From One Petite Girl to Another: Emilia Clarke, You Are My Fashion Hero

Being short causes no end of fashion drama: I have to hem everything—from trousers to jackets, no sleeve or leg is ever left untouched. Myriad problems create quite the shopping and styling obstacle course: For petite girls, flares become skinny jeans in the flash of a pair of scissors and midi skirts are easily more like maxis. Don't even get me started on re-creating purposefully frayed edges. Nightmare.

Which is part of the reason why I'm thrilled to see Emilia Clarke (aka Game of Thrones' Daenarys Targaryen aka the leading lady in new film release, Me Before You, aka the most smiley girl in Hollywood) smashing it out and about on the promo circuit.

It's great to see this pint-sized beauty (she's just 5'1.5", the very same height as me), in conjunction with her über stylist, Kate Young, breaking some style rules and scooping up plenty of outfit accolades along the way. Her most noticeable tricks? Clarke has an impressive roster of dresses—from princess-like frocks courtesy of Russian couturier Ulyana Sergeenko through to classic body-hugging numbers from Dolce and Gabbana—all with clever, subtle differences that make them petite girl–friendly.

So, if you ever experience #shortgirlproblems like me—or simply love the look of Emilia's red carpet style—go through the gallery below as we decode her pretty, petite ensembles…

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(Image credit: Karwai Tang/Getty Images)

Style Notes: This Ulyana Sergeenko dress does very clever body-lengthening things thanks to its classical décolletage-scooping neckline and fitted bodice. The peplum and graduated lace also help subtly draw the eye down. Barely-there metallic heels are also a wiser choice for petite girls than anything chunky.

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(Image credit: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

Style Notes: A lot of petite girls feel like this length of midi dress is out of bounds—but I'd beg to differ. With a flash of skin both at the top and bottom of this look, plus a fitted, flirty skirt style, it's totally doable. Same-colour pointed pumps also help stretch the look out. She has Dolce & Gabanna to thank for this fashion moment.

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(Image credit: Chris Weeks/Getty Images)

Style Notes: Again, the graduated lines of ruffles and detailing on this stunning Alexander McQueen dress do all the hard work for us short girls. A sliver of ankle also does wonders and a waist belt is forever a good idea—especially when it's embellished with the brand's madcap symbolism.

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(Image credit: Axelle-Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images)

Style Notes: Body-skimming column dresses, like this divine velvet number from Erdem, are ideal after-dark wear: The expanse of flesh up top instantly lengthens the look while simple two-strap sandals don't fight for attention.

Related: 5 Flattering Style Tricks I Learned From Being 5’2”

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(Image credit: Beretta/Sims/Rex/Shutterstock)

Style Notes: This look proves you can wear a voluminous dress when you're small—the slim slip underneath balances out the frothy tulle, and Emilia's favourite two-strap sandals are back out to play.

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(Image credit: GP Images/Getty Images)

Style Notes: Are you starting to see a recurring theme here? Bodice top + midi skirt = a very good idea. This knockout number is from Bottega Veneta.

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(Image credit: Raymond Hall/Getty Images)

Style Notes: Sometimes, as a petite girl, I find short sleeves can look stunted, but there's something about the deep V-neckline on this Roksanda dress that does the opposite—10/10 again.

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(Image credit: C Flanigan/Getty Images)

Style Notes: Even the more daunting prospect of a trouser suit is no match for Emilia: The slim, tailored fit of this Altuzarra number, worn with sky-high heels sans top, works a treat.

Related: Let's All Applaud VB's Incredible Trick That Makes Her Look Taller

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(Image credit: Sylvan Gaboury/Getty Images)

Style Notes: This Chloé dress is a stunner, but potentially a swamper, too. So props to Emilia for ensuring that despite plenty of ruffle-action the waist is snugly fitted and that you can see a her metallic sandals peeking out from under.

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(Image credit: NBC/Contributor/Getty Images)

Style Notes: This is the ultimate shape for petite girls everywhere—the classic sheath dress. And in red? Just jaw-droppingly good.

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(Image credit: Startraks Photo/Rex/Shutterstock)

Style Notes: By choosing a shift that features detailing on the top and bottom—not in the middle, which shortens—this pretty Peter Pilotto dress is just right.

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(Image credit: Mediapunch/Rex/Shutterstock)

Style Notes: Another day, another gorgeous Dolce dress. This long-line super-sculptural idea is far more flattering than a prom silhouette.

Shop Emilia's look:

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Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.