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For petite women, shopping for clothes can be a frustrating and costly experience. Often times garments are either too loose or too long (or both), and once they are purchased, they end up requiring the added expense of being tailored to properly fit a petite frame.

What is a Petite Frame?

So what makes a woman petite? It is not just thin women. Really, any woman under 5'4” falls into the petite category and should shop for clothes accordingly. If you are a petite woman, your main style concerns are probably finding clothes that don't draw negative emphasis to your petite stature or swallow you up. When shopping, look for clothes marked “petite”. They have been tailored for women your size with your petite proportions in mind.

As a petite woman, you will want to wear fitted clothing rather than bulky or relaxed pieces.

The extra fabric on loose fitting clothes will add unnecessary weight and make you appear short and squat.

Play up Your Strengths

One of the best tips to keep in mind is your color scheme. Opt for a monochromatic look and wear the same color from shoulder to toe. Dark colors work best. They create a long, lean line and the illusion of height. Similarly, womens V Neck tops or U-shaped necklines can give an added appearance of height. Steer clear of large prints and horizontal lines; they will make you appear shorter and heavier. Instead, go for long, vertical lines to lengthen your look. When choosing a pair of petite womens pants, you can almost never go wrong with boot cut or slightly flared trousers for a look that flatters every body type. However, when looking to de-emphasize your petite stature, stick with straight-legged trousers to create a long, clean line.

Avoid long dresses and skirts. Their long length will only bring attention to your size. Instead, choose dresses and skirts that land right above your knee. Be careful not to go too short, though. Yes, it will show more leg, but a mini skirt will hit your thigh at its thickest part and make you look shorter than you actually are.

When shopping for petite clothing, remember to look for garments designed especially for your height and proportions, and keep the above tips in mind. Not only will you find clothing that fits you properly, but you will save money on costly trips to the tailor, and you can stand- and look- a little taller.