Workwear Outfits & Must-Have Wardrobe Essentials For Petite Ladies To Look Taller

By Karmen on 08 Dec 2020

Digital Editor

Has severe RBF but is fairly jolly and carefree on the inside. Degree of life satisfaction is heavily influenced by food.

If you're part of the petite gang, you'll know how easy it is to pick outfits for the weekends and the struggle to find flattering ones for the office.

Shorts, mini skirts and crop tops make us look and feel great, but they aren't suitable for most office settings. Standard workwear pieces like structured blazers and pencil skirts, however, can be incredibly unflattering on a short stature.

Check out 7 casual workwear outfits that will are flattering on petite ladies:

#1 One-Tone Outfit

Photo from @thealex_g via Instagram

Colour blocking with different coloured tops and bottoms visually cuts your body in half, which has a shortening effect. If you're wearing separates, try to keep them in the same colour but in slightly different shades.

#2 Belted Jumpsuit

Photo from @ughrubia via Instagram

An easier way to get a one-tone outfit is to simply put on a solid-coloured jumpsuit. Choose one that has a thick fabric, belted waistline and structured silhouette for a smarter look.

#3 Crop top + High-Waisted Trousers

Photo from @ughrubia via Instagram

Although the one-tone outfit is a nifty elongating trick, you can still mix different colours in your outfit and look taller than you are. The trick is to go for a v-neck crop top and pair it with a pair of high-waisted trousers and heels. It's a flattering look on anyone including petite ladies.

Besides preventing too much skin from showing, high waisted trousers also create the illusion of height and longer legs.

#4 Fitted Top + Long High-Waisted Skirt

Photo from @thealex_g via Instagram

The same effect works for high waisted skirts as well. If you're going for prints, stick to small ones as large motifs can overwhelm your small frame.

#5 Loose Top + Fitted Bottoms

Photo from @astrids03 via Instagram

If you're wearing a loose fitting top or a blazer, make sure to balance it out with trousers that are fitted - not tight, but tailored - to avoid an oversized look that would make you appear shorter and wider.

Some versatile pieces to add to your wardrobe are cigarette trousers and a thin belt. Match your belt colour with your trousers to minimise the shortening colour block effect and keep your accessories small to avoid swamping your frame.

#6 Petite-Fit Blazer + One-Tone Outfit

Photo from @ughrubia via Instagram

Blazers have to fit just right or could make you look frumpy and short. The right blazer should fit your shoulders and arms well, either with a cropped hem or a longline design that ends right below your bottom. When in doubt, your best bet is to shop specifically at brands that have petite lines like ASOS and Zalora .

#7 Vertical Stripes

Just like how horizontal stripes have a widening effect, vertical stripes have a lengthening effect. Besides clothes with horizontal stripes, you could also go for a maxi pleated skirt for a similar effect.