We all know shopping for clothes as a woman can be a real challenge – let alone a petite woman. Drowning in excess fabric, dealing with too-long hems, or feeling like you’re wearing someone else’s clothes… sound familiar? Whether for work, a casual day out, or a special event, shopping often feels like a nightmare! But don't worry, we have some tips to make shopping for petite figures easier.

Love your body type

First things first, you need to know your body type! Knowing whether you have an hourglass, pear, apple, or another body shape makes a lot of difference. But these categories have been around for a while, so although they’re handy to know, we also want to remind you that every body type is beautiful! This way of looking at things can also help you discover how to choose items that accentuate your favourite features and minimize any areas you may want to downplay. This is the most important step!

Hourglass shape OR want to emphasize your waist

An hourglass shape is known for its balanced proportions between the bust and hips, with a well-defined waistline. Women with an hourglass figure often have equally noticeable curves on the top and bottom halves of their bodies. These tips also work well when you feel like accentuating your natural waist!

TRY THIS:

• High-rise pants that hit your waistline.
• Fitted tops that end at your waist or consider tucking in your tops.
• V-necklines to lengthen your upper body and highlight your waist.

BE CAREFUL WITH:

• Oversized/boxy tops that can overwhelm your petite frame.
• Low-rise pants, especially if your torso is longer compared to your legs.
• Wearing shapeless garments that hide your curves.

Rectangle shape OR want to enhance an athletic silhouette

The rectangular shape features a straight, up-and-down figure with a minimally defined waist. Shoulders, waist, and hips are generally similar in width, creating a more athletic silhouette. Or as we like to call it, effortlessly chic!

TRY THIS:

• Tops with embellishments and ruffles at the bust or hipline. Peplum tops are a great option.
• Wide-leg pants or a-line skirts to add dimension. Make sure they are tailored to your body so you’re not drowning in excess fabric.
• Tops that hit right at the hip bone.

BE CAREFUL WITH:

• Boxy styles as that can be overwhelming on a petite figure.
• Overly tight dresses.
• Wearing horizontal stripes or details at the waistline.

Round shape (apple) OR want to accentuate soft curves

Women with a round/apple shape typically have slimmer arms and legs and tend to carry more weight around the midsection. It’s all about showcasing those soft, beautiful curves! So, opt for styles that highlight that and let your natural shape shine.

TRY THIS:

• Tops with vertical lines or v-necks to elongate your torso.
• High-waisted pants or skirts.
• Empire waistlines and wrap dresses.

BE CAREFUL WITH:

• Oversized or shapeless garments that can overwhelm your petite frame.
• Low-rise pants, especially if you have a longer torso compared to your legs.

Triangle shape (pear) OR want to balance your gorgeous curvy silhouette

The triangle shape, also referred to as the pear shape, is defined by narrower shoulders and a wider lower body, with hips wider than the shoulders. Take a look at the suggestions below to enhance your gorgeous figure as this approach will help you find clothes that accentuate your curves with a dash of confidence and flair.

TRY THIS:

• Tops with structured shoulders. Blazers or tops with shoulder pads, ruffles or puff sleeve tops will look great.
• Bootcut pants or flared skirts for more dimension.
• Vertical stripes and monochrome outfits to elongate your figure.

BE CAREFUL WITH:

• Tops that are too snug around the hips.
• Low-rise pants, especially if you have a longer torso compared to your legs.

Inverted triangle shape OR want to embrace your confident frame

The complete opposite of the pear shape, the inverted triangle is characterized by broader shoulders and narrower hips. These tips will help you pick clothes that complement your natural shape, so you can rock a look that’s all about your unique style.

TRY THIS:

• Tops with details like ruffles, patterns, or embellishments at the hips. Peplum tops are a great option.
• Bootcut pants or flared skirts.
• V-necklines or deep scoop necks to draw attention downwards, elongating your upper body.

BE CAREFUL WITH:

• Tops with wide necklines such as boatnecks.
• Shoulder pads or embellishments.
• Tops with horizontal stripes across the bust.

Tips for dressing a petite body

Dressing a petite body is not necessarily about looking taller; it’s about creating balanced proportions that work for YOUR gorgeous figure. Now that you have a better understanding of what works for you, here are some essential tips to help you elevate your style in a way that accentuates your favourite features.

1. Avoid oversized bags: Large bags can overpower a petite frame and look odd. Opt for smaller, more proportionate bags that complement you.
2. Avoid big patterns: Just like oversized bags, large patterns can overwhelm a petite frame. Opt for smaller, more delicate patterns that complement you without being overpowering.
3. High-waisted everything: High-waisted pants, skirts, and shorts are your BFFs. They create the illusion of longer legs and a flattering silhouette.
4. Opt for monochromatic looks: Wearing one colour from head to toe can create a continuous line, giving you a cohesive and polished look.
5. Choose vertical stripes: Vertical stripes draw the eye up and down, which can make you appear taller. Avoid horizontal stripes, as they can make you look broader unless that’s what you’re going for.
6. Pick the right shoes: When wearing dresses or skirts, opt for nude heels that match your skin tone to extend the line of your legs. You should also match your shoe colour to the colour of your pants to create a continuous line, further elongating your legs. Pointed-toe shoes also add an extra lengthening effect. Avoid big chunky shoes as they can look disproportionate if you’re petite.
7. Tailor your clothes: Ill-fitting clothes overwhelm any frames, especially petite ones! Invest in tailoring to make sure your clothes fit perfectly. It helps balance out your proportions and gives a polished look. The main ones are hemlines, shoulders and sleeve lengths that make a big difference in the fit!
8. Wear v-necklines: V-neck tops and dresses draw the eyes downward, creating the illusion of a longer torso and neck. If you have a longer torso, you can still wear v-necks but consider pairing them with high-waisted bottoms.
9. Go for shorter hemlines: Shorter skirts and dresses, such as mini or above-the-knee lengths, can make your legs look longer (be sure to pair them with skin-toned shoes). Avoid midi lengths, which can cut off your legs and look odd, especially if they’re not made for petites.
10. Choose fitted clothing: Avoid overly loose or baggy clothes, as they can swamp your frame. Fitted clothing that hugs your body will create a sleek and elongated silhouette. This does not mean skin-tight clothing, but rather “slim” fit styles. BUT, if you love your relaxed fits, be sure to shop from the petite section so it’s proportionate to your body.
11. Use belts to define your waist: Belts can help define your waist and enhance the fit of your outfit. Wearing a relaxed fit dress that looks overwhelming? Belt it! Opt for thin belts that match your outfit to avoid breaking up your silhouette.

Shopping tips for petites in regular-sized clothing stores

1. Look for cropped pants: Cropped pants often hit at just the right length for petites without needing alterations. The Akira or Cassandra capris are a great example. Look out for our 5’0” models rocking these pants!
2. Give cropped tops a try: It may sound scary at first, especially if you’re not a fan of cropped tops. BUT, they will usually hit at the perfect length for petites without it looking short. It will look just right.
3. Know your measurements: Many clothing companies will include inseam measurements of their pants, sleeve and garment lengths, and more. Knowing exactly what will fit you will make your online shopping A LOT easier. Check out our visual size guide to find models that look like YOU and see how the clothes look on them! It’s like having your personal fit model.
4. Check the shoulder width: Make sure the shoulder seams of tops and jackets line up with yours to avoid a disproportionate look. Alterations for shoulder width are expensive and can be difficult.
5. Look for adjustable features: Features like belts, ties, or cinched waists can help customize the fit to your proportions and make sure you’re not drowning in excess fabric.
6. Opt for 3/4 sleeves: Tops and dresses with 3/4 sleeves hit at a flattering length that looks intentional on petites.
7. Alter. Alter. Alter: If you find a piece you love but it doesn’t fit quite right, don’t hesitate to invest in alterations. Hemming pants or sleeves and taking in the waist can make a big difference in how the clothes flatter your figure. Learning how to sew is the best skill to have as a petite!

Dressing as a petite comes with its challenges, but remember, the key to looking and feeling great isn't just about following trends or fitting into a specific size—it's about finding clothes that make YOU feel comfortable and empowered.

Your uniqueness is your power, and your style journey should be a celebration of self-expression. Fashion is about feeling good in your own skin, so wear your favourite outfits with a smile, knowing that you are perfectly you.

At Miik, we just launched our first petite collection for Fall/Winter 2024!! Who’s Miik? We are a Canadian-made, women-owned and run clothing company… and we’re sustainable! What more could you ask for?!

With much love,
Your Miik team 🤍