What Type of Dress Are Beter for Short Woman Wear

Download Article

Figuring out how to dress a shorter figure can build confidence and help you feel your best. You can successfully shop as a shorter person by trying out clothing brands that specialize in petite or short sizes, calling up the tailor to hem your new purchases, and buying shoes that complement your height and body type. You can also try some fashion hacks like wearing a monochromatic outfit, trying high-waisted pants, and opting for outfits with vertical lines.

1

Try the petite section. If you are short, you might find standard cuts of clothing do not fit you as well as they should. Try shopping in the petite section of your favorite online or brick and mortar store. Seek out stores and brands that specialize in clothing for shorter men and women. These cuts will likely fit you better than clothing manufactured for people who are not short.^[1]
2

Take a friend along. Taking a friend along on a shopping excursion means you'll have an extra pair of eyes when deciding if a particular outfit or pair of shoes is a good fit for your short physique. Try asking a short friend whose style you admire to join you on your next shopping trip.

Advertisement
3

Try high-waisted bottoms. High-waisted bottoms can add the illusion of height. You can opt for pants with a high waist. Or if skirts are your thing, try complementing your short figure with a high-waisted skirt.
4

Go for vertical instead of horizontal stripes. An outfit that incorporates vertical stripes can flatter a shorter figure. Horizontal stripes, on the other hand, can make a small figure appear wider than it is. Try wearing pants, dresses, or skirts with vertical lines.^[2]
5

Call the tailor after a shopping session. Sometimes shopping in the petite section is not an option. Other times you find a sport jacket or suit that is perfect for you, but whose sleeves or hems might need to be shortened. A tailor can take these new purchases and mold them to your short stature, making you look and feel fabulous.^[3]

1

Try a monochromatic outfit. Wearing one color from head to toe can flatter a shorter figure. Monochromatic outfits lengthen the appearance of your body. Try wearing a structured white top with a pair of fitted white pants. You can also create a monochromatic look by wearing the same print on both the top and bottom.^[4]
2
Pair a high-waisted bottom with a tucked-in top. One way to add height and flatter your short figure is by wearing a pair of pants, shorts, or skirt with a high waist. High-waisted bottoms can make your legs appear longer than they actually are. Try wearing a pair of high-waisted trousers with a top that easily tucks into the pants.
- You could also try a cropped top with a pair of high-waisted linen pants. Top off the look with flats, boots, or heels.
3

Wear vertical lines on the bottom with a solid color on top. Pants with vertical lines will beg the eye to look up and down, effectively lengthening your look. Try a pinstripe pant with a matching suit jacket. You can also go for a high-waisted pair of pants with a thick stripe for a bold look.^[5]
4

Stay away from layering. When you are putting together an outfit, you do not want to overpower a small frame with multiple layered pieces. Instead of creating a multi-layered look, instead opt for a single layering piece like a sweater or vest – not both.^[6]

1

Go for nude shoes. Wearing shoes that match your skin tone can help create the illusion of longer legs. If you want to elongate your legs, opt for a pair of flats, sandals, or heels in your own skin tone. Pair them with shorts, a dress, or a skirt to create the appearance of long legs.^[7]
2

Wear shoes that are the same color as your pants. You can elongate your look and flatter your petite figure by matching the color of your shoes and pants. Try pairing navy slip-on sneakers with a pair of cropped navy pants. You can also try wearing black oxfords with a black suit.
3

Go for pointed-toe heels. A pair of heels with pointed toes can complement your short stature. Try a kitten heel for an understated look. You can also go for high heels with pointed toes. These shoes will add height to your look along with an air of confidence.^[8]
4
Try wedges in the summer. During the warmer months, wedges are a great shoe for those on the shorter side. Not only will they give you a little extra height, they're comfortable and can be paired with tons of outfits.
- A floral-printed A-line dress would look great with wedges.
- Alternatively, pair your favorite jeans with wedges and a tank top.
5
Wear ankle boots. Ankle boots are a perfect accessory for nearly any outfit. You can pair them with skirts and dresses as well as trousers and jeans.
- Avoid wearing tall boots, as these can make you look even shorter.
6

Don't overwhelm your look with accessories. Stick to one or two statement accessories to complement your shoes and outfit. This will ensure you don't overwhelm your figure. Try a statement necklace, a handbag that pops, or a pair of killer sunglasses. Or go for understated jewelry, like a simple necklace and coordinating ring.

Add New Question

Question

What type of dress looks best on a short person?

Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University.

Board Certified Professional Organizer

Expert Answer

I think the shorter the dress is, the better it generally looks if you're on the shorter side. If you're short, you usually want to elongate your legs, and showing more skin can give the impression that your legs are longer than they actually are.
Question

Are there any shoes that aren't heels that will make you look taller?

Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University.

Board Certified Professional Organizer

Expert Answer

Yes! Anything with a pointed toe is going to give you some angle, which will actually make you appear taller. If you go with round-tipped shoes, it will create a kind of stubby impression which can make you feel even shorter than you already are.
Question

I don't get why stripes make you look taller?

Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University.

Board Certified Professional Organizer

Expert Answer

So, it has to do with how your eye processes visual information. Your brain looks for patterns, and when you wear vertical stripes, seams, or patterns, it generates the impression that you're looking at something that runs up and down. This can make you seem much taller than you are, even if it's just a visual effect!
Question

I need a formal dress and I'm just 4'9". Should I wear a long or short dress?

Stephanie Alexandris is a Fashion Stylist in New York City. She has worked with an extensive range of brands, including Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Maison Margiela and Rick Owens while she was living in Paris, and Harper's Bazaar, J.McLaughlin, and Express during her tenure in New York City. She holds a Master's degree in Fashion Business from ESMOD France and an undergraduate degree from New York University.

Master's Degree, Fashion Business, ESMOD Paris

Expert Answer

You can wear either depending on if the occasion is black tie or not. If it is, go with a long dress and try a lower neckline. It can be a V-neck or round neck. Sometimes crewnecks and turtlenecks can make you appear shorter so steer clear of those. The higher the heel the better - but keep in mind that platform heels are the most comfortable.
Question

I'm 5' 2". What shape jacket should I wear to go with a dress for a special occasion?

Stephanie Alexandris is a Fashion Stylist in New York City. She has worked with an extensive range of brands, including Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Maison Margiela and Rick Owens while she was living in Paris, and Harper's Bazaar, J.McLaughlin, and Express during her tenure in New York City. She holds a Master's degree in Fashion Business from ESMOD France and an undergraduate degree from New York University.

Master's Degree, Fashion Business, ESMOD Paris

Expert Answer

I would go for a cropped jacket or blazer or a regular-fit blazer. Stay away from baggy, over-sized, or long blazers or jackets as those can make you appear shorter, especially in flats.
Question

My height is 4'9. What kind of dress I should wear?

Wear shorter dresses to help elongate your legs. Also try dresses with high-waisted cinches, as this will help you look more proportionate.
Question

My height is 4'11", and I am very thin. What should I wear to look tall as well as healthy?

Anything that is well fitted. Avoid baggy clothing (because it will make you look even thinner).
Question

I'm very slim and 5'4". What kind of outfit will look good on me?

Outfit is a matter of style. Wear anything you like, but make sure that everything is well fitted. Baggy clothes are a no go for skinny people (it makes you look even thinner).
Question

What do I do if I'm short and nothing looks good on me?

Go for high-waisted bottoms (jeans, skirts, etc.) and solid upper wear (t-shirts). After which, all you need to do is look yourself in the mirror and be confident about what you are wearing.
Question

I am 5'1 and my bust is 36E. I am constantly worrying about my look, and what to wear. What should I actually wear?

Try wearing deeper V-necks, as these will visually elongate the the torso and flatter a large bust. Not too deep though, if you want to limit the amount of cleavage you show.