I'm 5'2", But No One Ever Thinks So—Here's What I'm Wearing and Buying This Fall

Nicole Eshaghpour wearing a petite style barn jacket outfit.

Pictured: Alex Mill Frontier Jacket ($225)

(Image credit: Paige Campbell Linden)

I don't know about you, but I've always found dressing for my relatively petite stature to be quite easy. Sure, I have to hit up the tailor more than some others, and I don't particularly feel my best in super-flat flats, but for as long as I can remember, it's been pretty clear to me how to shop effectively and dress stylishly and for my height. Oftentimes, people are actually surprised to hear that I'm only 5'2".

If you haven't found it to be as simple, there's no need to worry—you have me! Lucky for you, not only do I get paid to share my style tips and shopping advice (thank you, Who What Wear), but I also love doing it. Today's roundup goes out to all my fellow short women out there. To read about and shop the eight flattering essentials I'll be wearing and/or adding to my cart this season, just keep scrolling.

1. Oversize Jackets

With the right polished outfit underneath, an oversize jacket can actually be super flattering, even if you're not the tallest of the bunch! It's also the easiest for layering and feels fresh for the season. As demonstrated in the photo above, I get to borrow from my husband instead of buying at times.

2. Straight-Leg Jeans

As much as I admire the baggy-jeans wearers of the world, I've accepted that it's simply not my look. I feel so much more put-together in a pair of straight-leg jeans, which also elongate the legs by creating one sleek line all the way down.

3. Belts

In reality, belts are flattering on any body, but lately, they've been at the forefront of all my cool outfits, so I'm going all in on the accessory.

4. Slingbacks

I go out a lot, and I have yet to find nighttime shoes as flattering as slingbacks. While I'm partial to kitten heels, any height will do the trick in elongating your legs and looking very 2024 while at it.

5. Fitted Sweaters

Unlike with jackets, I find that the best style of sweater or cardigan for my frame is not oversize. Rather, it's a little fitted and mid-to-cropped in length. I like the option to tuck in without too much fabric hanging over everywhere, and when it starts to get really cold and I need to wear multiple layers, a fitted top sits better under coats and jackets.

6. Miniskirts

Miniskirts are truly a gift to the petite community. I don't just think we can pull them off—we thrive in them.

7. Mid-Size Bags

You know the big-bag trend? You can still get the look, but if you're on the smaller side, you might actually be able to make it work by choosing the medium option rather than the largest. It will be oversize but not too oversize.

8. Boots With Height

Whether it's via a kitten heel or a thicker, taller sole, I try to stick with shoes that have at least an inch or so of height and avoid any that are completely flat to the ground. Every little bit helps!

Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.