15 Fashion Mistakes Every Petite Girl Should Avoid

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Petite girls get a lot of flak for their size! If you’re petite too, you know the pain of suffering from the more-than-occasional name-calling and leg pulling. Being called Thumbelina might sound cute in theory but it hurts a lot in practice! And then there’s the issue of shopping at clothing and shoe stores, which never have your size. In short (pun intended), life is tough.

However, it can get easier. In fact, it may get so much better that people may even stop calling you all those nasty names. How? Well, by dressing right! Even if you don’t have the height, you can create the illusion of it by avoiding certain fashion mistakes.

Here are 15 of them that you should instantly stop making!

1. Oversized Sweaters

Or hoodies. Or t-shirts. Or any clothing item that fits way too loose! These might look cool, relaxed, and casual but they can make you look smaller as you’d, quite frankly, seem lost in them. That said, if you like oversized stuff, pick one that hugs your body a little more or throw in a belt to flaunt your waist.

2. Baggy Pants

Be it a pair of jeans or palazzos, these are a strict no-no for your wardrobe. They make you look invisible from afar as they hide your legs completely. However, to fix this, you don’t need to show off your legs. Just wear tighter bottoms. Or pair your loose ones with high heels.

3. Big Bags

Big Bags
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Just like oversized bottoms and sweaters, large handbags can literally dwarf you! In fact, you may end up looking like you are being carried by your bag rather than the other way around. Hence, stick to smaller sized bags always.

4. Mid-Length Skirts Or Dresses

Below-the-knee hemlines can easily put you in the danger zone where funny comments about you are bound to ensue. That’s because these too hide your legs and take away from your inches. Dresses and skirts above the knee will work wonders though!

5. High Boots

High Boots
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We suggest not wearing any kind of shoes that go above your ankle length. The point is, you don’t want to look tiny. But with high boots, you definitely will as, once again, your legs are hidden! Ankle boots are a better bet.

6. Long Tops

It might seem repetitive but please steer clear of long hemlines. Even if you love them. They downsize your frame and make you appear much smaller! If you still want to wear them though, pick ones that cinch at your waist and pair them with high heels.

7. Turtle Necks

Turtle Necks
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Why would you want to create the illusion that you don’t have a neck when people already criticize you for your height? Exactly, you wouldn’t. So, stick to wide necks such as V or scoop shapes preferably.

8. Furry Coats/Jackets

If you really want to step up your winter wear game, our recommendation is you stick to tailored jackets and blazers or coats with a short, flared hemline. As glamorous as long coats or furry jackets may look, you’ll disappear in them instantly. Which, as you know, is not good for you.

9. Rounded Shoes

Rounded Shoes
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Petite women generally have petite feet that complement their overall frame. In that case, covering your feet up in rounded flats can make your feet appear pint-sized! Avoid this embarrassment by going for pointy shoes with heels.

10. Long Hair

Now this is strictly personal, we know, but if you want to look taller, shorter haircuts are best for you. They don’t cover you up and steal attention from your frame! If you want to keep your long hair, style it in a bun or braids to show off your frame.

11. Large Hats

Large Hats
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Anything that’s bulky or oversized should ideally not be a part of your wardrobe. Large hats, for example, will cover up your entire face, making you look way smaller than you do! Small hats and scarves will serve as better headgear.

12. Huge Sunglasses

Another thing that can give you an oddly tiny appearance is a pair of large sunglasses. When choosing your shades, make sure you pick one that suits your face size and your body shape.

13. Horizontal Stripes

Horizontal Stripes
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As a petite woman, you are naturally slim and we’re sure you don’t want to look any thinner. Unfortunately, horizontal stripes will create that effect. Vertical stripes will suit you better as they’ll add to your height and make you appear taller.

14. Wide Belts

Petite belts are made for petite women! Broad belts can hide your waist and make it look like you don’t have a torso, thereby decreasing your height. So, go for slim belts if you want to accessorize.

15. Bold Patterns

Bold Patterns
Image: Shutterstock

Large prints can not only conceal the flaunt-worthy points of your physique but they can also take away the attention from your face and personality. Choose small prints to appear balanced.

Don’t worry. It might seem like you have to sacrifice a lot of clothing items but you still have plenty to play around. In fact, now you know exactly what to wear to avoid being called a ‘shorty’!

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