Petite Skirts

Stylish petite skirts can be hard to find. And there's no doubt that petite women and gals with short legs have remarkably less fashion options than the rest of the bunch. However you can still buy regular-sized skirts but you'll have to make sure you know how to style them to avoid looking like you're swimming in them and look tall as possible.

Courtesy of Marks & Spencer

Petite skirts are for gals who don't want to waste time on having their skirts altered. Altering the hem may not be enough because of the hip and waist shape that may sit incorrectly on your lower body. Skirts designed for your short stature on the other hand flatter your proportions and don't require any alterations.

On this page I've gathered the latest fashion skirts for petite gals - from mini to maxi skirts.

But before you start shopping, make sure to review my fashion advice on how to get the most out of your skirts and tips on what details to look for in a skirt that help you look tall as possible:

Petite Clothing Advice: How to Look Taller in a Skirt

Determine your body shape

One of the most important factors to have in mind when it comes to petite clothing is to know and understand your body shape. This helps you select the best skirt shapes, details and lengths that help you achieve a proportional body shape.

So why is determining your body shape important? What does it have to do with your petite body frame?

The thing is that your body figure determines if you already appear shorter than you are, and we don't want to select the wrong skirt that emphasizes that.

For example, you might be have a Pear shape with prominent hips; or an Apple with wide shoulders compared to your hips. Basically, the wrong skirt style can widen a Pear shape's hips which can make her look shorter or make an Apple's tummy look wider and shorten her torso.

In short, a prominent body asset can drag down your body figure and shorten your silhouette.

Choose a flattering hemline

Above the knee petite denim skirt
Courtesy of Macy's

If it falls right on the widest part of your legs - the calves - you'll notice how it drags down your petite body frame and makes you shorter. This hemline also tends to shorten your legs and especially draw attention to that area, making them look stumpy.

Your best skirt lengths are above the knee or shorter. If you're shy about your legs add hosiery.

I'm not saying you can't wear longer skirts - you just need to style them properly and not least, select the right fit and style that complements your short height.

For example, a long skirt that sits snugly around your hips looks way more flattering than a boxy and shapeless maxi skirt. Heels are excellent accessories that adjusts longer skirts to your height.

Add a heels whenever possible

A knee high skirt with heels is a fabulous combo. They expose more skin and elongate your ankles and legs - which in turn makes you appear taller. You don't have to go super-tall on the heels - 2 inches are enough to raise your height.

If you're not a heel-girl look for flats with slightly pointy toes and that show more of your feet (eg. open toe shoes or shoe styles in a color that blends with your bottom (skin tone, hosiery or pants)

Strategically select the correct prints and details

Fluff tends to overpower petite women, so it is always advised to stick to simple petite skirts with minimal details - or select prints and details that work with your height and body shape.

What to look for in fashion skirts:

Courtesy of Miss Selfridge

Vertical prints (not wide and horizontal ones, however narrow horizontal stripes create a vertical ladder effect)
Vertical details such as visible zippers, stitches, row with buttons, and waterfall ruffles
Pleats
Prints and details scaled to your body size

Have in mind that some details and prints (such as horizontal stripes) look best on specific body shapes that need interest around the hips and thighs.

More Fashion Advice:

How to wear and style your fashion skirts

How to select the best skirt styles for your body shape

How to dress and flatter your petite height, shortcut banner

How to style your petite body frame, shortcut banner

Shop Petite Skirts Online

If you're looking for affordable fashion skirts inspired by high fashion then I highly recommend UK-based stores such as Dorothy Perkins and Miss Selfridge. Their selection is exactly the largest but they carefully pick the best trendy skirts, like petite denim skirt, body cons and floral prints.

Shopping tip for international readers: Expensive worldwide shipping? US store doesn't ship to your country? Save up to 50% off retail price in your home country and gain access to the goodies. Try a mail forwarding service!