Wednesday, February 14, 2024

19 Fashion Brands That Get Petite Sizing Just Right

Clothing shopping can be tricky at the best of times, but as soon as you throw in an addition variable—like being shorter than the average person—it inevitably becomes even more difficult.

Very few brands understand petite dimensions, and even fewer understand that petite people come in all shapes and sizes. Contrary to what you may think, petite fashion doesn't refer to a small waist size, but rather, the the length of garments.

Shopping for petite clothing becomes particularly difficult when hunting for items that aren't so easily altered like jeans or pants. Plus, swimwear, eveningwear, and dresses are often more difficult to find at the right length or flattering proportions if you're under 5'5".

To help aid your shopping experience, we've rounded up the best petite clothing brands to shop in 2024.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Madewell


As the name suggests, Madewell's goal is to create pieces that are made... well. That translates to a petites range that includes all styles of denim and wide-leg pants (plus slip skirts and dresses depending on the season). We're big fans of Madewell's Harlow Pant in its petite and curvy size options for the perfect fit.

Shop Madewell

Madewell The Petite Harlow Wide-Leg Pant, $, available at Madewell

PAIGE


One of the most common gripes for shorter women is finding denim that fits. Paige offers just about every style in flattering petite sizes (from skinny to wide-leg) for those who stand 5' 4" and under.

Shop PAIGE

PAIGE Gemma Petite Jeans, $, available at PAIGE

ASOS DESIGN


ASOS's petite range includes styles from brands like Topshop, Glamorous, and Miss Selfridge. But the petite styles from ASOS DESIGN are particularly extensive and include many jeans, coats, crop tops, and midi dresses that range from casual to elegant.

Shop ASOS

ASOS DESIGN Petite Knitted Fit & Flare Mini Dress, $, available at ASOS

Never Fully Dressed


Never Fully Dressed is the label for those special occasions when you need a bold and bright outfit. The brand's petite clothing collection spans summer cocktail dresses, leather bottoms, wrap skirts, and chic jackets designed to fit women who are 5'3" or under. While most of the petite styles only go up to a size 12, the regular styles go up to size 24.

Shop Never Fully Dressed

Never Fully Dressed Petite Havana Short Sleeve May Dress, $, available at Never Fully Dressed

Everlane


R29 reader-favorite brand Everlane doesn't go out of its way to promote a petite range but naturally bakes it into its collections. Click around the jean selection and you'll find many best-selling pairs in a variety of lengths, like The Curvy '90s Cheeky Jean (26.5" inseam) and The Way-High Jean (25.5" inseam).

Shop Everlane

Everlane 26.5" Inseam The Curvy ’90s Cheeky Jean, $, available at Everlane

TALA


TALA was created in 2019 as a sustainable and inclusive activewear label, and the petite girl edit does not disappoint, with a range of shorter full-length and 24-inch 7/8 styles. Most of the petite styles also go up to 4XL, ensuring that more shoppers can find the perfect legging.

Shop TALA

Tala 7/8 DayFlex Wrap High Waisted Legging, $, available at Tala

Abrand Jeans


Abrand's ethos is to create wardrobe basics that fit just right. The petite jean range designed for women under 5'4" carries high- and low-rise styles, as well as skinny jeans and baggier fits—all available in both regular and petite lengths, which are up to 2.5 inches shorter.

Shop Abrand Jeans

Abrand Jeans 99 Low Straight Petite Walkaway Jean, $, available at Abrand Jeans

Reformation


The petite range at sustainable LA-born label Reformation is regarded as a favorite amongst petite shoppers. The selection is varied, with mini dresses as well as maxi skirts, trousers, and even leather pants (a true rarity in the petite world!).

Shop Reformation

Reformation Petites Nelle Knit Dress, $, available at Reformation

Lane Bryant


The popular plus-size clothing brand features an extensive and inclusive range of clothes, including intimates and activewear. The inclusive size range also includes its Petite Shop for under 5'3" proportions. Here, you'll find sleeve lengths that are 1.5 inches shorter and pant inseams that are 3 inches shorter.

Shop Lane Bryant

Lane Bryant Petite Signature Fit High-Rise Ultra Wide Leg Jean, $, available at Lane Bryant

Uniqlo


Hailing from Japan (where the average woman's height is roughly 5'2"), the leg length of Uniqlo's trousers runs particularly short. But Uniqlo also offers other styles in cropped silhouettes, like this jacket, that are perfect for shorter statures.

Shop Uniqlo

Uniqlo Jersey Relaxed Jacket, $, available at Uniqlo

Cupshe


Inclusive and affordable swimwear brand Cupshe has an extensive range of swimsuits, coverups, and resortwear in many styles and sizes. Cupshe's petite swimsuits are designed to "elongate your legs and make you look taller," per the brand, and run across the bikini, tankini, and one-piece styles.

Shop Cupshe

Cupshe Midnight Elegance Tummy Control One-Piece, $, available at cupshe

Abercrombie & Fitch


Another R29-reader favorite brand, Abercrombie & Fitch, has a large petite section (mostly encompassing short jean lengths, but also including dresses, skirts, and jumpsuits). These pieces, which are perfect for everyday wear and special occasions, are great for shoppers who are 5'3" and below.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Petite Plunge Cutout Jumpsuit, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch

Levi’s


Levi's has always created its classic jeans styles in petite sizing, where you can select some bestsellers in leg lengths that are as short as a 26-inch inseam. We'll be honest, there aren't many styles or colorways that currently have 26-inch options, but if you look hard enough and get lucky enough, you may find your perfect pair of jeans.

Shop Levi’s

Levi's 26" Inseam Wedgie Straight Fit Jeans, $, available at Levi's

J.Crew


If you're in your office siren era and looking for work staples, look no further than J.Crew's petite matching sets. Women from 5' 0" to 5' 4" can enjoy the brand's classic blazers and trousers.

Shop J.Crew

J.Crew Petite Stretch Linen Helena Blazer, $, available at J.Crew

J.Crew Petite Stretch Linen Carolina Pant, $, available at J.Crew

Ann Taylor


Ann Taylor lets you know exactly what goes into its efforts to make its petite collection a perfect fit. From tailoring hemlines and scaling down prints to busting the myth that cinched wais lines and cropped pants aren't compatible with petite frames, no stone is left unturned.

Shop Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Petite Relaxed Raglan Trench Coat, $, available at Ann Taylor

Good American


You know and love Khloe Kardashian's clothing brand for its curve-hugging and plus-size jeans, but did you know it offers size-inclusive options in "Good Petite" styles, too? From skinny and straight cuts to baggy and bootcut ones, you're bound to find a pair of petite jeans here.

Shop Good American

Good American Good Petite Bootcut Jeans, $, available at Good American

Faithfull The Brand


This brand is best known for creating resortwear that lasts in your wardrobe for years. We love the dresses and think the mini dress hemlines are great for petite people.

Shop Faithfull The Brand

Faithfull the Brand Penne Mini Dress, $, available at Faithfull the Brand

Gap


For women 5'4" and under, Gap offers clothing that's "perfectly proportioned and ready to wear" in its Petite Shop, meaning you can score petite boyfriend jeans, crewneck tees, and tunic sweaters that you'll be able to wear for years (and not have to tailor).

Shop Gap

Gap Petite Linen Boyfriend Shirt, $, available at Gap

SIR.


Another brand that gets the hemlines on its mini dresses just right for petites is Australian label SIR. While they may be ultra-mini on tall people, the mini dresses and skirts hit at a comfortable mid-thigh on shorter people.

Shop SIR.

Sir Leonardo Pleated Mini Dress, $, available at Sir
Gap

If you've got short legs, short arms, a short torso (or all three!), finding basics that really, truly fit can be challenging. For women 5'4" and under, Gap offers clothing with "perfectly proportioned sleeves, knees, and hems," meaning you can score boyfriend jeans, crewneck tees, and tunic sweaters that you'll be able to wear for years (and not have to tailor).

Gap The Archive Re-issue Crop Denim Jacket, $79.95, available at Gap.
ASOS

If ASOS' petite section isn't already on your radar, it needs to be. From standard petite sizes, to petite maternity, to petite plus, every and all petite women are covered. The e-tailer also has a cool curation of petite sizes from brands like Fila, River Island, Glamorous, its in-house wedding collection, and more.

New Look Petite Cropped Jacket, $53, available at ASOS.
J.Crew

Petite-specific sizing is a game-changer, especially at a retailer as huge as J.Crew. Now ladies from 5' 0" to 5' 4" can enjoy the brand's classic styles, too.

J.Crew Petite Pleated Ruggle Top, $88, available at J.Crew.
Petite Studio

We love Petite Studio so much, we've even given it its own brand spotlight. The label is a dream for every fashion-minded female on the smaller side. For pieces like minimalist jackets and mini skirts with an inseam specifically tailored for shorter legs, petite gals will want to bookmark this site.

Petite Studio Irving Suede Jacket, $179, available at Petite Studio.
Adela Mei

Adela Mei describes itself as a "carefully curated online boutique dedicated to contemporary petite fashion" and it delivers just that. Search through selection for the best fitting pieces from your favorite designers.

C/MEO Collective Fall Back Skirt, $150 $104.50, available at Adela Mei.
Topshop

If you absolutely love pants and hate the cost of heading to the tailor after every other shopping trip, Topshop is your new BFF. Its range of petite offerings is amazing, but its assortment of pants for women under 5' 3" is the true winner here.

Topshop Petite Crop Wide Leg Trousers, $80, available at Topshop.
Paige

One of the most common gripes for shorter women is finding denim that fits. Paige offers just about every style in petite sizes for those 5' 4" and under.

Paige Jacqueline Straight, $239, available at Paige.
Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor let's you know exactly what goes into their efforts to make their petite collection a perfect fit. From tailoring the sleeves, shoulder, and necklines, to ensuring that their pants flatter any leg length, no stone is left unturned.

Ann Taylor Petite Culotte Jumpsuit, $139, available at Ann Taylor.
Anthropologie

Stop by Anthropologie's curate boutique for petite clothes, where you'll find petite-specific sizes from its in-house line, as well as pieces from outside brands that make a solid fit for small frames.

Floreat Embroidered Luna Slip Dress, $168, available at Anthropologie.
Eloquii

Eloquii is a popular stop for plus-sizes, but did you know it offers petite plus-sizes, too?

Eloquii Studio Off the Shoulder Chambray Dress, $110.90, available at Eloquii.
Missguided

Missguided's motto is that "good things come in small packages," and when it comes to its petite designs, we have to agree. For the fashion crowd 5' 3" and under, its petite collection is a trend haven with bold, lace-up skirts, ankle-length parkas, and cut-out mini dresses.

Missguided Petite Exclusive Khaki Lace Up Mini Skirt, $45, available at Missguided.
Bomb Petite

Bomb Petite boasts exclusive designs from emerging and independent designers with a focus on women 5' 4" and under. The site isn't just a destination for edgy pieces to add to your closet, but it's a great editorial resource for styling tips and tricks too.

Petriiski Petite Liza Cherry Blossom Crop Top, $98.60, available at Bomb Petite; Petriiski Petite Liza Cherry Blossom Skirt, $113.10, available at Bomb Petite.
Eileen Fisher

For comfy and classic, look no further. Eileen Fisher offers petite sizes in just about all of its designs. Head over to their petite tab to shop.

Eileen Fisher Straight Cropped Pant, $218 $119, available at Eileen Fisher.
Express

Express is one of the latest fast-fashion shops to expand to a petite line. The featured pieces are sized for those 5' 4" and under and are available through its online shop only.

Express Petite Striped Off The Shoulder Cotton Blend Shift Dress, $69.90, available at Express.

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Tuesday, February 13, 2024

How To Style Red & Pink, According To R29 Editors

Ever since the Barbiecore aesthetic entered our world, the color pink has reached new heights. Graduating from its girlhood symbolism, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie inspired people of all ages to bask in the pure joy of wearing pink. Now it’s time to take things up a notch and embrace one of the more “controversial” color pairings: red and pink.  

Reminiscent of the Valentine’s Day cards and bags of sweets we used to exchange with our childhood friends, this color palette might feel more in-your-face on paper than it actually is. Take the spring 2024 runways for instance, where the two were styled effortlessly together on multiple occasions. Scandi designer Cecilie Bahnsen, known for her romantic and sculptural silhouettes, debuted an ultra-feminine hot-pink and coral-red dress back in September (and paired it with black socks and trainers for the cool girl effect). Sandy Liang went for picnic vibes with a baby pink gingham vest, matching floral hair clip, and red pleated skirt. 

Despite what our reluctant minds might tell us, red and pink can be effortless, stylish, and mature. And if TikTok’s impact on the celebration of personal style can teach us anything, it’s that there’s no such thing as too much. A lesson we can take into all areas of our lives? We think so. So grab your salmons and bubble gums, your crimsons and corals, and join us on the bright side — for Valentine’s Day and beyond. 

Scroll on to see how five Refinery29 editors and writers are adopting the red-and-pink color palette to fit their individual styles.

Red & Pink Outfit Idea: Jacket & Rosette Necklace

“What I love about building outfits is that every day is an opportunity to play with different styles and aesthetics. Life’s too short to stick to the same outfit formulas all the time! While the pink-and-red brief had my mind spinning with options, I ended up deciding on this casual yet romantic vibe. I paired my favorite vintage blazer (red hot, like my love for thrifting) with my mini Axel Arigato shopping bag, which is sadly now sold out, and a rosette necklace, which came as part of a Superdown co-ord set. She’s ready to bat her eyelashes for free drinks while equally down to dance all night.” — Ebony-Renee Baker, Fashion Editor

Red & Pink Outfit Idea: Bright Sweater & Tights

“I’ll be honest, I was never a pink gal. But I’ve slowly been getting into the color these last few years as my love for Barbie sparked my interest in wearing pink more frequently. In honor of Valentine’s Day, I put together this red-and-pink outfit to test the waters. I paired a fuzzy red keyhole sweater (that I wore for Christmas) with red tights and pink accessories — a pink acrylic headband, flower hoops, and a heart-shaped handle bag that I was gifted from a Truly x Barbie collab, which added a touch of sweetness to my otherwise bold outfit. This look is certainly not for those who are scared of color, and it made me uncomfortable at first, but the compliments I received while wearing it made it all worth it in the end.”
— Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer

Red & Pink Outfit Idea: Floral Dress & Heels

“I am late to the red-and-pink party. Before the last few seasons of runway shows, I didn’t think it was a color palette that worked for my more restrained, minimalist style. Now, I find it quite refreshing and fun, especially during Valentine’s Day or on date night. While this vintage-esque dress already has both colors in it and doesn’t require further styling, I wanted to bring out the pinks in the flower print, pairing it with a cozy sweater (which also helps dress down the look for a more casual occasion) and pumps in rosy hues.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director

Red & Pink Outfit Idea: Heart Sweater & Jeans

“This is a casual take on Valentine’s Day — perfect for a walk in the park or something else lowkey, either solo or with a date. I love light pink and red together, especially on this short-sleeve heart sweater from Zara last season. Pairing the bright colors with jeans makes it feel more wearable, with a bit of cheeky midriff. Plus, the shacket gives me that extra bit of warmth, which is needed in February. We’re comfortable and flirty!” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer

Red & Pink Outfit Idea: Suit & Heart-Shaped Sunnies

“My wardrobe consists mostly of neutrals, so for my Valentine’s Day fit, I picked a salmon co-ord set from Artizia (now sold out) with a cropped jacket and wide-legged pants that I’ve had in my closet for a couple of years. This suit has more of a summery vibe so usually I’d style it with chunky sandals or Reeboks and a white tee, but for date night, I chose my snakeskin Schutz boots and my old faithful pink-and red Miu Miu clutch. I accessorized with some festive heart-shaped shades and M.A.C’s Russian Red to add a bit of irreverence to the look.” — Carli Whitwell, Senior Director of Editorial 

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

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2024 Engagement Ring Trends That Are Anything But Traditional

There are few things shoppers purchase with the intention of wearing every day, for the rest of eternity. But that’s precisely what an engagement ring represents: the promise of forever, a symbol of love turned into a precious piece of jewelry that hugs the finger of a future life partner. As such, it is a significant investment — both in terms of sentimentality and financial value — and with endless designs and silhouettes out there, figuring out what makes for your perfect pick is no easy feat. While more traditional engagement ring trends like diamonds, gold or platinum settings, and classic shapes will never go out of fashion, the new year is bringing with it fresh selections worth considering, especially for those who are enticed by non-traditional ring styles. 

As a result of a growing desire among consumers to select something that embodies the personality of its wearer, avant-garde styles will be in higher demand. “Towards the end of 2023, I’ve had an influx of bespoke engagement ring requests that totally rip up the rule book on ‘traditional’ design,” says Kitty Fuller, founder and designer of the jewelry brand Kitty Joyas. “The idea that you can wear whatever you like as the symbol of your union is set to get bigger and bigger. In 2024, I expect to see the classic ingredients used to make up an entirely new and exciting era of designs.” 

Add to that the fact that couples are modernizing the way they shop for rings, from approaching the process as a pair to opening their minds to second-hand pieces and lab-grown diamond alternatives, there will be ample opportunity to find the right ring for the right person in 2024. “From ultra-chunky settings to injecting a kaleidoscope of stone colors, this new wave of wedding jewelry reflects the larger movement at the moment, where people are embracing self-expression more than ever,” says Fuller. 

Below, discover eight of the biggest 2024 engagement ring trends that are anything but traditional. Uncommon and personalized designs that defy expectations and celebrate creativity, these picks are as unique as the individuals who will be wearing them.

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Ahead of the Curve

Engagement rings with curvy bands are rising in popularity, says Sidney Neuhaus, co-founder of the brand Kimaï and a GIA-certified gemologist. “[This is especially true] when paired with our complementary wavy wedding bands to create a modern and stylish stacked look. We know our customers love to rearrange and play with these stacks to keep their special piece feeling fresh and interesting, falling in love with the design again and again.”

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Swirling Silhouettes

While halos are a common feature in engagement rings, there are increasingly creative ways of surrounding center stones with smaller diamonds or gemstones. Danish jewelry designer Sophie Billie Brahe is known for her playful take on timeless ring designs, namely the rounded silhouette of her Escargot ring which draws from the swirling shell of a snail. “Customers are moving away from the traditional solitaire diamond and are focusing on distinctive designs. Our signature rings with unique designs are in high demand from our customers,” Billie Brahe says. “Although they were not originally designed to be engagement rings, the styles are often sought out as modern bridal pieces.” 

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Sustainability Surge

According to a 2021 report by McKinsey & Company, sustainability practices have been playing, and will continue to play, an influential role in fine jewelry purchasing decisions, accounting for 20 to 30 percent of all sales in the category by 2025. Engagement rings are no exception to what’s been dubbed the “sustainability surge.” Leading brands are embracing pre-loved stones and bands made from recycled gold, and some are even offering in-house exchange programs for customers to send in their unwanted or broken jewelry in return for credits. 

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Bold Bands

Chunky shanks are challenging conventional engagement ring designs by playing with proportion and favoring thicker bands and settings as opposed to typically dainty styles. By allowing the band to make as much of a statement as the stone itself, these pieces have a modern and organic appeal to suit nontraditional brides-to-be who want something as bold as they are. 

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Nods To Nature

We often turn to nature in the realm of romance, from the symbolism of a single red rose to songs about doves and lovebirds serving as metaphors for significant relationships. Engagement rings, too, are borrowing from Mother Earth to imbue designs with meaning: a gold flower blooming with a rose-cut diamond; a shank made to look like interwoven vines signifying connection; eagle claw prongs as a sign of strength. Often these styles have a vintage appeal, striking a distinct balance between nostalgia and personality. 

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Multicolored Gems

If there’s one common theme that runs through the top 2024 engagement ring trends, it’s playfulness. Jewelers don’t take themselves too seriously, and neither should soon-to-be brides. Opt for an array of colors that capture the spirit of that special someone with a ring featuring multi-hued gemstones. For an extra special touch, consider birthstones representative of you and your partner. 

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: East-West Orientation

Sometimes all it takes to turn something traditional into something a little… less so, is simply a shift in perspective. Literally. Rather than looking at a stone vertically as it is usually presented, consider a horizontal orientation for a trendy twist on any classic cut. From oval to emerald to pear to marquise, don’t hesitate to take your favorite shape and turn it on its side. 

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Going Ringless

London-based jeweler Tessa Metcalfe is noticing that more people want to be part of choosing the ring they’ll be wearing every day but don’t want to miss out on the romantic gesture of their partner selecting a meaningful piece of jewelry for them. Her suggestion? Propose with something else instead, like a one-of-a-kind earring. “That way you can choose something that pushes the boundaries and shows your partner how much you know their taste and humor whilst respecting their autonomy to choose the engagement ring together [later on],” she explains. You could also skip the ring entirely and embrace the engagement watch trend for a different take on the romantic gesture that is equally symbolic. 

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by us. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, we may earn a commission.

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