A note from Lizzi: I am truly delighted that Patricia agreed to write this blog post for readers of Loved By Lizzi – I am often asked about brands that serve ladies who require clothes to fit for their height, whether that’s tall or petite.
Affordable highstreet brands are getting better, but not quick enough in my opinion! Patricia, a qualified stylist has kindly shared where she shops, to help you if you need advice on petite style.
If you love this post, and you would like Patricia to come back and write more on petite styling, then speak up by leaving a comment below. Love Lizzi x
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Hello, I’m Patricia,
A personal stylist and an affordable fashion content creator, specialising in petite women over 40.
At 5ft 3in I know all too well how frustrating and stressful it can be to shop when all the clothes you love are too long in the leg, body, shoulders, or arms.
However, it is getting so much better, so I wanted to share with you some of my favourite places to shop that aren’t going to break the bank but more importantly they will fit without you having to spend a fortune getting them altered.
MY OWN PERSONAL STYLE
I would describe my style as classic, then I add statement pieces around them. My essentials are a blazer, jeans, a trench coat, as well as; a tailored suit, shirts plus a print dress.
I tend to spend a little bit more money on these pieces as they’re timeless and will get worn on repeat.
WHERE TO SHOP FOR PETITE Jeans
Jeans are my favourite item in my wardrobe and sadly Topshop was my favourite ‘go to’ store. Thankfully ASOS stock them, but I did enjoy going in store to try them on… we all know regardless of what the size says “jeans’ aren’t something that you can buy off the peg and they miraculously fit.
I love Zara jeans; I prefer a raw edge finish on a straight leg, normally purchased at the end of sale and I often cut a few inches off the bottom as I love an ankle grazer.
Bootcut/flare jeans are something you need to decide how you’re going to wear them. If worn with heels the length may not be long enough, they can look like ankle swingers (I would recommend 2ins longer on the length to avoid this).
I recently wore a denim jumpsuit from Joe Browns they have also started doing some items in petite.
Marks & Spencer have a great variety of styles in short/extra short too.
THE BEST Suits & Co-Ord’s for Petites
I don’t work in an and I appreciate many may see the suit as a dying breed, but I love it.
Recently I did a reel showing how versatile you can make it ‘3 Ways to Wear’
View this post on Instagram
Remember it can also be worn as separates adding jeans with the blazer a shirt and/or jumper with the trousers.
A few brands that do them well are Pixie Girl, ASOS, and Debenhams.
THE MUST HAVE PETITE Print Dress
I love wearing dresses but know how so many just drown us in length.
I was delighted when one of my favourite brands launched their petite range; Phase Eight are renowned for doing beautiful occasion wear but unfortunately, I couldn’t wear some of them as they were far too long. Midi or maxi dresses look great worn on their own, but I like to add a blazer or jumper over the top for versatility.
Some other favourites places to shop are Zara (only when I don’t mind a midi looking like a maxi…sometimes they make things for 6ft supermodels) Love & Roses also do affordable dresses too.
THE CLASSIC PETITE Trench Coat
If you are fortunate to be able to afford a Burberry trench, I would say “do it”. Bicester Designer Outlet have a store, you may find an affordable style there. However, if this isn’t the case then buy with quality in mind as you want it to last.
I have seen some great ones in Wallis, Hobbs, Karen Millen all from their petite range.
THE BASICS OF PETITE Shirts & Blouses
A sleeve can often be too long, as much as I love a sleeve folded to the elbow, I don’t always want to sport this look. Fortunately, M&S has a great selection of great fitting shirts and blouses that I love to wear with jeans or trousers.
Other great brands are ASOS and Karen Millen.
Hope you have found this helpful and I will continue to source petite affordable brands. If you would like to see more of my styling then do give me a follow on Instagram.
Love Patricia xxx
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