I'm 5'2", and These Are the Fashion Items I Couldn't Live Without

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it: It’s one of my favourite sayings in life and in fashion. You’ll catch me going to the same three restaurants all the time, my middle parting has stayed the same for about 10 years, there’s one nail colour I get on repeat, and then there’s the way I dress… What can I say: I’m a creature of habit, and while sometimes it has its downsides, other times it has its pluses.

One example is the topic of today’s post. Once I found that there are certain pieces that worked rather well on my petite frame, I stuck with them, and it’s made both dressing in a way that flatters my figure rather easy over the years. In fact, I’m proud to say that people are often surprised when they find out that I’m only 5’2” because of the way I’m able to elongate my body through my style. Intrigued? To see and shop the items I swear by, just keep scrolling.

1. Cropped Tops

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Crop tops, also known as regular tops for short people, are definitely a staple in my wardrobe. They tend to meet right at the start of my many high-waisted trousers (which you'll read more about below) and help elongate by not covering up too much of your torso. Sure, you could simply tuck in a regular top, but that can be annoying to maintain all day, and doesn't always work out with your trousers or skirt.

2. High-Waisted Trousers

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Let's just say that if low-rise trousers ever end up coming back in style, this fashion editor will be devastated. I love the way high-waisted jeans and trousers make my legs look inches longer than they really are, and they pair perfectly with my beloved crop tops.

3. Mini Skirts + Dresses

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When it comes to hemlines, my absolute favourite is mini because, well, it looks cute and also shows off my legs. Whether I'm in a skirt or a dress, the shorter hemline makes me look and feel taller. 

4. Midi Skirts + Dresses

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My second-favourite option? You guessed it: midi. Midi hemlines work in a similar but opposite way to minis, in that rather than allowing your legs to create a long line, the garment does it for you. In other words, go long or go short, but never in between—that'll chop you in two not-so-flattering halves.

5. Mini Bags

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Much like the crop top effect, mini bags just look like medium bags on short people, but are actually better because they're more proportionate to your height and body. 

6. Kitten Heels

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Since I generally try to avoid flats (gotta get those extra inches in) I love kitten heels. They're comfortable, they're work appropriate and party-ready, but also casual enough to wear to brunch and since they’re not sky high, they just look cool.

Next up, the biggest spring/summer 2021 fashion trends to know.

This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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.