https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 05 Apr 2026 17:33:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/3#post-1154014 Fri, 31 Jan 2014 07:32:07 +0000 Suzanne (ambergreen) 1154014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BTW, for what it's worth, the Limited has announced that they're adding a petites section soon. I haven't shopped there in quite a while, so I don't know what they're like these days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/3#post-1153740 Fri, 31 Jan 2014 00:16:58 +0000 Laura 1153740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have you beat Angie because I am petite in the French sense (dainty frame) AND I am a shortie (5'3"). ;)</p> <p>I stopped thinking of myself as a petite because it's not helpful in shopping, as so many have mentioned. I would never bother to attempt trying on regular sized coats, they never work, but I always buy regular sized pants because whatever height I have is in my legs. </p> <p>I like to think of myself as small but mighty and dress accordingly! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/3#post-1153634 Thu, 30 Jan 2014 21:47:02 +0000 ColorfulCarla 1153634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Then I'm in for ankle straps for Spring! I had struggled with finding the right proportion in tall boots for two years until a helpful salesperson at a favorite shoe boutique told me any shank that measured higher than 15 inches was too tall for me. That was all I needed to know and I found several &nbsp;to buy!</p> <p>As so many of you said the actual petite clothing&nbsp;selection in many places is less-than-inspired. I just count on needing tailoring in all trousers and many skirts that come from across the aisle.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/3#post-1153423 Thu, 30 Jan 2014 18:18:57 +0000 Suzanne (ambergreen) 1153423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another petite at 5'1" here. But as some others have also expressed, it's not just about height, it's about limb length and even barrel girth...it's an allover scaling issue. (I myself then have extra complications with fitting the bust, the short waist, and the square shoulders that aren't particularly narrow [oh, and the round booty...], so I turn any stones necessary in any department that has things that appeal!)</p> <p>When I say no to wearing something, though, it's simply because I don't care for the look on me. For example, most midis I've tried end up just too frumpy, but I do have a few that I really like. I just won't pursue that particular silhouette that often. Yet, as Manidipa has also discovered, maxis can be fab on petites even though we have all heard the rule that we shouldn't wear them, and I think the ones I have work well. So I do try things I like the idea of, no matter what the rules say, and decide from there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/3#post-1153301 Thu, 30 Jan 2014 16:53:51 +0000 ManidipaM 1153301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Petite and plump at 4'10" checking in to say you might have to gently rein me in from time to time, while I pursue my wilful affair with maxis and midis, fluid and oversized and waist surrender, volume on volume and wide legs... As for flats, I have a couple of heels and a wedge--1.5 inches high. Just gave up my sole surviving 2-inch wedges. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/3#post-1152881 Thu, 30 Jan 2014 04:31:38 +0000 SandyG 1152881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread is therapy for petites&nbsp;:) I'm 5' .6", adore clothes,&nbsp;and nodding in recognition&nbsp;at&nbsp;all the petite complications in retail shops and sizing issues. I shopped vintage for decades because of&nbsp;better fits, more sophisticated fabrics, femme details ...&nbsp;and really only embraced modern classics after finding Angie's blog and learning important details about styling them.</p> <p>Currently I've resolved to concentrate on fab accessories for a couple months. Fewer size issues and&nbsp;more color choices for inspiration and delight.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/3#post-1152756 Thu, 30 Jan 2014 02:29:56 +0000 DonnaF 1152756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the kick, Angie!&nbsp; I'm 5' 1" with very short arms and legs, so I pretty much have to stick to the Petite Department, especially if I want fluid fit or oversized items that don't look ridiculous or like I've given up, an all too easy conclusion if you're 60 like me.&nbsp; I've learned, however, to try both Misses and Petite sizes in 3/4 sleeve cropped jackets, peplum tops/jackets, and crop tops.&nbsp; Last fall, I bought a regular midi full skirt because the rather long length hit my sweet spot; any shorter and it would have made me look fat and frumpy.&nbsp; I rather prefer cropped jackets to raise the eyes, and I suppose I would wear wide pant legs if the waist were high so that they don't look so blocky.&nbsp; </p> <p>The good part about being short is that crop tops aren't indecent on us, and we still have full length pant options if we buy regular lengths! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/3#post-1152712 Thu, 30 Jan 2014 01:58:11 +0000 Angie 1152712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ahem. No more whining.&nbsp;</p> <p>Gigi, good job. Get yourself to Club Monaco to try the 00. I came back and mentioned them in a later comment because I failed to do so first time round.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/3#post-1152702 Thu, 30 Jan 2014 01:51:39 +0000 Gigi 1152702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pam, it's OK to whine a little bit. :^) It gets old when you have so many obstacles to overcome to get something to fit like it's supposed to. And you're so right that the petites' section only has a fraction of the stuff of misses'. I always feel like I'm missing out!</p> <p>Hil, I wear maxi skirts too! I have one on today, in fact. I think this is probably what you were talking about, Angie, as far as not limiting yourself because of your height. I love maxi skirts and don't let the fact that I'm short stop me from wearing them. I get them hemmed so that they hit right at the tops of my shoes, and then I try to find a top that I can wear untucked to lengthen the appearance of my torso so as to get better proportions. I know that conventional wisdom says to wear high heels, but I have such a short torso that when I wear maxis, I find that&nbsp;flats or very low heels work better so as not to lengthen my bottom half, which is already long enough. So I have found ways to make a look work when I really want to!</p> <p>Angie, I did try on some of the brands you mentioned, since I was at Nordie's today. I tried Theory, Maje, and Sandro. The bottoms look like they will work fine in these brands except for the length, which just needs hemming. I tried on a few Theory tops, and they still seem a *bit* big in the armholes and shoulders--but close enough that it is worth trying the more closely fitted pieces on a case-by-case basis. I tried a dress in the Sandro brand, and the waist placement is still too low, unfortunately. And&nbsp;I actually came home with a tunic sweater from Express! It fit very well in the shoulder area.&nbsp;:^) </p> <p>I plan to try the various stores you mentioned bit by bit over the next several weeks, just stopping in and trying on whatever is in my size, to get an idea of the sizing. I will probably not make purchases yet.&nbsp;I view it as up-front homework. :^) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/3#post-1152607 Thu, 30 Jan 2014 00:08:26 +0000 Mo 1152607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never worry about height, I'm 5 4.5", but my torso needs smaller/shorter armholes and sleeves in shirts and jackets. &nbsp;Repeatedly I find junior mediums to fit so much better than misses petite S or XS. &nbsp;And so I don't mind raiding Forever 21 or Alloy or whatnot for a better fit, so long as the quality is there. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/3#post-1152592 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 23:53:10 +0000 Anonymous 1152592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a petite and am not frustrated by style choices so much as style limitations. In stores with petities sections, they seem to only have a fraction of the stuff they do in the regular women's departments, and unfortunately seem to stock the safer (less fashion forward) items.&nbsp;<br />When I do try to buy regular I swim in the items, or end up having to do too many alterations (esp with jeans that have any fading, whiskering, etc- those end up shifted down the leg and look odd).<br />*whining*/ Also- it may just be me, but finding clothes to fit has been a lifelong battle and everything I got when I was was younger had to be "taken up a bit and taken in a bit" and never looked quite right- leaving me with a real aversion to getting anything that does not fit me right off the rack. /*whining off*</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/3#post-1152494 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 22:20:15 +0000 Linda 1152494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deal, from this 5'1" petite!</p> <p>I'd like to hear about how to wear pants with flare or wider hems.&nbsp; I always loved them, but always had to hem the bottom up.&nbsp; I know that changes the proportions, and wonder how petites can get a look like that.</p> <p>Of course lately I am in heaven wearing skinnies and straight legs!&nbsp; I did not think, at first, that I could ever "go back" to liking this look, ironically.</p> <p>And I agree with Diana, it isn't that I "can't wear" some of the trends, but that finding them in stores or without mortgaging the house to get them altered/tailored, is more than I'm willing to spend on fashion trends.&nbsp; I do sew, but am not in love with doing alterations nor do I think I have the right skills in tailoring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/3#post-1152463 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 21:52:04 +0000 Hil 1152463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great reading, this thread! At 5ft2, I guess I know I'm short, but never shop petite due to my weight. It's been fascinating reading how many other shorties there are around. I always assume most of you are taller than me! </p> <p>As you all know, I love drape and maxi clothing and I can't let my height, or lack thereof get the better of me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/2#post-1152299 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 19:16:58 +0000 CocoLion 1152299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At 5'4" (just measured to confirm, thought I was a bit less than that), I consider myself petite-ish. &nbsp;I like the way petite tops and jackets fit due to my short torso and narrow shoulders. &nbsp;But I have a prejudice that petite clothing is not going to deliver the style I desire. &nbsp;I do find that some higher end brands have a size P that is scaled with a shorter torso, shorter arm (Helmut Lang comes to mind), but unfortunately I can't fit that size. &nbsp;If anyone sees any petite tops and toppers that deliver a strong style element, let us know! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/2#post-1152121 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 15:39:47 +0000 Angie 1152121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love hearing the positive energy on this thread, especially from the super petite ladies themselves.&nbsp;</p> <p>Janet, that makes sense, since the average height of the American lass is about 5ft 3.5 ish - which is&nbsp;essentially&nbsp;petite. Many, many of my clients are that height, or shorter. I'm lucky to dress a range of heights though. I dress clients right up to 6ft 1, and as short as 4ft 10.&nbsp;</p> <p>Gigi, I forgot to mention Club Monaco. *slaps forehead*. My very stylish 4ft 10 friend loves buying size 00 there. They are smaller than any other 00 I've seen. She also almost always wears fluid or oversized fits on top. She is very modern, fashionable and chic.&nbsp;</p> <p>Sarah, a long neck is better suited&nbsp;to that J.Crew t-neck, which has a particularly bulky funnel neck shape.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/2#post-1152105 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 15:12:55 +0000 Janet 1152105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alasse, IKWYM! I'm almost thinking that petites outnumber taller gals around here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/2#post-1152104 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 15:11:52 +0000 Alassë 1152104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I had no idea so many Fabbers were borderline petite. You dress so well that I imagine you all to be&nbsp;5'6"-5'8". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/2#post-1152066 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 14:32:05 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1152066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At 5 feet even, I am definitely in the petite category. But it's not just in my overall height: the petite category applies to the length of my limbs, my shoulder width and the length of my torso - short arms, legs and torso and very narrow shoulders. I have found that I pretty much need petite sizing in button up blouses, blazers and any kind of jacket so that the shoulder seams are in the right place. And then sleeves always need to be shorted. For trousers, I can get away with regular sizing and look for best fit in the rise primarily and then just shorten the legs as required.</p> <p>I am learning that I can wear most styles and trends as long as I work the proportions for ME. I am willing to try almost anything - you never know until you try right? and it might surprise you :)</p> <p>Angie - thanks for reminding us vertically challenged women that we can be just as stylish as you lovely taller women. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/2#post-1152043 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 13:56:03 +0000 Neel 1152043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Guilty as charged Angie! The man coat and oversized coats scare me!! I feel I might drown in them!! Thanks for the reminder that I should try and quit thinking that my size is somehow a disadvantage in terms of dressing. You are a sweetheart </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/2#post-1152030 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 13:32:53 +0000 Anonymous 1152030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread has definitely been fascinating to read!&nbsp;</p> <p>I think it's definitely good to keep in mind that anything can work, even on my curvy 4'10" self, with enough work, and that I shouldn't dismiss things just because they'd be tricky on a petite. I do happily wear flats, horizontal stripes,&nbsp;long cardigans, tunics, and a bunch of other things that always end up on those lists of petite "don't"s.</p> <p>What <i>is</i> frustrating for me is when a particular thing that's harder&nbsp;for a petite person&nbsp;to wear well, and that I don't love so much I want to put a huge effort into&nbsp;making it work for me,&nbsp;saturates the market to the point where it's harder to find other options. The example I'm thinking of is how so many sandals have been really high-vamped and strappy, almost like booties or shooties with a lot of cutouts, for a while now. Shoes like these&nbsp;don't speak to me enough that I want to look at a million pairs to find one that doesn't make me feel stumpy, but so many sandals are like this that it's hard to find lower-vamped ones that don't seem blah to me. (Although maybe we're moving away from that by now? I haven't really looked at sandals for this year yet because it would just be taunting me when it's this cold.)</p> <p>I also share the annoyance at trying to find things that fit when the issue is more things hitting me wrong<i> everywhere</i>&nbsp;than just a simple hem or sleeve alteration. Since I'm extra-short with curves, this happens pretty frequently for me and can get old really fast. It can be really tempting to just run back to the few brands and styles that I know will usually work, but then that can get boring.</p> <p>Anyway, enough rambling from me! As people have mentioned, everyone obviously has their own fit challenges, and my shortness certainly hasn't stopped me from having a big overstuffed closet full of clothes that work on me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/2#post-1151909 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 04:57:01 +0000 vipanchi 1151909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Its great to hear from you that petites can actually wear anything Angie! I am one of those guilty of shying from certain styles (although I loved them) just because I stand 5 nothing! Would be great to get a peak into your insights like Suz suggests about even a couple of typical petite shy aways like Wide leg trousers or Midi length skirts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/2#post-1151888 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 04:14:14 +0000 Deborah 1151888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie it's a deal! I'm 5ft1 and a bit:). But you know I actually believe I can wear anything I want to and as you say it's tweaking the proportions that makes or breaks an outfit:). The things I don't wear, I don't wear because I don't want to:). I admit there are some garments that I do think look better on taller women but it wouldn't stop me from trying:) xxx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/2#post-1151854 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 03:21:30 +0000 sarah 1151854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thread. I am definitely petite - I have to buy petite jackets and dresses almost exclusively and nearly always have to buy petite shirts, or they simply don't fit in the shoulders and the bust area. I'm short-waisted, short-necked, large-busted, and petite sizes&nbsp;are a necessity. I don't shy away from trying out various styles because of my stature, but I am am very conscious of dressing for&nbsp;my short neck and bustline, just as a taller gal with similar issues would be. For example, I tried out a JCrew t-neck recommended by Angie - fitted around the neck and boxy elsewhere. I was fine, even as a petite, with the boxiness, but the neck looked comical on mey, because it was so high (I looked like I had a floating head). So, I am conscious of "dressing my body type" in many ways, but don't feel constrained because of my height, necessarily (except that I have to mail order many of my clothes, especially those from JCrew, GAP, and BR, because they don't have a "petite" section, or the section is very limited). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/2#post-1151841 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 03:08:29 +0000 Jaime 1151841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for this topic Angie! I also noticed the petites can't wear this or that&nbsp;comments on your trend post and they surprised me. I mean height is relative - if we were invaded by giants we would all look petite, does that mean tall women would have to start avoiding flats? Ok, I realize that probably doesn't really help. <br />In practice, I am 5'3" and wear flats, oversized fits, long jackets, fluid fits, midi's, volume over volume you name it. Not always successfully, but I don't think my height is the reason.&nbsp;I love Suz's ideas and I think it is a great time to revisit your wonderful posts with your super stylish friends. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/2#post-1151839 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 03:06:06 +0000 Anonymous 1151839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My sister is 5'6" and is round where I am angular with larger bone structure. She absolutely fits best in petite jackets because she has narrow shoulders and short arms and torso. Petite is complicated. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/2#post-1151831 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 02:48:31 +0000 T 1151831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great topic &amp; I'm loving the discussion here. While I am not petite, just made it over the line by hitting 5'5, my sister is... and I will be sharing all the lovely thoughts expressed here as I do feel she is stuck in a rut with short bodycon dresses.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/2#post-1151825 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 02:40:52 +0000 April 1151825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gigi, in addition to the great suggestions you've gotten,&nbsp;I would also steer you toward BCBG, where they carry an XXS in addition to their XS. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/2#post-1151810 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 02:21:15 +0000 Gigi 1151810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, thanks for the suggestions. I just recently discovered Topshop at Nordie's the other day, and I ordered a faux leather pencil skirt in 00P. I tried the small misses' on in-store, and I was pleased with how small it was compared to a regular misses' small. The skirt will arrive in a couple of days.&nbsp;So here's hoping that Topshop will come through for me!</p> <p>I once ordered a pair of skinnies from Express in 00P and they were huge, so I didn't go back. But I will now, since it sounds like this may have been an anomaly. And maybe I would stop by Bebe when I'm at the mall tomorrow--I've never been in there. But now it's calling my name. :^) </p> <p>We also have an H&amp;M, but they carry only the low-end stuff in the store, and it's pretty cheap looking. I'll have to order online. I know that a lot of petites are able to wear H&amp;M. :^) I've just been a baby about paying for shipping. Guess it's time to pony up! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/2#post-1151780 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 02:00:10 +0000 Angie 1151780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great comments and thoughts. Thanks for being positive. THAT'S WHAT I LIKE TO HEAR.&nbsp;</p> <p>Suz, I will try to follow through on your idea. Thanks for the great suggestions. <i>You are so fab. </i>You are also so, so right when you say that being petite means different things. You can be petite in length and height, but not in frame.&nbsp;I am actually petite as far as the&nbsp;French use the word &nbsp;- I have a dainty frame. But I stand at 5ft 6, so petite clothing is *disastrous* on me in terms of length. (It's apoplexy-inducing seeing me in petite lengths).&nbsp;So I need to find regular length clothing with narrow-fits.&nbsp;</p> <p>Gigi, Zara, H&amp;M, Bebe, French Connection, Topshop, Express and Uniqlo’s clothing in their smallest sizes usually run smaller than AT’s 00P. In fact J.Crew’s and Madewell’s XXS does too. Premium denim runs very small these days. Almost 2 sizes smaller than 4 years ago. There will be no problem finding jeans that fit. And if you want, we can talk better-end too. Like Theory, Sandro and&nbsp;Maje. Plus fluid fits are your friend. It’s fashionable to wear things bigger. That will help too.&nbsp;</p> <p>Greyscale, Kelly’s blog is fabulous for extra petite clothing fit information. Thanks for bringing that up.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gently-nudging-the-petites/page/2#post-1151618 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 22:36:51 +0000 shiny 1151618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>5'0" checking in here... I am proportional and yes I do agree almost any style can be adapted if the proportions are right. But -- if shopping in regulars rather than petites --&nbsp;it is much easier when my weight is on the lower side of the BMI scale, than when it creeps up just a few pounds. It doesn't take much weight creep to do this. We're still talking within healthy BMI here.&nbsp;If I have to go up just one size in a regular to accommodate extra width, the vertical scale will be completely wrong, and we are talking massive tailoring $ that just doesn't make any sense (as the tailors say "you'd be better off starting from scratch").&nbsp;</p> <p>Yes, petites can get it done by focusing on petites,&nbsp;but my biggest gripe, as I've written about before, is that the quality of what we're starting with is just not there. The trailing end of the curve, it makes sense that petite manufacturers will cut costs, I get that, but as a consumer this means:</p> <p>1) "Online exclusives" -- resigned to ordering online, sight unseen, with inconvenience, cost and hassle of returns.&nbsp;</p> <p>2) Way cheaper fabrics -- to cut corners. I am a sucker for good quality fabrics&nbsp;AND I have the $ to pay for high end... but it just doesn't fit me!! Even with tailoring -- there is a limit to tailoring, and it's very real. It's often not just about shortening hems!&nbsp;</p> <p>3) Lack of range -- okay I can order a petite top from BR. Great! But in petite it's only offered in black. In regular it's offered in 10 colors.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'll conclude by saying that my girls are 5'3.5 now, and when it comes to clothes shopping challenges,&nbsp;there's a big big difference between that and 5'0. That little bit of height opens up a lot of doors for them in regulars department.... but they still have their own challenges regardless! The lesson is that *every* woman&nbsp;has a unique clothes shopping&nbsp;challenge. Very very few woman can just buy and wear&nbsp;anything.&nbsp;</p> <p>I no longer say "no, I can't wear that because I'm only 5'..." ... I say instead, "I WANT to wear that and I KNOW I can make it work....&nbsp;but I can't find it." There's a difference.&nbsp;</p> <p>(still shopping for my perfect real leather jacket) </p>