Like the TBR pile at the side of your bed or the recommended portion size on the back of a packet of Mini Eggs, petite fashion often goes ignored. Frequently referred to as a ‘niche market’, shopping can be annoyingly difficult for those of us who are 5’3 and below. Staples like denim jeans and long coats are less of a challenge to come by but some pieces feel virtually impossible to find in a shorter style, e.g. suiting.
Perhaps you noticed this issue while shopping for your work experience wardrobe or maybe it wasn’t until you were a fully fledged adult, heading to the office. Either way, finding formal clothing for smaller people is a task and a half. While you could shop in the straight fit section, a structured shape is always best for blazers and smart trousers, whether that’s for work, a wedding or a snazzy Saturday stroll to the supermarket.
To help you avoid looking like the little kid from Big, we’ve rounded up some of the best formal attire that the petite space has to offer. Whether you’re searching for a sparkly suit jacket to wear to a cocktail party or the perfect pair of peg trousers for the swagger back to the office, we’ve got you covered. Click through the slideshow ahead to shop the best blazers and trousers for petite people.
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.
4th & Reckless Petite Tailored Bandeau Top & Trouser Co-ord, £73
Step up your warm weather wardrobe with this pale green vest and trouser set. Shop them as separates or style them together for a chic co-ord moment.
4th & Reckless Petite Tailored Bandeau Top And Trouser Co-ord, $, available at ASOS
Stradivarius Smart Straight-Leg Trousers, £25.99
A pair of grey trousers, such as this petite pair from Stradivarius, can easily transition from office to brunch with smart styling.
Stradivarius Smart Straight-Leg Trousers, $, available at Stradivarius
Heartbreak Petite Longline Boyfriend Blazer, £30
Finally a longline, boyfriend-style blazer that is actually made for people on the shorter side.
Heartbreak Petite Longline Boyfriend Blazer, $, available at ASOS
Karen Millen Petitestructured Crepe Belted Wide Shoulder Longline Blazer, £199
Designed with proportions fit for those with smaller frames, this structured Karen Millen blazer is a tasteful addition to any wardrobe.
Karen Millen Petite Crepe Belted Wide Shoulder Longline Blazer, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
Topshop Linen Blend Co-ord Suit, £111
Something about a linen suit brings a powerful air of relaxed sophistication. It’s a perfect choice for warmer weather.
Topshop Petite Co-ord Linen-Blend Single Breasted Blazer, $, available at ASOS
Topshop Petite co-ord linen-blend wide leg trouser, $, available at ASOS
Reiss Haisley Tailored Flare Trousers, £150
With pressed creases and a flared leg silhouette, these tailored suit trousers from Reiss are effortlessly flattering.
Reiss Haisley Tailored Flare Trousers, $, available at Reiss
Reformation Petites Stevie Pant, £220
The fold-over detail on these light brown trousers from Reformation is ultra cool.
Reformation Petites Stevie Pant, $, available at Reformation
Reiss Larsson Double Breasted Twill Blazer, £298
Keep things classy and clean with a classic white double-breasted blazer from Reiss — just try your best not to spill your flat white on it.
Reiss Larsson Double Breasted Twill Blazer, $, available at Reiss
River Island Petite Black Wide Leg Trousers, £40
You simply can’t go wrong with a pair of black wide leg trousers. But this time you won’t have to deal with oversized pant legs with this petite pair from River Island.
River Island Petite Black Wide Leg Trousers, $, available at River Island
Karen Millen The Founder Petite Compact Stretch Waistband Detail Straight Leg Trouser, £103.20
This sleek trouser design featuring subtle flares and a stretch waistband from Karen Millen is both flattering and comfy.
Karen Millen The Founder Petite Straight Leg Trouser, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
Reformation Petites Mason Pant, £200
The Mason trouser from Reformation is a modern classic. Available in petite sizing and a variety of colours, you can’t go wrong with this relaxed, wide leg wardrobe staple.
Reformation Petites Mason Pant, $, available at Reformation
ASOS DESIGN Petite Linen Slimline Tie Back Suit Blazer in Retro Floral Print, £50
With a chic tie back and retro, ’60s-style floral print, this blazer is a fabulous addition to any outfit you want to make more playful and fun.
ASOS DESIGN Petite linen slimline tie back suit blazer, $, available at ASOS
Pieces Petite Exclusive Cropped Blazer & Tailored Trousers Co-ord, £95
Talk about a power suit! This grey boxy-fit cropped blazer and tailored wide-leg trousers combo is killer. Dress it up with heels or loafers, or down with a pair of trainers or combat boots.
Pieces Petite Exclusive Tailored Trousers Co-ord, $, available at ASOS
Pieces Petite Exclusive Cropped Blazer Co-ord, $, available at ASOS
Reformation Petites Franklin Pant, £200
These cropped, straight leg trousers from Reformation come in a beige and red tartan pattern for chic academia vibes.
Reformation Petites Franklin Pant, $, available at Reformation
Extro & Vert Petite Oversized Blazer in Silver Sequin Co-ord, £45.50
This silver sequin blazer will have you ready for any party (or Beyoncé Renaissance Tour concert).
Extro & Vert Petite Oversized Clazer in Silver Sequin Co-ord, $, available at ASOS
Vero Moda Petite Tailored Suit Blazer Co-ord in Bright Pink, £38
Did someone say Barbie pink? Sport the pop culture colour of the year with this bright pink suit blazer.
Vero Moda Petite Tailored Suit Blazer Co-ord in Bright Pink, $, available at ASOS
Yours Clothing Petite Bootcut 28″ Ponte Rib Trouser, £21
Talk about versatile: these stretch fabric trousers can easily go from the office to the farmers’ market to the pub.
Yours Clothing Petite Bootcut 28″ Ponte Rib Trouser, $, available at Yours Clothing
Miss Selfridge Petite Co-ord Slouchy Dad Trouser, £34.99
In a cool taupe pinstripe pattern, these slouchy trousers feature the perfect oversized ‘dad’ fit that’s typically difficult to find as a petite person.
Miss Selfridge Petite Co-ord Slouchy Dad Trouser, $, available at ASOS
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