Petite style guide

Petite women's clothing is designed to be worn by women who are less than 5′4″ tall. Obviously petite clothing is produced to offer shorter women a better fit but if carefully chosen, petite clothes can make you look taller, slimmer and be more confident.

Here at highstreetpetite.co.uk we have put together the following styling tips to get the best out of the petite ranges offered by the major retailers and to get you looking and feeling great.

1. Its an obvious one but make good use of high heels

Wearing high heels can quickly add an inch or two and have the effect of stopping you from slouching, straightening your back and improving your general posture and giving added appearance of being taller.

2. Wear petite tops not regular sizes

While standard women's tops may fit reasonably well, it is better to opt for the petite versions if you are under 5′4″. The general proportions of the petite garment will mean that you can achieve a much better fit, particularly around areas such as sleeve length and neck line. The differences may seem minimal but collectively addressing these areas makes for a much smarter look.

3. Choose colour carefully

Opting for simple colour schemes help to elongate the body. Black and white is a simple classic while multi colour and heavy patterns will create an overly busy look.

4. Where possible wear low rise trousers

Wearing low rise trousers also helps to elongate the body by increasing the length of your top half.

5. Avoid unfitted items

The proliferation of cheaper retailers and mass produced clothing has meant a rise in the number of unfitted items that are available in stores. These should be avoided to maintain a slender look.

6. Keep accessories on the smaller side

Large earings and other large accessories like huge scarfs should also be avoided.

7. Avoid heavy fabrics

Heavy fabrics can sometimes give a chunky appearance. A better option is to use lighter fabrics in layers

8. Pick styles that draw attention further up the body

Avoid anything that focuses attention to the waist or hip area as this can produce a more rounded appearance.

9. Wear skirts above the knee

While full length skirts can look great, those which finish just below the knee can be troublesome for the shorter woman as this shorten's the leg.

10. Opt for straight leg jeans

Choosing baggier styles will make you look shorter. Going for the straight leg option gives a sleeker appearance and again contributes to the illusion of height.

For more styling tips and the widest range of petite women's clothing visit http://www.highstreetpetite.co.uk