These Are The Best Summer Trends For Petites, Tried and Tested By A 4ft11” Fashion Editor
If the recent wave of warm weather has left you questioning everything in your wardrobe, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Navigating what to wear when temperatures reach over 25 degrees (sometimes even 30+) is definitely no mean feat.
After all, it’s not just dressing for the heat that we’ve got to contend with; when it comes to chic summer dressing, there are probably a few things on your mind. Of course, tapping into the summer trends is most likely a priority as is finding pieces that are in keeping with your summer plans, whether you’re looking for stylish summer workwear, building a holiday capsule wardrobe or simply looking for pieces you can rely on during warm days at home.
For me, however, and I’m assuming for you too, as you’ve found yourself here, there’s an extra layer to contend with. Standing at just 4ft11”, I also want pieces that won’t overwhelm my petite proportions while also delivering on all the above, too.
So, I’ve made it my mission to not only keep track of this year's biggest and best summer trends but also to keep an eye out for the ones that work even harder for those of us standing at 5ft4” and under. Of course, the best petite brands were my first port of call as well as looking to stylish petite influencers for inspiration; however, I've also done the hard work, trying and testing trends to see what worked and what didn't (all in the name of research, of course).
And, here are the results: from the summer prints which make the most of shorter statures to accessories that will offer a few extra inches (if that’s what you desire), these are the best summer trends for petites, sure to make dressing for the heat just that little bit easier.
The Best Summer Trends For Petites
1. Summer Stripes
Style Notes: As a petite person, you’re probably bored of hearing about the transformative power of stripes—believe me, I am too—however at this time of year, especially, there’s no getting away from them. Deckchair-inspired vertical stripes are a staple summer trend that make an appearance practically every year so they’re the perfect styles to invest in if you want pieces you can reach for year after year. Plus, if you do want to give the illusion of appearing a little taller, there’s no denying stripes are the easiest way to do so, so why not embrace it and lean into the classic petite styling hack.
Shop the Trend:
Reformation
Petites Vida Low Rise Pant
Ensure your trousers just hit the floor to maximise their effect.
WNU
The Boyfriend in Ocean Blue Stripe
Mango
Striped Linen Skirt
The column shape of Mango's striped skirt will elongate a petite frame.
Nobody's Child
Navy Pinstripe Felicity Midi Dress
Nobody's Child striped dress comes in petite sizing so you skip a trip to the tailors.
2. Maxi Lengths
Style Notes: Opting for floor grazing maxi styles may seem illogical for those of us with petite proportions however, I promise you, it’s a great trend for anyone who wants to elongate their frame in a subtle way. The key is to opt for maxi-length skirts and dresses that sit close to the body rather than in oversized shapes to avoid being overwhelmed by the swathes of fabric. Go for column shapes or figure-hugging fabrics, like thin knits and crochets, to make the maxi trend petite-friendly.
