Remembering how to dress for a new season is difficult for anyone, but when you’re under 5’3”, it can be even more of a chore. Yes, we can always turn to our old faithful minidresses and cropped jackets that we rely on every spring, but if you’ve noticed some gaps in your capsule or are looking to update your basics with some on-trend 2022 pieces, the process of finding exciting items that actually fit can seem a little overwhelming and even off-putting, right?
I feel you. I’m 5’2”, and it’s been an uphill battle over the years to nail down what wardrobe heroes work for my height, where to go to find the best petite styles and all the little hacks and tricks that make getting dressed a little less frustrating. That alongside my job as a Who What Wear editor means I’m constantly scrolling through the new-in sections (paying particular attention to any special petite pieces I see), which puts me in a pretty good position to report back to you on the very best things out there for spring that also work for us shorter people.
Below, then, you’ll find 25 petite items I’m personally backing for the new season, from classics like blue jeans (that actually hit your ankle) and trench coats (that won’t drown you) to pretty dresses for all those weddings you’ve got coming up. I’ve also made a point to include pieces you might not have thought you could wear as a petite person—things like wide-leg trousers and maxi dresses. If you look for these items in dedicated petite sections, they should be proportioned correctly, so there’s no need to avoid them. Goodbye, tailor. Hello, spring!
Keep scrolling to see my petite spring saviours with links to shop them as well.
Shop the Best Spring Buys for Petite People
A cute wedding guest or summer event dress.
These also have an extra-short option, so you can tailor the length to suit you.
You'll come to rely on this dress from weddings to weekends.
A pair of cream wide-leg trousers will work so hard in your spring wardrobe.
H&M's best-selling jeans start at a size 4.
This looks so designer!
Such a pretty way of jazzing up a simple outfit.
I love how clean and fresh this linen wrap skirt feels for the new season.
A classic camel blazer should have a place in every spring wardrobe.
So minimalist and chic.
Throw this over jeans and a T-shirt on chillier spring days.
The perfect classic trench that won't drown you.
I love the puff sleeves on this dress.
A wardrobe staple that will see you through all seasons.
This would be so pretty with a pair of white jeans.
This cute dress is so easy to wear.
Petite suiting is hard to find. Don't miss the matching blazer to these chic wide-leg trousers.
Because these are petite, they should actually be cropped.
Great for wearing with knits now and T-shirts later.
So chic.
Although the fit of these isn't specifically petite, M&S offers a shorter length in all its jeans, which is handy. Just be sure to size down, as they can come up quite big.
I love how slouchy these look without being overwhelmingly oversized.
A throw-on dress for all occasions.
These come in extra-short and short lengths.
Nautical stripes are always a good idea in spring.
Be sure to select the petite length when adding this perfect spring dress to your basket.
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