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
You’re here to learn whether Petite Studio pieces are worth it. I put a couple of pieces to the test on my 5’3 frame. Read on for my unfiltered Petite Studio review.
The Pieces I Tried
Ines Linen Vest Top
First up is this sculpted button-down vest from Petit 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.
Like the look? Use my Petite Studio discount code celeste15 for 15% off your order.
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
Next up in my Petite Studio review- this elegant pencil skirt in the same linen fabric as the vest.
Let’s cover 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.
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 celeste15 for 15% 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. Some dresses and tops lean heavily into polyester — and at price points around $138 for a summer dress, I think they could elevate the fabric selection. Natural fibers or more luxe blends would make these pieces feel more in line with the premium branding they’re going for.
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
I’ve worn both the Ines Linen Vest and the Teigan Linen Pencil Skirt in a size small. The vest fits beautifully — no gaping armholes and the length hit just below the hip for a flattering silhouette.
The skirt also fit well at the waist and skimmed the hips without clinging. On me, the length sat a touch higher than on the model (who’s 5’2″). This difference is subtle but likely comes down to our proportions.
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
The Lexi Wool Sweater from the Spring 2025 collection
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 is running a Spring Sale with 25% off sitewide through April 2nd. The indie brand occasionally runs sales that you can browse for discounts on chic closet staples.
Petite Studio NYC is owned by founder Jenny Wang-Howell who founded the brand in 2016.
