I’m 5’2” and Fell in Love with These Ultra-Flattering Looks from Boden’s Spring Collection

Like a button-down shirt, I’d say there’s no greater style workhorse in your spring/summer closet than a shirtdress. The fit of this one—from the length of the hem to the length of the belt—really is impeccable. It’s also a piece that removes the styling guesswork (the sleeves come pre-cuffed; the chest pockets give it a utilitarian edge). I style the delicate blue stripe pattern with a pop of red. Throw on a trench when the weather is still transitional, and you’re good to go.

If I lived in the U.K., this would be the perfect piece to wear to a polo match, no? Stateside, this look is a dream for everything from brunch to a day at the office. This is a great example of what I meant about how where the lines land makes a huge difference. The Ottoman stitching that runs the length of the dress, plus the black piping gives the dress definition, but also has a huge possibility of hitting at the wrong spot. Not the case here—this fit-and-flare style fell in all the right places. Bonus: It’s machine-washable, too!

As a petite gal, pants scare me—especially any that come with a wide-leg silhouette. (Volume is something us short girls always have to consider, le sigh.) But this style honestly fit like a glove. And the front-facing pockets somehow felt slimming instead of adding bulk, a win! I’ll admit this is where the details really count. For example, the cropped pant features double button fastening to help be sure the material lies flat. The cotton material also gave structure while still feeling airy and light. As for the cardigan? The delicate crochet edging in a pretty cream-purple-pink pattern softens the green, all the while freshening up a familiar style and giving it a ladylike edge.

There’s no greater cue that warmer weather is upon us than gingham. OK, maybe there’s one more signal: capri pants. (Even on someone petite, they just really work!) This pair—in an emerald hue—felt particularly flattering. Maybe it’s because of cotton-viscous-elastane material that helps keep everything in place. But everything from the hem length to the size of the gingham check felt pretty and spring-ready. I paired it with Boden’s lace peplum top (also in emerald green) and felt so coordinated. Still, I’d just as easily style this pant with a navy sweater or light-hued button-up. Another easy combination that you can pop on and wear right out the door.

When I first glimpsed the Catherine Button Linen Dress, I knew it was a stand-out. But I also wasn’t sure how the front-facing buttons would fall or how the armpits would fit. (Hello, it’s another short-girl problem.) But this particular style—with it’s fit-and-flare silhouette—was a perfect match. I’m a bit short-waisted and still, it nipped in at exactly the right spot. I also loved the weight of the material. This feels like a throw-on-and-go style that will not only beat the heat, but leave you feeling like you put a ton of effort in even when you did not. I paired it with a lavender carry-all bag, but it would also look so lovely with a hint of blue.