirt is a versatile, elegant, and petite-approved bottom that has my heart year-round. That’s because it sits at the natural waist, accentuating the narrowest part of the torso. Styling Tip: Pick a midi skirt with a slit. The slit will add a vertical line, drawing the eye towards the long line so you appear taller.Mini Skirt
Make room in your closet for the midi skirt’s more daring sister- the flirty mini. To create the “I have legs for days” effect, pick a skirt that ends above the knee and slide on skin-toned shoes.Outerwear (3)
Long Coat
Who says short women can’t wear long coats? My 5’3 self begs to differ. Lengthy coats can create a long visual line that elongates the frame. Just be sure the coat hits the correct points on your body.
Styling Tip: Pick a coat with sleeves that end at or just above your wrists. What about the legs? I like a coat that hits just below the knee.
Cropped Jacket
Cropped clothing we meet again. Since the raised hem of a cropped jacket lifts the waistline, it’s a great addition. If you tend to look overwhelmed by your outerwear, slip a cropped option into your closet.
Belted Trench Coat
The timeless trench coat has made an appearance in my French capsule wardrobe among others. Petites can benefit from a belted version of this classic coat, which you can tie in many ways.
This option defines your waist so you’re not swallowed by your outerwear.
Shoes (3)
Pointed Flats
Pointed shoes are another must-have in a petite capsule wardrobe. Unlike rounded toes that visually truncate the feet, pointed shoes create a sleek and elongated effect along the leg and foot. Styling Tip: Look for shoes with a low vamp. These show more of the top portion of your foot so you can maximize the lengthening effect.Sneakers
Reliable, timeless, and plays well with others- there is lots to love about a pair of shoes that goes with everything. Add a sturdy pair to your petite wardrobe ASAP.Heeled Boots
A quality pair of heeled ankle boots will give you a boost in the height department without making you uncomfortable. Styling Tip: Avoid square-toed boots as these can cut off the leg and make you look shorter. When shopping for heels, boots, and beyond look for styles in nude tones. Shoes in colors similar to your skin tone will create a seamless continuation of your leg.PETITE WARDROBE OUTFITS
You have the rundown of petite wardrobe essentials. Now, let’s explore outfit ideas for different seasons.
PETITE OUTFITS FOR SUMMER
PETITE OUTFITS FOR WINTER
