Short women know there’s a trick to wearing all the latest styles, tweaked for our height. I'm 5'3", and whether it’s finessing how to wear flats when you’re short, or lengthening the look of my legs in pointed toe heeled shoes or pairing knee-high boots with just the right skirts and dresses, I know a little bit of special petite styling goes a long way. So it is with one of this winter’s biggest styles, ankle boots. Sometimes called booties, these have a shorter shaft than standard knee-length boots, ending at or just above the ankle. The style can be stiletto-heeled, flat or anything in between. What's the best way for short women to look their best in these trending winter shoes, though? I went right to the source and asked a petite fashion designer for styling suggestions.
Petites News Flash—Ankle Boots Are Trending, And Great for Short Legs. Here's How to Wear Them
Including a look from 5'2" Lily Allen
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Meet the Expert
Jenny Wang-Howell founded Petite Studio in 2016. Wang-Howell created the label to be an online destination for trendy, fashionable petite clothing for women. Petite herself (she is 5’2”), Wang-Howell helms the business from New York City and employs full time people on the ground managing the factory in her hometown of Jiangshan, China.
1. Match Boots to Tights
“A monochrome look is always lengthening for petites. When your boots blend with your pants or tights, it creates one clean line that tricks the eye into giving you a few extra inches,” Wang-Howell says.
2. Play with Skirt and Dress Lengths
“Ankle boots with a midi skirt (like our wool Debbie Skirt) can look so chic on petites,” Wang-Howell says.”The key is balance. I like to show just a hint of leg between the boot and the hemline, or choose a skirt that’s fitted at the waist so the whole look still feels elongating.”
3. Choose a Slim Ankle Fit
“As a petite, too much bulk around the ankle can feel overwhelming. I always look for a sleek boot with a narrower opening that hugs closer to the ankle, it instantly looks more polished and elongating.” PureWow Senior Commerce Editor (and petite jeans expert) Stephanie Maida agrees: “I also prefer slim-fitting styles that don't have a ton of extra room at the ankles—the blockiness there can make legs look short.”
4. Go for a Pointed or Almond Toe
“A pointed or almond-shaped toe makes such a difference,” opines Wang-Howell. “It gives the illusion of longer legs and instantly makes proportions feel taller. It’s such a small detail, but it really flatters petites.” Maida, who is 5’1”, agrees: “I find that a pointy toe works for me even when it comes to fun colorways and funky designs,” she says, and she recommends petites stock up on this silhouette in flats and high heels, too.
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5. Keep Hemlines Cropped or Cuffed
“I love letting the top of the ankle boot show,” Wang-Howell says. “A cropped pant or even a little cuff that ends right above the boot keeps everything balanced and avoids that cut-off look.”
6. Opt for a slight heel
I can personally confirm that even a small stacked heel can make all the difference when it comes to elevating (pun intended) a look. The Petite Studio designer agrees. “You really don’t need a sky-high heel to add height. Boots with a one- to two-inch block heel are perfect for petites,” she says. “I personally love my kitten-heel ankle boots, they make me look taller right away and they’re still super comfortable.”
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7. Try Tonal Dressing
“Petites always look extra refined in tonal outfits. Think beige boots with cream trousers, or black boots with black pants,” suggests Wang-Howell. “The closer the colors are, the longer and more seamless your frame will look.”
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8. Balance Volume on Top
“If your boots have chunkier details, balance them with structure on top. I usually reach for a tailored blazer or cropped jacket. When proportions feel intentional, petites always shine,” Wang-Howell says.
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