Women's Petite Skirts

Best Women's Petite Skirts

Naturally, petite women notice a skirt’s length when shopping because alterations are usually necessary unless you shop at a retailer who specializes in petite clothing. Whenever possible, it helps to buy clothes from manufacturers whose garments are proportioned for petites; if you wear a skirt from the regular women’s department and have it altered, it may not have the perfect proportions you need.

Shorter women who want to create the illusion of appearing taller should choose skirts that hit at the knee or above. Calf-length is not the best look because it interferes with the long look of the leg, essentially cutting it where you don’t want it cut. If you like longer skirts, it’s best to wear them very long, all the way to the floor, and accompany them with high heels. Otherwise, showing a little leg is a more flattering look.

Some places to check out for women's petite skirts include:

Petite Sophisticate

Long a petite professional woman’s staple store, this retailer offers fresh, trendy and classic choices each season.

• The Ponte knit colorblock skirt is one way to add a little color to your wardrobe. Although you may have been warned away from color blocks, the vertical black stripe on the skirt front helps to draw the eye upward and creates an elongating effect. It’s best worn as shown, with nude pantyhose and a coordinating shoe.
• A graphic print faux wrap skirt is another one with vertical appeal. Allover graphic print adds visual interest, while the solid black stripe going up the skirt will help make you appear taller.
• The linen blend A-line skirt offers a pleasing silhouette with its basic, flowing shape. Available in sizes up to 14, the flat front and gentle flared hem will look good on petites in various shapes, from the slender to the plus size.

Liz Claiborne

This popular name in women’s fashion has long served the often under-served petite community.

• The floral print pintuck skirt has an allover, handkerchief-floral pattern that won’t compete with a neutral top for attention. It’s a perfect skirt for spring and summer, best worn with neutral or nude-colored wedge or high-heeled sandals.
• A poplin drawstring A-line skirt makes use of a very flattering shape for many women and the hem should hit you right above your knees. You can wear this casual skirt without stockings in warmer weather; all you need are some smart sandals and a comfortable top.

Other Options

Other retailers who carry clothing in petite lengths and sizes include:

• Chadwick’s
• JCPenney
• Sears
• Ann Taylor

Buying Petite

Buying from the petite department will be less frustrating than buying from the regular women’s department and finding that you have to alter many of your selections. Petite skirts are not only shorter in length, but are proportioned for the shorter body, ensuring a better fit.

While you might hear that dressing in one color or similar colors creates the most elongating illusion, this doesn’t mean you always have to wear one hue head-to-toe—that would be incredibly boring day after day! Instead, add a splash of color either on top or on the bottom, or even with brightly colored accessories, like a small tote bag. It is best to avoid allover, loud prints as these can swallow up the petite body, even plus size petite women.

However, part of the fun of fashion is that you can make your own rules and wear whatever makes you feel good about yourself.