Does great fashion come in small sizes? Thanks to these petite-inclusive brands, you won’t have to compromise on style. Find out more in our petite shopping guide.
With 50% of UK women under 5ft 4″, fashion brands – from high street to designer – are expanding their collections to encompass small, stylish shoppers.
We’ve gathered the CF team’s go-to, size-inclusive fashion brands as well as spoken to two eternally-chic style influencers, Rachelle Rowlings (5ft 1″) and Kate Hutchins (5ft 4″) about their favourite brands and the petite ranges standing tall in fashion.
Ensuring your clothes fit well is the chicest dressing tip no matter your height, and finding pieces that suit your body’s proportions and shape is the ultimate way to make your outfit look pulled together and expensive. These are the Citizen Femme team’s favourite brands with dedicated petite collections.
Mother Denim
MOTHER is an LA-based denim and lifestyle brand that has just launched their petite range, Lil Mother. Denim is undeniably a wardrobe staple so if you can nail one item, let it be your jeans. MOTHER denim has you covered no matter your leg length. The novel range focuses on MOTHER’s bestselling styles and shades, moderated with higher knee placements and shorter inseams for a flattering finish.
Madewell
Madewell, as per their ‘simply madewell’ motto, releases thoughtful items with character designed to wear every day, and their petite collection includes staple pieces for building a considered closet of wearable items. Their bestselling vintage-style wide-leg jeans are carefully hemmed for those under 5ft 4” and the same goes for their great options of wide-leg and tapered-leg tailored trousers. Madewell also includes curvy ranges in their petite collection, which we love. All at affordable prices too.
Madewell
Whistles
The familiar high street favourite, Whistles, is also getting it right when it comes to petite clothing. Their newly-released range of ready-to-wear winter staples features both long and short silhouettes that intelligently consider the proportions of the body. For the upcoming colder months, the contemporary Lorna Wrap Wool Coat in black and burgundy is set to become a staple thanks to its warmth and its sophisticated length, without the worry of it overwhelming petite frames.
Reformation
Having quickly become the ultimate go-to for romantic linen and silk dresses, full skirts and structured tops, Reformation is another popular fashion brand that has released a petite range. With weekend-casual sweatshirts and dresses ready for glittering winter weddings, long sleeves and maxi lengths to suit sub 5ft 4” body types, this is a collection ideal for every occasion.
Reformation
Reiss
Reiss is a go-to for building an effortlessly-chic wardrobe. Whether it’s linens, wool jackets or silk items you’re searching for Reiss just does it right. And the same goes for their petite range. Reiss offers shirts that fit arm and torso length while still giving a flattering, oversized look. Whether casual pieces or tailored trousers, the items are great for building monochromatic looks or to mix and match with bolder and trend-driven items throughout the seasons, bringing a synergy to your wardrobe.
Luxury label to know:
The Row
Established by the endlessly stylish Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley who are a petite 5 ft, The Row may not be specifically designed for smaller frames but they have a loyal following of fashionistas who buy their pieces for the perfect petite fit. The duo became obsessed with finding the right fit while struggling with wardrobe options during their acting career, and turned it into a profession back in 2006. Focusing on exceptional fabrics, impeccable details and precise tailoring, the fashion house is known for its quiet luxury and timeless, minimalist aesthetic.
The Row
Rachelle Rowlings
The Australian-born mother-of-two has an impeccable wardrobe that shows that even at 5ft 1″, you can master the art of modern dressing.
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How would you describe your personal style?
It changes each week. One week I am polished the next week I am chaotic, eclectic and sometimes experimental.
Which brands do you buy from and why?
If you’re looking for petite staples but investment pieces, then The Row is the best option. Thank you Mary-Kate and Ashley who are also beautiful petite women.
Tips and tricks of a petite style influencer?
The androgynous look is a hard one for us but I find if the oversized pants are straight leg or have an elastic around the ankle it can elongate your legs. Additionally, always wear these with a tighter-fitting top to level out the oversized bottom. For large-fitting dresses, a kitten heel compliments the shape. High-neck tops need to be a longer fit rather than a crop so they don’t break your torso up, and when paired with a low rise they can make you look longer. Corset tops as well as tapered jackets with wider-leg jeans are also flattering.
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What styles do you find suit smaller frames best?
The Row Goldin jeans are an amazing fit; they are an incredible material and low rise but sit right on your ankle so there’s no need to alter. The Louis Vuitton Indigo Blue cropped jeans are also a fantastic option. Although they say ‘cropped’ they’re actually the perfect length on me, sitting right on the ankle. They’re also high-waisted with a fold and dart at the front which makes your leg length look longer. RAEY have a pair of jeans called the Opa boyfriend jean, I removed the stitching at the bottom and they’re an incredible oversized fit without being too baggy on a smaller frame. They are perfect with a cropped T-shirt or a vest top. They’re my easiest-wearing jeans and have a great price point.
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What would your ultimate petite edit include?
Kate Hutchins
The London-based influencer and content creator mixes both high-street and high-end fashion for slick, polished looks.
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How would you describe your personal style?
Chic, timeless and comfy. I feel my best when I look put together and styled but without any restrictions on movement or uncomfortable fabrics. I love mixing high street clothing with designer accessories to really elevate the look.
Which brands do you buy from and why?
For everyday basics, Arket does amazing quality staples such as T-shirts and trousers. I love their heavy-weight cotton T-shirts and linens during summer. Arket just gets the fit so right, and they last forever too. For holidaywear COS have beautiful summer pieces which always have an air of sophistication and elegance. They really embody quiet luxury for an affordable price point. Reformation is always a saviour for a last-minute evening outfit, I love how their dresses are so timeless but with a modern twist. I recently bought a silk evening dress from them and the fit is ‘chef’s kiss’. I have only recently discovered Abercrombie denim (I must have been living under a rock as these always go viral!). They have so many sizing options to get that perfect fit and their denim is just so comfy. Definitely worth the hype you see on TikTok.
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Tips and tricks of a petite style influencer?
When it comes to petite clothing hacks, I have a few. I will often use hemming web to shorten trousers as a temporary fix before taking an item to my local tailors.* I will also use belts to shorten dresses or keep trousers from trailing on the ground. An easy hack is to opt for heels when possible – I have a small collection of kitten heels and heeled boots which are surprisingly comfortable and always take an outfit to the next level.
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What styles do you find suit smaller frames best?
High-waisted trousers with a long front seam work really nicely for petite women, I find they help to really elongate your legs rather than shortening. I also love a cropped jacket or blazer; they help define your waist and proportion the body nicely. Finally, a pointed toe flat or heel is flattering and gives the illusion of length.
Stores in London that offer a tailored service / made to measure?
I recently found out that one of my favourite shops, Theory, who don’t currently offer petite, do actually offer a tailoring service in some stores for any items you buy. This is super handy as I love their chic and timeless style, however I was put off by the length of some of their trousers.
What would your ultimate petite edit include?
*Citizen Femme recommends The Seam for all your tailoring needs. Available in the UK – and the exclusive partner for NET-A-PORTER UK customers – The Seam matches you with tailors in your local area who specialise in the type of project you need to do, from alterations to repairs. It’s like Cupid but for clothes.
Lead image: Reformation
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Any Questions or Tips to add?