There are certain fashion rules we like to follow as people who are closer to the earth—i.e. short. We have to be mindful when choosing the best-fitting pants, which petite-centric brands will work best on us and even which fancy-dress ‘fits are going to slay. When we’re reviewing fashion trends, we’re equally sensitive to what’s going to look best on us. We’ve taken a scientific approach—and by scientific we mean spending hours analyzing the world’s 5’3” and under street style influencers to determine just how they’re rocking all the 2023 trends, from long skirts to crochet separates. Here are five to try this coming year.
5 Fashion Trends Every Short Gal Should Try in 2023
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Published Dec 21, 2022
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1. Long Skirts
Austrian streetstyle star Karin Teigl is 5’2”, but the way she’s wearing a denim maxi skirt looks long and lean. The secret to pulling off this fit (a NYC micro-trend you’ll see everywhere come spring) is embracing a version with a slit, so you’ll be able to show off your legs—as well as actually take a healthy stride. And a statement heeled boot adds some inches, so you’re not dragging the whole look down.
Shop the trend: Skirt BL Women’s Maxi Pencil Jean Skirt ($37); FP One Kona Maxi Skirt ($128); Reformation Gia Skirt ($198); Khaite Levine Denim Skirt ($480)
Christian Vierig / Getty Images
2. Cropped Puffers
Parisian-born influencer Selma Kaci Sebbagh wears the look we’re loving right now: a cropped puffer that’s just as sturdy and warming as any full-on, hip-length parka of yore, only shorter. The trick to rocking this style if you’re petite is to think tonal coordination—that is, to select a top and pants that are in the same color family, so that you’re not chopping your body up into sections. Caution: You don’t want to be too matchy-matchy with this look, or you risk looking like you’re wearing a uniform.
Shop the trend: Angsuttc Puffer ($60; $50); FP Movement Limitless Puffer Poncho ($98); English Factory Cropped Puffer ($190); Staud Cropped Ace Coat ($425; $255)
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
3. Crochet
Crocheted fabric imparts all the figure-hugging style of a knit dress, top or pants, but with an added artisanal edge that’s playful and rich. A head-to-toe pattern, like these dresses, is a whole style statement when it’s in crochet, while a cardi or pullover in loose crochet is more of an added spice to a workaday look. Petites don’t have all that much body real estate to cover, so in order to skew the look toward chic lady instead of cottagecore crafter, keep accessories and shoes simple when you’re rocking crochet.
Shop the trend: Fabumily Knit Dress ($26); Staud Colleen Dress ($250); Simon Miller Axon Striped Dress ($325; $259); Alexis Solei Crochet Dress ($725)
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
4. Head-to-Toe Citrus
Repeat after us: Life’s too short to stick to only a neutral palette. Petites look best in head-to-toe brights in simple shapes, with a bonus for wearing well-fitted but not tight pieces that show off their curves.
Shop the trend: Anrabess Women's 2 Piece Outfits ($42); The Drop Constance Rib Sweater ($31) and Ellison Sweater Pant ($50; $46); Camila Coehlo Tais Long-Sleeve Top ($158) and Linez Pant ($168; $96)
5. Sleeveless Coats
More substantial than the traditional flimsy vest, but not as heavy as a full-on overcoat, we present the sleeveless coat. It’s a piece made for petites, since it brings a whole look together without adding the bulk of too much fabric. And bonus—the medium heft means it’s suitable for all but the hottest days.
Shop the trend: Wantdo Women’s Long Vest ($38); White House Black Market Sleeveless Cardigan ($130) Marcella NY Erica Vest ($225); Lululemon Belted Long Vest ($228)
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