Fashion Pieces Every Petite Woman Should Have on Rotation

Skinny jeans are a great choice for short ladies, especially when they’re cropped about half an inch above the ankle. Rounded-toe shoes can cut you off visually, so always choose a pointed shape to elongate your legs. (Instead of traditional flats, try a pair of chicer but still functional slide loafers.) And just like a dainty mini bag, an A-line coat that hits near the hip won’t overwhelm your frame.

A floral midi dress that skims the bottom of your calves is seasonless. This hem length is perfect for petite women because it shows a hint of skin between the dress and the boots, which tricks the eye into stretching the leg. Cinch the dress with a belt to define your waist and keep the billowy fabric from engulfing you.

Flares and heels add inches to your stems, since the longer pant and (mostly) hidden shoes create the optical illusion that your legs actually go from your waist to the ground. A feminine top with a V-shaped neckline is a classic styling trick that elongates your neck and brings the focus up to your face.

Don’t be afraid to flash a little leg (in fact, the more you show, the leggier you appear). To balance out the extra skin, go for a chunky sweater that covers you up top (don’t forget the front tuck) and structured booties.

The rule of cropped denim: No matter the style, be sure to cuff. Tuck a white tee into the front of the pants to extend the leg line up to your waist. And contrary to popular belief, an extra-long cardigan that hits at mid-calf also adds the illusion of height.