Glam but first coffee
The idea to write “How to shop as a Petite” came to my mind when I was shopping on the Best Secret App. What is The Best Secret shopping app? I have been obsessed with the shopping app (my Instagram followers know).
However, it is because I love all the luxury brands they have, sales and great prices, and they even give you a chance to earn. Yes, girl, the app is invitation-only, and not many know about it! Therefore, even if only you get some family members and friends to subscribe and they purchase, you get commissions and can get yourself the Dior sunglasses you always wanted or a Kate Spade bag! However, I also suggest reading the blog post about the best Petite fashion shops and brands.
Therefore, join now the shopping app and hurry because I have only eight invitations left! However, this is not so much about the Best Secret. I am just sad that I did not know about the app earlier and want to have the best experience for my followers. Today we will talk about how I shop on regular online sites or apps as a Petite woman. However, let’s first start with some facts and learning (You know I lately love to teach you some more snippets about Petites).
Are Petite sizes smaller or just shorter?
Generally speaking, Petite sizes are just shorter. Petite means shorter, not smaller or thinner. However, there are more details that designers take into consideration when creating clothing for Petite women. Usually, the whole frame of a Petite is smaller and shorter, even the waist, arms, and shoulders.
Why are Petite clothes so hard to find?
It is so difficult to answer the question of why are Petite clothes so hard to find. I would say they are not as hard to find in the USA. Many retailers offer petite clothing and sizes. However, I think it is because people are just used to creating medium sizes, taking into consideration an average height. Last but not least, there are not enough Petites creating fashion brands (but it is about to change). A tall woman will not create a brand just for Petites! However, I wish that more high-street stores like Zara or Mango would offer a section for Petites. Imagine how cool would that be?
How to shop as a Petite (in regular pages)?
3/4 length sleeves or short sleeves
If you want to see what I ordered and got from the Best Secret app, then you should follow my Instagram and TikTok. However, the first rule for all the blazers or long-sleeve items is to search for the 3/4 length sleeves. Not only are 3/4 length sleeves a lot more flattering, but also they are going to not be too long for you, and you are not going to drown in that clothing. I ordered five minutes ago the cutest blazer for around $15, and It had 3/4 sleeves!
Mini dresses or midi dresses not maxi
The most difficult part of shopping for short women is to shop for dresses. Imagine being petite and shopping for maxi dresses with long sleeves (on regular online pages it is impossible). Therefore, I usually shop only for mini dresses and skirts when shopping for regular sizes. If you are brave enough you can try out midi dresses and hope that for you they will be maxi length!
Look at detailed descriptions or email customer service
Look at the details of the clothing. Some online stores and pages are made in a very customer-friendly way with a lot of details available. However, most of them are not. Many times I cannot find even normal size charts. Therefore, you can always ask customer service about sizes and measurements. My experience is that the smaller the brand is, the more helpful and knowledgeable the customer service.
Make sure they have a good return policy
How to shop as a Petite or any sized-woman? A crucial part of shopping which sometimes we forget about is the return policy. Most brands nowadays have a very good and free return policy. However, at the same time with all the political changes and European Union, shipping between Europe and UK or the USA is difficult and expensive. Therefore, be sure that the brand has a friendly return policy in case you want to return your products.
Think of the design that would look good on your frame
How to shop as a Petite when many trends and more fashionable items can be a hit or miss for the Petite figure (for any figure in general). When shopping online you need to be more sceptical and detailed than when shopping in real-life stores. For example, when I shop in actual stores, I will even try out different designs and fun clothing to look what suits me. However, when shopping online I am trying to not risk it. Look at sleeves, if the item is oversized, how it would fall on your frame?
Think about how you would style it?
How to shop as a Petite? Accessories like belts! Sometimes any item that you buy, you can make it better if you know how to style it. Let’s say you go for an oversized dress or an A-line dress. A-line dresses usually fall very badly on Petite, especially busted ones. However, you can cinch it in with a belt and make it work for you! Therefore before you shop, think about how you will style the item. If you can think of a few ways to style it, and if you have everything you need to style it!
I remember I once ordered this very provocative bralette that is usually not my style, but it was so beautiful. However, I thought I would not wear it as bralettes are longer bras. What I did is I bought a beautiful cropped cardigan with it and wear the bralette with the cardigan. This way, I am not naked and still look good and can show off the beautiful design of my bralette.
Did I answer your question on How to shop as a Petite? I hope that these Petite shopping tips help you. Let me know in the comments down below what else I should add.
Do not forget to follow my Youtube for more fashion hauls and tips, TikTok and Instagram for styling ideas and more value for elegant women, and my blog. Soon new Petite merch and Petite magazine are coming to life! Do not miss that out!
Read more about Petite fashion and tips:
- Emily in Paris outfits for Petites
- Five clothing items Petites should avoid
- Best Petite clothing websites
- Why am I launching a Petite magazine?
