My Under 5'3" Editor Friends Sent Me Pics of Their Summer Outfits & Here's Everything I'm Shopping

I find myself slipping on my Frank & Eileen linen shirt dress for everything these days—I'm talking from errands to lunch dates to wearing it as a beach coverup. That's because the 34.5-inch length hits me at a modest above-the-knee length and the width is roomy enough to be super-comfy, but not so balloony as to appear sloppy. This dress is the closet workhorse of my summer wardrobe, so versatile that it looks right with practically any warm-weather shoe, from flip-flops to wedge heels.

"It was the color and on-trend eyelet that first caught my eye when I saw this set. I think a soft blue hue is so lovely during the warm weather months, especially in such a breezy fabric," says 5'2" senior director of special projects and royals Rachel Bowie about this Everlane shirt and matching shorts. "As for why this is great when you're petite, I find that a matchy-matchy set has a lengthening effect. When you tuck in the shirt, it’s also figure-defining and makes the waist clear vs. getting swallowed up by too much billowy fabric. I'll admit, I'll likely pair this with a sandal with a bit of a heel (hello, I'll take every inch of added height I can get!) but after trying this look on, I can confirm, it looks equally cute with flats."

 "I love that skorts are coming back more this year because I think the mini skirt look is totally flattering on shorter legs," says 5'2" associate commerce editor Natalie LaBarbera, "The built-in shorts keep me feeling comfortable and I don't have to stress over it blowing up in the wind. I especially love the preppy look of this one from Maeve at Anthropologie that looks like it could be straight from The Sirens set. I did take the advice of other reviewers and went up a size, and it fits perfectly."

"Whoever said caftans don't work for petites clearly hasn't heard of MINI caftans!" says 4'11" associate sales and deals editor Destinee Scott. "They offer that oversized look that you want without being too long, which is why I live in them during the summer, especially on vacation. I'm loving this pick from Anthropologie right now because it somehow manages to effortlessly nail several trends (from the bubble hem to the Portuguese girl style) without looking over-the-top. As with almost any mini caftan, it's also super easy to dress up and down with sandals for the beach and platforms for dinner." (Note: This style is currently sold out, but you can sign up to get on Anthro's waitlist for when it's restocked, or shop one of the similar picks below.)

"Go gingham or stripes—this summer's trendiest prints," says Scott. "Invest in a set that looks just as good together as it does separately, for example this gingham tank and smocked skirt. I prefer it to other sets on my frame, thanks to the smocked detailing on the top and bottom, and it's also great paired with a white T-shirt or white linen trousers."

From tall women to petite trend watchers, everyone is getting into the capris craze this summer. I was initally resistant to the style (even after my colleague, 5'1" Stephanie Maida, published a persuasive case for the capris trend for short women), since my legs are proportionally short for my frame and none too lean. However after I tried on the Nia Timothy capris, which stop at the knee for taller wearers but extend to the top of the calf on me, I was sold. They pack a lot of style into an easy stretch outfit, and hit the sweet spot of shaping power and leggings-like comfort. And the black colorway, rather than chopping my legs in half visually, actually lengthen the appearance of my gams. I'm wearing these capris with fisherman sandals, heels, sneakers, you name it; they elevate a simple T-shirt or button-front shirt with about zero effort.