Petite women come in all shapes and sizes, and finding clothing for petite women doesn't have to be difficult. If you're over 40 and are 5'4 and under, check out our style do's and don'ts for dressing for your age and for your body type.
How To Dress Well For Petite Women Over 40
1. Choose High-Waisted Pants / Jeans
High-waisted jeans or pants work well to elongate your legs and add visual inches to your frame, especially for those whose have shorter legs and a longer torso. Paper bag pants, high waisted leggings and high rise skinny jeans are great options for petite women over 40.
  GRACE KARIN Women's Paper Bag Waist Pants, Assorted Colors Available, amazon.com |
  Levi's Women's 721 High Rise Skinny Ankle Jeans, amazon.com |
2. Try A Bit Of Heel
One of the easiest ways to add a little height is to wear high heels or wedges. Other sneaky tricks to lengthen your height is opting for a pointed toe heel, which helps to elongate your figure, or selecting shoes that match the tone of your tight or pants. You can also wear neutral-colored shoes that match your skin tone when you are bare legs.
  DREAM PAIRS Women's Oppointed-Lacey Pump Shoe, amazon.com |
  CUSHIONAIRE Women's Parma Dress Pump, amazon.com |
3. Vertical Stripes Can Make You Look Taller
Vertical striped clothing like a striped blouse, striped jumpsuits or striped pants are the ultimate elongated piece. They are specifically for a leaner silhouette and also trendy for your age. Plus, if you are looking for office basics, vertical stripes would be your first option.
Vertical striped clothing like a striped blouse, striped jumpsuits or striped pants are the ultimate elongated piece. They are specifically for a leaner silhouette and also trendy for your age. Plus, if you are looking for office basics, vertical stripes would be your first option.
  Women's Ruffle Cap Sleeve Blouse, Assorted Colors Available, amazon.com |
  Women's Summer V Neck Ruffle Sleeve Shift Dress, Assorted Colors Available, amazon.com |
4. Tone On Tone Works Well For Petite Women
You might think the monochromatic look is boring, but it's an ideal option for creating a well-proportioned figure. A tone on tone look can instantly create the illusion of height while keeping your look clean, simple and chic.
If you're plus size, you can never go wrong with black. It's been said that black can make you look ten pounds thinner, but only if the clothing you choose is well fitting. A little black dress, black pant suit or skirt suit can help to create a lengthening effect and make you look thinner.
To be honest, tone on tone almost works well for any women, regardless of their shape. For visual interest, try a pop of color with a camisole or a unique piece of jewelry, like a brooch. For shorter women, it's best to keep visual interest on the upper portion of your body.
  Women’s Two Piece Blazer & Pants Set, Assorted Colors Available, amazon.com |
  Women's 2 Piece Blazer & Short Set, Assorted Colors Available, amazon.com |
5. Take Advantage Of Accessories
No matter whether you're petite, average or plus size, the right accessories can make any outfit stand out. A skinny belt, delicate necklaces and pendants and simple stud and hoop earrings are perfect accessories for petite ladies. Just remember to have fun with your accessories--it's a great way to add a little personality to your look!
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Now that we have guidelines for dressing the petite woman, here are 5 things to avoid when dressing for your fame.
1. Avoid Horizontal Stripes
Unlike vertical stripes, horizontal stripes can make you look wider and shorter, visually. If possible, try to avoid clothing with horizontal stripes, especially tops and blouses.
2. Avoid Oversized Clothes
We recommend avoiding oversized clothes because they can be overwhelming on a petite figure and make you look much shorter (and squatter) than you actually are.
3. Avoid Oversized Accessories
As you can see, petite ladies have to keep an eye on proportions. Chunky jewelry, oversized bags and large scarves will look completely disproportionate on a petite frame. Instead, opt for jewelry that is more delicate and handbags that are more in balance to your size.
1. Avoid Horizontal Stripes
Unlike vertical stripes, horizontal stripes can make you look wider and shorter, visually. If possible, try to avoid clothing with horizontal stripes, especially tops and blouses.
2. Avoid Oversized Clothes
We recommend avoiding oversized clothes because they can be overwhelming on a petite figure and make you look much shorter (and squatter) than you actually are.
3. Avoid Oversized Accessories
As you can see, petite ladies have to keep an eye on proportions. Chunky jewelry, oversized bags and large scarves will look completely disproportionate on a petite frame. Instead, opt for jewelry that is more delicate and handbags that are more in balance to your size.
  Coach Small Town Bucket Bag, Assorted Colors Available, amazon.com |
  Swarovski Ginger T Bar Necklace, amazon.com |
4. Avoid Big Prints & Patterns
Big prints or patterns is a risk for petite women, which can throw off the balance of your figure. You can, however, use a bolder print or pattern in small doses, like a scarf.
5. Avoid Long Tops
To balance the scale between your upper body and lower body a long top is best avoided, especially if you're thinking about pairing it with pants or a skirt. Longer-length clothing on a petite frame will for sure look disproportionate.
Do you have any other tips or tricks when it comes to petite fashion that we haven't mentioned? If so, let us know in the comments below. We'd love to hear them!
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