How to Find Perfectly Petite or Terrifically Tall Fashions -

How to Find Perfectly Petite or Terrifically Tall Fashions

By Linda Peavy

- November 17, 2023

- in Blogs, Fashion, Style Stop

Style Stop
By Linda Peavy

Are you a terrifically tall or pleasantly petite woman? If so, chances are that shopping can be a bit of a nightmare when finding clothes that actually fit. But fear not! These 10 tips will help you turn heads for all the right reasons.

PETITE
“Petite” refers to height, not weight, and usually refers to women under 5’4”. If this sounds like you, focus on fashions that elongate and slim your frame.

1. Bras
This goes for Every. Woman. On. The. Planet! Whether petite or tall, curvy or slim, nothing will fit properly without the right bra.

A poorly fitted bra will lead to shoulder slumping and poor posture, making you appear at least 5 inches shorter. For help ensuring that you have the right size bra, visit the Cultured Curves article, How to Measure for Correct Bra Sizing HERE.

2. Bring the Waistline Up

Choose bottoms with waistlines that sit above your natural waist to make your legs look longer, making you appear taller and leaner while also distracting from your midsection.

Style Stop Favorite: Eloquii Neoprene Pencil Skirt

3. Mid-Level Tops

Always ensure your blouse or T-shirt doesn’t go any lower than the top of your hips unless you automatically want to look even shorter.

Style Stop Fave: Nic + Zoe Shake Knit Funnel Sweater

4. Define Your Waist but Avoid Wide Belts

Belts are instantly flattering and help to minimize extra fabric. However, wearing too wide belts will take up a lot of space at the midsection, making your torso disappear, and you’ll look even shorter.

Style Stop Favorite: Skinny Belt By Accessories For All from Catherine’s

5. Fit and Flare Dresses

Also known as A-line dresses, this style creates definition at the waist while blossoming out under the hips.

Style Stop Fave: Chicos Petite Medallion Flare Sleeve Maxi

6. High-Rise Jeans

High-rise jeans give the illusion of height and help conceal a larger midsection. The only exception is if you have a very short torso. In that case, go for a mid-rise (never low-rise) to avoid losing waist emphasis.

Style Stop Favorite: Chicos Petite High Rise Animal Wide Leg Jeans

7. Open Necklines

Especially important if you have a bigger chest, U, deep V, or sweetheart necklines will lengthen your decolletage by creating space.

Style Stop Favorite: St. John’s Bay Petite T-shirt

8. Make Your Tailor Your BFF!
Let’s face it: finding petite and plus-size petite clothing, especially in a brick-and-mortar store, is like finding a needle in a haystack! You may find that some clothes, especially pants and sleeves, must be tailored. Don’t worry. Whatever money you invest in tailoring will be amply repaid in how confident you feel when not constantly worrying about tripping on a too-long hem or having your sleeves unroll to reveal a wrinkly mess in the middle of a business meeting!

9. Pointy Toe Shoes? Maybe Not

Pointy-toe shoes have long been a go-to for making petite women appear taller. When you’re a plus-size petite woman, though, they often accentuate thicker legs and ankles. Also, avoid square-toe shoes as they will make you look shorter, whether or not you’re plus size. Round-toe shoes are a much better choice as they blend in better with any shape body.

Style Stop Favorite: Tory Burch Claire Ballet Flat

10. Proceed with Caution when Buying Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits will shorten an already short frame if purchased in a regular size instead of a petite.

Style Stop Favorite: Ignite Evenings Petite Foil Jumpsuit

TALL
If you are over 5’9” tall, you have likely faced the frustration of too-short sleeves and pant legs, “dresses” that are really shirts, and blouses that turn into crop tops. On your next shopping trip, run away from dropped waists, crop tops, and tiny accessories, and follow these 10 tips for effortless style:

1. Big Accessories

Go big or go home! Tiny, delicate jewelry and purses will get lost on a larger frame so opt for chunky statement necklaces, big bangle bracelets, and oversized bags like hobo totes.

Style Stop Favorite: Large Multiband Wrist Cuff by Panacea from Nordstrom

2. Bras
A poorly fitted bra will lead to shoulder slumping and poor posture, which are guaranteed to make you appear at least 5 inches shorter. Get a professional bra fitting.

3. Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits are especially flattering on tall women, accentuating your long luscious legs. Available in casual, dressy, and in-between styles, jumpsuits should definitely be a wardrobe staple for the tall and tall plus-size woman.

Style Stop Favorite: Ruby Ribbed Button Front Wide Leg Jumpsuit from Rebdolls

4. Longline or Tunic Tops

Look for styles that end below your butt and have a V or square neckline to showcase your bust and flatter your long limbs. These are especially stylish when paired with leggings or skinny jeans.

Style Stop Fave: Long Tall Sally Knitted Tunic

5. Mom, Skinny, and Wide Leg Jeans

Speaking of jeans, investing in good ones is critical, especially this time of year. Mom, Skinny, and Wide Leg jeans are the best styles for tall women. Mom jeans have a relaxed fit in the thigh area that tapers down to the bottom of the leg, enhancing curves. Skinny jeans have a more polished look and are available in tapered and bootcut bottoms. Wide-leg jeans progressively widen out at mid-thigh, differentiating them from bell-bottom jeans. These are best worn with heels, especially platforms or wedges.

Style Stop Favorite: Good Legs Skinny Jeans from Good American

6. Midi and Maxi Dresses

Midi dresses end above the ankles but below the knees, and they perfectly balance your top with your hips.

And, no, maxi dresses are not just for summer! These flowing, floor-length styles showcase your elegant height and can be rocked in the fall and winter when paired with a denim jacket, ankle boots, or a stylish scarf. Or, try one for an elegant evening out.

Style Stop Maxi Favorite: Long Tall Sally Blue Sequin Maxi Dress

7. Midi and Pencil Skirts

Also known as tea-length skirts, midi skirts end at mid-calf, fit loosely, and are generally more conservative than pencil skirts, which hug your body more closely and hang straight down. Both are best paired with heels and tend to shorten the legs, which is why they’re best for taller women.

Style Stop Favorite: Maxi Sequin Pencil Skirt

8. Patterns

Style Shop Favorite: Leopard Cape
Time to have some fun! Tall or tall plus-size women can wear patterns and prints without fear of them overwhelming a slighter frame. Pair patterns with solids, such as an animal print top and a solid black dress, to avoid too much drama.

9. Shoes

While taller women generally assume they must wear flats, that is not true! Wedge and kitten heels are incredibly flattering on you while not boosting you up into the stratosphere.

Style Stop Faves: The Dimes Kitten Heel Boot

10. Short-fitting Sweater Dresses

Sweater dresses are on every fall must-have list, and short ones are perfect for you, tall girls! They’re much more flattering than the long, oversized styles.