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3 Rules of Wearing Shorts If You’re 5’4” and Under

Yep, go for that high-waist pair

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rules for wearing shorts if you're short: triptych of shorts ourfits
1-Edward Berthelot/Getty Images; 2,3 Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

It’s getting hot in here, and we’d like to show off our toned and self-tanned legs over the summer. But what if we we’re not working with miles-long stems? How can those of us who are petite style the summer wardrobe staple in a way that will flatter our figures while still giving street-style cred? Here are some rules to dress by for petite style in Summer 2023 and beyond, plus the best shorts to shop if you’re 5’4” and under.

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Rules for wearing shorts if you're short: woman wearing orange heels
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

1. Wear Neutrals + One Bright Accessory

We petites don’t have too much real estate to work with, sartorially speaking. So wearing neutral tones is going to look elegant and streamlined, while a bright shoe or bag or piece of statement jewelry will elevate the whole fit. Extra points if, like 5’5” Yoyo Cao above, you can pull off a chunky heel.

Shop the Look

rules for wearing shorts if youre short jcrew neutral shorts 1

The 3.5 inch inseam is right for petites.

$50
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rules for wearing shorts if youre short orange heels

The geometric chunky heel and square toe look fresh.

$198$160
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rules for wearing shorts if you're short: woman wearing blue set
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

2. Embrace Breezy Matching Sets

Matching shirts and shorts are everywhere this season, and petites are jumping on board. We know that wearing a matching shirt and shorts, especially when it’s a loose-fitting top and generously-cut shorts, is going to lengthen our figure. (Also, who doesn’t appreciate a button-front shirt that can double as a jacket over a tank or a bandeau top?)

Shop the Look

rules for wearing shorts if youre short amazon blue set

This all-cotton short set is pull-on comfy and comes in 21 colors.

$40
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rules for wearing shorts if youre short reformation

Pair this organic cotton button front with matching shorts ($88).

$128
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Rules for wearing shorts if you're short: Pink jacket and print shorts streetstyle photo
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

3. Depend on High-Waist Shorts to Add Inches

It’s been a lesson we’ve all learned from high-waist jeans: An 11-inch (or so) rise seems to make a person’s legs look a few inches longer, due to the optical illusion that all that tummy fabric is actually part of your pants legs. For the sleekest possible appearance (that’s ultra comfortable, to boot), choose shorts in a fabric with a bit of elastane or a waistband that’s elastic, so that when you sit down the high-waist cut doesn’t restrict you.

Shop the Look

rules for wearing shorts if youre short reiss

Linen with slash pockets and a high waist is elegant.

$160
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rules for wearing shorts if youre short farm rio

These linen-viscose shorts' drawstring waist lengthens the legs.

$110
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Dana Dickey is a PureWow Senior Editor, and during more than a decade in digital media, she has scoped out and tested top products and services across the lifestyle space. Suitcases to sex toys, she's got an opinion on what's best. Dana is based in Los Angeles; her work has also appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue and The New York Times. Check her out on Instagram and LinkedIn.

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dana dickey

Senior Editor

Dana Dickey is a PureWow Senior Editor, and during more than a decade in digital media, she has scoped out and tested top products and services across the lifestyle space...