7 Fall Fashion Trends That Are Perfect for Women Under 5'3"
Small-stature women, you’re in luck. There’s a crop of fall trends that, thanks to savvy styling and careful tailoring from petite-friendly labels, are going to look perfect on your frame. Here are seven styles you’ll want in on, from ones you thought might be too tough to pull off (think: wide-leg pants) to styles that are so obviously perfect, you’ll wonder why they weren’t popularized years ago (looking at you, short trench coat).
22 Fall Boots We Are Dying to Wear This Season
1. The Wide Leg Trouser
Jeremy Moeller / Getty
We’ve admired how petites on TikTok haven’t let the high-waisted, loose-legged trend pass them by. The trick is to get a pair that fits you well in the waist and rear, so you can still see your shape, and to wear enough heel or platform to avoid dragging them on the dirt. (Unless you’re going full puddle pants, you brave trendbot you.)
Shop the trend: Hoover Women’s Casual Straight Leg Trousers ($26); Madewell Petite Harlow Wide-Leg Pants ($118); J.Inc Business Essential Ivory Wide Leg Slacks ($60; $40); J. Crew Petite Ingrid Pant ($148; $109); Maeve Petite Wide-Leg Trousers ($140); By Anthropologie Mid-Rise Pleated Trousers ($140); Favorite Daughter Shortie Pant ($218)
2. The Big Blazer
Jeremy Moeller / Getty
One of fall’s great delights is snuggling into an oversized coat or jacket, and tiny dancers don’t need to fear being swallowed by a scaled-up proportion, as long as they pair their one big piece—here, the ‘80s throwback jacket that’s trending—with sleek accompaniments like basic black leggings and minimalist hair and makeup.
Shop the trend: Uniqlo Relaxed Tailored Jacket ($80); Single Button Long Blazer ($90); Bernardo Houndstooth Blazer ($265; $150) Everlane the 80s Blazer ($175); Madewell Caldwell Plaid Blazer ($178) By Malene Birger Black Rosettan Blazer ($520)
3. Cowboy Boots
Edward Berthelot / Getty
Cowboy boots of all styles are popping up on the sidewalks outside fashion shows as well as inside on the runway. Petite women will find short boots with a bit of heel are the most leg-lengthening way to integrate the style into their wardrobe—and the silhouette is fresh. Wear with bare legs now and then with jeans tucked in once the winter slush descends.
Shop the trend: Soda Picotee Cowgirl Boot ($100; $60); Globo Mejor French Retro Boots ($62) WETKISS Embroidered Cowboy Short Ankle Boots ($63) Ariat Chandler Western Boot ($160); Schultz Zachy Short Western Boot ($218); Isabel Marant Dicker Short Western Boot ($660)
4. Knit Sets
Jeremy Moeller / Getty
Nothing says fall like a sweater, and this year, top-and-bottom knit sets are simply a must. We love these styles since they require basically no forethought (your whole outfit’s already assembled) and as petite gals, we appreciate how the pieces gently hug our shape without looking too bulky. Sidenote: monochrome outfits elongate the figure in a super flattering way.
Shop the trend: Pink Queen Women's 2 Piece Sweater Outfit ($33); Aohite Long Sleeve top and Wide Leg Pants Set ($49); Ybenlow Knit Pullover Suit ($78); Anne Klein Sweater and Pants Set ($139); Eileen Fisher Pone Funnel Neck Top ($168) and Washable Flex Ponte Wide Leg Pant ($198)
5. Long Flowing Dresses
Contributor / Getty
Layering a flowy dress under a jacket or over a turtleneck is a throwback 1970s move that’s seriously back in style. To keep the look ’22-fresh, choose a dress that’s got lots of movement thanks to lightweight fabric and a full skirt design—and show a bit of ankle (or when it’s really cold, combat boots) to make the style petite-friendly.
Shop the trend: Milumia Women’s Button Up Split Floral Flowy Dress ($43); Glamourous Petite Wrap Maxi Dress ($73); ASOS Design Petite Floral Tiered Maxi Dress ($97); Free People Wedgewood Maxi Dress ($168; $101); Lost + Wonder Flowing Maxi Dress ($128); Anthropologie Marais Printed Chiffon Maxi Dress ($180)
6. Knit Vests
Streetstyleshooters / Getty
Imagine a proper sweater with the arms lopped off, worn over a button-front Oxford shirt or a long-sleeved tee. The neckline should be a turtle- or mock turtle style, for a look ready for work or casual bopping around town. Bonus—this style allows the petite person to wear a big chunky knit without feeling dwarfed by too-long or too-full sleeves.
Shop the trend: Luckinbaby Casual Women’s Knit Sweater Vest ($23); Noisy May Sleeveless Sweater ($44); Alex Mill Mock Neck Sweater Tank ($125); Vince Twisted Cable Turtleneck Sweater Tank ($365); Demyless x J. Crew Cable Knit Sweater Vest ($365)
7. Abbreviated Trench Coat
Jeremy Moeller / Getty
This guy’s a dream come true for short gals—the venerable trench coat, reinvented as a cropped jacket or hip-grazing car coat. Wearing one turns any outfit (from jeans to a delicate dress) into an updated fashion ensemble with a classic twist, without the billowing tarp you probably associate with trenches.
Shop the trend: Topshop Short Trench Coat ($130; $45); Orolay Women’s Midi Length Overcoat ($80); Arket Short Trench Coat ($199); J. Crew Short Trench ($248); Alexander McQueen Short Trench ($2,460; $1,968)
Here’s What Everyone in Copenhagen is Wearing Right Now
Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.
