Being short and skinny can make finding clothes that fit well a challenge. However, with some simple styling tricks and shopping strategies, you can create flattering outfits that accentuate your petite frame. The key is to create the illusion of more height and curves through fitted silhouettes, vertical lines, defined waists, and correct proportions.
Challenges of Dressing a Short and Skinny Body Type
Here are some of the common difficulties short and skinny body types face when getting dressed:
- Clothes can easily overwhelm your frame and hang shapelessly
- Finding clothes that are short enough for your height
- Looking boxy in loose, oversized fits
- Lacking curves for women’s clothing to hug
- Appearing swamped in clothes made for taller frames
However, you can adjust your wardrobe and styling to flatter your petite stature. Follow these tips:
Tops and Dresses
For tops and dresses, aim for the following silhouettes and details:
- Fitted: Go for tops and dresses that are more fitted and hug your frame. This creates shape and definition.
- Cropped lengths: Cropped tops and shorter hemlines help elongate your legs and balance your proportions.
- Defined shoulders: Opt for shoulder details like shoulder pads, ruffles, or dropped shoulders to add shape.
- Vertical details: Look for vertical stripes, long vest shapes, and collar details that draw the eye up and down to create the illusion of height.
- Cinched waists: Wrap dresses, belted waists, and peplums highlight your natural waist and add curves.
- Scoop or v-necks: Open and deep necklines help elongate the neckline for a leaner look.
- Thin straps and sleeves: Spaghetti straps, cap sleeves, or sleeveless cuts show off delicate collarbones and shoulders for a feminine vibe.
Some specific top and dress styles to try include:
- Wrap dresses
- Fit and flare dresses
- A-line skirts
- Peplum tops
- Ballet necklines
- V necks
- Cropped blazers
- Button-up shirts
Bottoms
For bottoms, consider these styling tips:
- Higher waists: High-waisted skirts and pants lengthen legs.
- Cropped lengths: Cropped pants, cigarette pants, and shorts show more ankle for a leg lengthening effect.
- Straight legs: Straight leg and wide leg pants have an elongating effect.
- Medium/narrow legs: Avoid exaggerated flares or super skinny pants, which can overwhelm a petite frame.
- Ankle length: Capri pants hitting at the ankle shorten legs less than full length pants.
- Vertical details: Pants or skirts with vertical stripes, seams, or patterns help draw the eye up.
Specific bottoms to try:
- Skinny jeans
- Straight leg jeans
- Wide leg pants
- Cigarette pants
- A-line skirts
- High-waisted shorts
Shoes
Don’t be afraid to wear heels! Just avoid extremely high stilettos. Some flattering shoe styles include:
- Ankle boots with block or mid heels
- Pointed toe flats
- Slingback pumps with kitten heels
- Loafers or oxfords
- Ballet flats
Shorter boots that hit the ankle or just below also shorten legs less than over-the-knee options.
Outerwear
Petite frames can easily drown in oversized or long coats. Seek out outerwear with the following:
- Cropped lengths: Cropped jackets and boleros are perfect.
- Cinched waists: Belted coats define your waist.
- Fitted silhouettes: Choose trenches, peacoats and fitted blazers that contour your upper body.
- Three-quarter sleeves: This length flatters petite arms.
Look for cropped, belted and fitted styles when shopping for outerwear.
Accessories
Strategic accessories like scarves, bags, and jewelry can add styling flair.
- Long necklaces and maxi dresses draw eyes down for height.
- Smaller purses won’t overwhelm your frame like oversized bags.
- Wide or big belts cinch waists for definition.
- Hats and scarves add fun accents up top.
- Layered necklaces elongate the neck area.
Have fun playing with accessories to accentuate your petite figure.
Styles and Prints to Avoid
Steer clear of the following, which tend to shorten and widen a petite figure:
- Boxy or oversized clothes
- Baggy fits in stiff fabrics like denim
- Low waist pants
- Empire waist dresses and tops
- Maxi skirts and dresses
- Large horizontal prints or stripes
- Bulky knits and heavy fabrics
- High necklines like turtlenecks
Go for sleeker, lighter fabrics in tailored cuts and petite sizes whenever possible.
Finding the Right Fit
The key is looking for clothes made specifically for smaller frames. Shop petite sizes whenever available. For the perfect fit:
- Look for tailored cuts
- Size down for a snugger fit if needed
- Have clothes taken in by a tailor
- Opt for cropped lengths meant for petites
- Browse petite sections in stores and online
Brands like ASOS Petite, Topshop Petite, and Anthropologie Petite offer flattering styles sized for smaller women. Shop around to find brands that cater to your size.
Building a Flattering Wardrobe
Keep these guidelines in mind when shopping:
- Stock up on versatile basics like button-ups, cropped blazers, ankle pants, skinny jeans, wrap dresses, and fitted tees.
- Look for lighter, drapier fabrics that won’t overwhelm.
- Choose 1-2 bold statement prints or pieces per outfit.
- Mix in visually lengthening patterns like stripes and polka dots.
- Add heels and wedges for a lift.
- Incorporate layers like cropped blazers, kimonos and vest.
Build upon classic, well-fitting staples that accentuate your petite figure. Add trendy petite styles each season to keep your wardrobe fresh and up-to-date.
Fashion Icons for Short and Skinny Body Inspiration
Many stylish celebrities share a short and slender frame. Look to these fashion icons for outfit ideas and styling tips:
| Celebrity | Style Tips |
|---|---|
| Reese Witherspoon | Loves fitted dresses, heels, cropped blazers. |
| Kourtney Kardashian | Mixes basics with trendy pieces, often in black. |
| Vanessa Hudgens | Goes for romantic silhouettes with ruffles, prints. |
| Ariana Grande | Likes crop tops, mini dresses, and thigh high boots. |
| Eva Longoria | Chooses tailored pieces and fitted dresses. |
Gain inspiration from Hollywood petites always dressed to flatter.
Conclusion
Dressing a short and skinny body type has its style challenges but also ample opportunities to shine. Use fit, silhouettes and proportions to your advantage along with chic petite pieces. With the right techniques, you can accentuate your slight frame and achieve a shapely, pulled-together look. Focus on emphasizing vertical lines, elongating your legs, defining your waist, and adding structure up top. Build a versatile wardrobe of fitted styles, cropped lengths, and slimming patterns in materials that don’t overwhelm you. With practice and confidence, you’ll master dressing in a way that flatters and celebrates your petite physique.