Hi lovelies!
So many of you loved my 2020 Fashion Trends post so I thought I’d share a petite version including the best (and worst) 2020 fashion trends for petites! For those of you that don’t know, I’m very petite standing at 4’11”! The very first thing that people say when meeting me is “You look so much taller in your photos!” Haha! That’s because I have photographer wizard as a husband who knows my angles lol! But as a petite, it can be challenging to find clothing that fits and is flattering, especially when it comes to trends. Read on for the best (and worst) 2020 fashion trends for petites!
The Best (and Worst) 2020 Fashion Trends for Petites
Outfit Details
Eliza J Dress c/o | Marks & Spencer Coat (old – similar here) | Pink Bow Heels (old – similar here) | Tory Burch Handbag | Alexandre de Paris Bow c/o | Dior Lipstick
Best Trends
Monochrome
Head-to-toe looks in nearly any color are a good way to not only elevate your look as a whole but to flatter your figure as well. This is especially true for petites. Wearing one color or a variation of a specific hue will lengthen your body and make you appear taller (and possibly more svelte depending on the color). I recommend neutrals like black, camel and ivory to start with but my personal favorite is pink 🙂
Mini Dress & Skirts
Mini dresses and skirts are perfect for petites! They look proportionate on smaller frames and tend to make us petite ladies look taller – win win! While 2020’s mini skirt trend tends veer on the more fitted side, adorable a-line and flared out styles look flattering as well (especially if you are a curvy petite).
High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans
High waisted anything tends to be very flattering on petites by elongating the legs. I recommend pairing it with a more fitted top or a tucked-in blouse to give the illusion of height.
Modernized Trench Coat
The trench coat is a big trend for 2020 and I think that while it’s flattering on pretty much every body type, it’s especially flattering for petites. Trench coats are light-weight which is much different than the bulky coats of years past and while there are varying shapes and designs for the 2020 version, I recommend sticking to a more classic fit with a cinched waist and a hem just above the knee. You can have a little more fun with this trend by choosing a trench coat in a fun color or with interesting details rather than choosing something that might be completely unflattering.
Mini/Micro Bags
I know that a lot of people have mixed thoughts on this trend but it’s so great for petites! Many times, the trendy “it” bags are larger in size and as a result can overwhelm a petite figure. Mini bags are much more proportionate to smaller frames making the overall outfit put-together. I personally use smaller habndbags in my everyday life for this reason and there have been many times where I’ve purchased a handbag and had to return because it was much too big for my body (although it look proportionate on the model!). Let me also note that when I say “Mini/Micro,” I am not referring to the keychain size handbags lol! These are just smaller handbags that still fit your phone (no smaller than the size of a wallet).
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Wearable Trends
Trends that can look good depending on styling and design.
Pleated Everything
Pleats are going to be everywhere this year! For petites, I recommend looking for items with micro pleats rather than larger pleats. Also look for lighter weight fabrics if the clothing item is completely pleated (for example a jumpsuit) so that it doesn’t add extra bulk.
Polka Dots
Polka dots are one of my very favorite prints to wear and I love that they look amazing on everyone! But when it comes to polka dots (and prints as a whole), be wary of sizes. Larger overall prints tend to be overwhelming on petites, so I’d stick with smaller polka dots for something like a dress. Larger prints are okay on separates depending on what you want to emphasize.
Peplums
I’m glad to see that peplums are back and I think that this is an incredibly flattering trend for all body types. For petites, I recommend sticking with shorter peplums rather than tunic length.
Statement Sleeves
I love statement sleeves but truthfully, they can be overwhelming on petites if styled incorrectly. I recommend choosing a sleeve that emphasizes one thing such as a puffed shoulder, a bell sleeve, voluminous off the shoulder or a slight balloon sleeve rather than opting for something that is voluminous everywhere. For statement sleeves, I recommend pairing them with a fitted bottom like a pair of jeans or a mini skirt. If you must pair with something like a voluminous skirt, be sure to tuck in the waist for a more flattering look.
Voluminous Dresses
This is definitely one of my favorite trends of 2020 but it’s one of the least petite friendly. And by “voluminous dresses,” I mean all over volume, which can be overwhelming on petites (I compare it to looking like I’m playing dress up haha). I think that this trends definitely depends on styling and body type. For a more slender build, shift dresses with all over volume can look great if styled correctly. I recommend a heel to elongate the body – either or a light weight sandal (nothing chunky). For curvier body types, I recommend looking for voluminous styles in lightweight, flowy fabrics that cinch at the waist or can be belted. I think that maxi dresses are particularly flattering!
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Worst Trends
Oversized blazers
While I love the trend, you likely won’t catch me wearing one anytime soon. Anything oversized can be overwhelming on petites and since the oversized blazer is both oversized in fit and length, it can hard to pull off. Instead I recommend a more tailored silhouette. If you do choose to wear the oversized version, I recommend opting for heels over flats and a fitted bottom such as jeans to give the illusion of length.
Socks with Sandals
Many people have differing opinions on this and while I think it can work if styled well, it’s definitely not petite friendly since socks can make petites look shorter. If you’re the trendy type and want to experiment, I recommend socks in more delicate materials like lace, tulle, and chiffon instead of the typical bulky knits.
Bermuda Shorts
If there was ever a trend that was unflattering for petites, it has to be bermuda shorts. I think they look amazing on taller ladies, but for those of us that are vertically challenged, I recommend just skipping out on this one altogether for fear of looking short and “stumpy.” Instead, opt for a pair of chic high-waisted shorts.
Oversized Baggy Pleated Jeans
There’s not much to say about this other than… don’t do it lol. “Oversized” is bad enough but when you add “baggy” and “pleated” into the mix, it’s a petite’s wardrobe nightmare! Just trust me on this one 😉
Hope you loved this guide on the best (and worst) 2020 fashion trends for petites!
Which of these is your favorite? Least favorite?
Let me know below!
xo
Shop the Look
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This week’s most clicked on post was….
Love this classy Valentine’s Day look! Such a beautiful color and I love it with the pearls!
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