Style Stop
By Linda Peavy
Petite and tall women often feel worlds apart but share a common challenge—finding clothes that fit and flatter.
Don’t worry. Whether you’re soaring above the crowd or charmingly close to the ground, this head-to-toe advice has got you covered!
Petite and Tall Defined
- Petite women: Typically 5’3″ and under.
- Tall women: Typically 5’8″ and over.
Remember, your neighborhood tailor is your ultimate style ally! Custom alterations for pants, sleeves, and hemlines can transform ill-fitting garments into polished perfection.
TOPS
Petite
Create a flattering silhouette with tops that define your waist. V-necks, wrap styles, tailored blazers, and belts are your go-to styles to elongate your frame.
Style Picks:
Ann Taylor Petite Fitted Tweed Jacket
Loft Petite Velvet Moto Jacket
Tall
Opt for longline tops or tunics that cinch at the waist to balance your proportions and highlight your silhouette.
Style Picks:
American Tall SLIM-FIT Two Button Blazer for Tall Women in Navy
American Tall Button Front Mock Neck Sweater
PANTS & JEANS
Petite
Stick with mid-rise styles to elongate your torso, and hem pants to avoid excess fabric at the ankle.
Style Picks:
Old Navy Petite Mid-Rise Wow Boyfriend Straight Jeans
Loft Petite Peyton Trouser Pants in Plaid
Tall
High-waisted pants and jeans, including wide-leg or skinny fits, complement tall frames by balancing proportions.
Style Picks:
Madewell Tall Perfect Vintage Jean
Gap High Rise Stride Wide-Leg Jeans
DRESSES & SKIRTS
Petite
Opt for dresses and skirts that hit above or at the knee to elongate your legs. Pair fitted pieces with flared counterparts to balance proportions.
Style Picks:
Ann Taylor Petite Sequin Column Midi Skirt
Loft Petite Satin Side Ruched Bias Midi Dress
Tall
Midi, wrap, or skater dresses with defined waistlines enhance your height and proportions.
Style Picks:
Ann Taylor Tall Floral Mock Neck Belted Shift Dress
Chicwish Stripe Print Turtleneck Knit Midi Dress
PLUS SIZE PETITES
For a unique designer brand, consider plus petite designer Sopi Mitil of The Sopi Mitil Co, the ingenious luxury brand revolutionizing professional wear for curvy petite women and combining eco-friendly practices with cutting-edge design to create perfectly tailored, sustainable fashion. Learn more at https://sopimitil.com/.
PLUS SIZE TALLS
Eloquii, a plus-size brand, offers a best-selling Katy pant in tall sizes up to 32. Eight colors are offered.
Katy Fit Double Weave Tall Pant
ACCESSORIES
Petite
Use statement pieces like chunky necklaces or oversized earrings to draw attention upward.
Style Picks:
SOHI Women’s Block Statement Necklace
Anthropologie Asymmetrical Hardware Satchel
Tall
Layered long necklaces or dangly earrings complement a tall frame. Stick to one bold piece at a time for balance.
Style Picks:
Free People Chan Luu Turtle Cove Necklace
J Crew Goldtone Teardrop Earrings
SHOES
Petite
Nude heels, ankle boots, and pointed-toe flats extend your leg line, creating the illusion of height.
Style Picks:
Sam Edelman Franci Kitten Heel Pumps
Tall
Low block heels, ballet pumps, and kitten heels offer style and support without adding too much height.
J. Crew Colette buckle slingback pumps in leopard-print calf hair
Where to Shop in Cleveland, Ohio
- Dillard’s (Petite and tall options in-store and online)
- J. Jill (Beachwood Place Mall)
- Nordstrom (Beachwood Place Mall)
- Macy’s (Petite and tall sizes at SouthPark Mall)
Additional Nationwide Retailers with Petite & Tall Lines
- American Tall
- Ann Taylor
- Anthropologie
- ASOS
- Banana Republic
- Chicwish
- Eloquii
- Gap
- J.Crew
- J. Jill
- Loft
- Madewell
- Old Navy
- Sopimiltil
No matter your height, the right fit can elevate your look and confidence. Tailor your wardrobe to celebrate you!
Hashtags: #PetiteStyle #TallStyle #BodyPositivity #PetiteFashion #TallFashion
