Reddit is one of my go-to spots for niche beauty and skin care advice, but I’ve never thought of consulting the platform for fashion tips. That was until one day, after a particularly frustrating shopping trip where everything I tried dragged on the floor behind my five-foot-tall frame, that I decided to go down the Reddit rabbit hole—and luckily, I was not disappointed. Tons of fellow petite shoppers shared their shopping woes, and, more importantly, offered solutions, including which styles to avoid and flattering alternatives.
I rounded up the best shopping advice from those under 5-foot-4, all of which I’m applying to my spring wardrobe, along with the shoppable, petite-friendly picks I’m eyeing from Levi’s, NYDJ, Free People, Calvin Klein, and more. From cropped button-down tops to leg-lengthening jeans and flattering pointed-toe heels, Reddit’s advice truly has me covered from head to toe. At the end of the day, though, fashion is about wearing what you feel best in, so advice is always meant to be taken with a grain of salt, but keep reading for some nuggets of wisdom worth considering if you’re a fellow frustrated petite shopper.
Avoid: Baggy Jeans
Try: Leg-Elongating Flared Jeans
Finding flattering jeans is a challenge in itself, and adding in the petite component doesn’t make matters easier—trust me, I know. That’s why I consulted the Reddit community for some insight into what styles other petite shoppers are buying. Most users agree that baggy silhouettes on shorter frames can create a “stumpy silhouette,” so many said they reach for flared or bootcut styles to create the illusion of longer legs. With spring just around the corner, I’m eyeing light-wash flared options, like these from Levi’s, Lee, and NYDJ, all of which are available in short, petite-friendly inseams, but a classic ’90s-inspired wash gives a sleek, leg-lengthening look that can be worn all year round.
Avoid: Strappy Heels
Try: Pointed-Toe Slingbacks
Many of the tips I found from fellow Reddit users were ones I’ve heard before, but there were a few I hadn’t thought of. For example, users wrote that ankle-strap heels can cut off your leg line, making them look even shorter, while pointed-toe shoes help elongate. In hindsight, the idea makes complete sense. I’m attending a three-day wedding in just a few months, so I’m picking up a new pair of flattering pointed-toe slingbacks in black patent leather. I also found a few trendy slingback options with delicate buckle detailing, like these ultra-chic Calvin Klein heels, for a night out.
Avoid: Bold Prints
Try: Head-to-Toe Monochrome
Personally, I love a fun pattern moment, so I’ll definitely be mixing some in here and there, but Reddit users recommend steering clear of overly bold prints. Instead, they say that monochromatic outfits are a fashion-forward alternative that can help you appear taller. Monochrome outfits can be in any color, from bold pink to denim-on-denim, but I think a neutral look is so timeless, and the gold shoes and earrings enhance the color theme. Suffice to say, I’ve already added all the pieces to my shopping cart, and the fact that these Free People cotton linen pants have a petite-friendly 26-inch inseam sealed the deal.
Avoid: Oversized, Boxy Tops
Try: Slightly Cropped Tops
The term “crop top” has sent shivers down my spine ever since I graduated from college, but Reddit users pointed out that most cropped styles are designed for average heights, so they’ll actually end up fitting petite shoppers to a T. I found cropped styles that will likely hit my waistline without swallowing me up whole, including an airy linen top and wardrobe staples like a classic white tee from Free People and a lightweight cardigan.
Avoid: Mid-Calf Dresses
Try: Mini or Maxi Dresses
Many Reddit users noted that it’s best for petite frames to avoid “in-between” lengths, as they tend to shorten the frame. On the other hand, some midi dresses can fall similarly to maxis for those under 5-foot-4, but it takes a bit of trial and error to find the perfect fit. No surprise here, but short hemlines always work on petite shoppers, and if it looks too short on the model, chances are it will fit a bit longer on those of us on the shorter side. Reddit users also say that, if you can find a maxi dress that won’t drag on the ground, it tends to be more flattering than a midi. I rounded up the spring dresses I’m eyeing, from casual minis to beachy linen maxis with adjustable straps.