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As a fashion editor who is 5ft 1in, I am always on the hunt for well-fitting petite fashion — pieces that keep my proportions in mind but aren’t necessarily limited to the sometimes uninspired Petite section at a retailer. Of course, dedicated Petite size ranges for bottoms like denim and trousers can be a lifesaver when you need a look that’s guaranteed to work, but they aren’t the only options for an under-5ft-4in-fashionista like myself. See, for example, pieces from Madewell, a store that carries a Petite range and off-the-rack options that work well for short shoppers.
If you’re struggling to find clothing for your short frame, my number one tip is to begin a devoted relationship with your local tailor. You should never have to feel like you can’t make a garment work because of your height — the talent of a strong seamstress knows no limits, and, as a result, neither should your closet!
Still, I understand that not everyone wants to pay for their wardrobe twice: once in-store, and a second time at the tailor to ensure every piece fits perfectly. So, I’ve scoured the racks at my local Madewell, and tried on the best of their New Arrivals, on a mission to figure out what’s petite shopper-approved.
For reference, I’m a size 8 with a large chest, narrow shoulders, and a short torso. I can’t guarantee every single piece will work out perfectly for petite folks of a different build, but there’s a good chance my recs will get you farther than those of the 5ft 11in influencer you follow who has never had to hem a pair of pants in their life.
Read on for my top Madewell picks for fall and winter.
Madewell The Petite Curvy Emmett Wide-Leg Jean, $138
To kick things off, I started with the trickiest piece when it comes to petite fit: denim. I chose The Curvy Emmett Wide-Leg Jean in Leffers Wash in a size 29 — and reader, I haven’t taken them off since.
The rise and length are as perfect as I expected them to be — the pair is from Madewell’s Petite section — but it’s the shape of the wide-leg silhouette that really impressed me. It’s not always the most “flattering” style of denim on shorter legs, but this cut is as good as it gets.
I paired my denim with the Quarter-Zip Pullover Top — a solid knit, but not necessarily more petite-friendly than any other — and another winner for the shorties, the Blazer Coat. I got a size 8, and because this piece isn’t cut specifically for petites, I wasn’t sure where it would hit me.
Finding cropped and full-length coats isn’t necessarily a challenge for petites, but nailing a mid-length silhouette can be tricky. On the model, this coat hits mid-thigh, but on me, it stopped exactly at my kneecap. It’s a flattering length that doesn’t cut me off or look too long, and therefore a great everyday coat option to pair with trousers, denim, dresses, and skirts. I’m considering picking it up in the black colorway as well.
Madewell Tailored Midi Skirt in Stripe, $158
As a long skirt lover, I find that midi and maxi styles can sometimes do me dirty. Maxis can mean I’m drowning in too much length, but midis occasionally look like too-short maxis, hitting me at a weird spot on the calf. The Tailored Midi Skirt in Stripe in a size 8 fit like a glove.
Not only is a suiting-inspired pinstripe skirt extremely on trend these days (there’s even a matching vest top), but the details make the fit look premium. The angled pockets don’t pull at my hips, and the front slit is a fun alternative to the usual back opening that allows me to show off my autumn boot game.
The length was perfect on me, and I paired it with Madewell’s Wool-Blend Duster Cardigan Sweater and the Short-Sleeve Mockneck Tee — the latter, a sale section find that I picked up in multiple colorways. It’s the perfect mock-neck layer!
Madewell The Petite Emmett Wide-Leg Corduroy Pant, $128
Last but not least, a winter white ensemble featuring not one, but two stellar pieces for petites. I don’t see a lot of petite cords out there, so The Petite Emmett Wide-Leg Pant in Corduroy was a no-brainer.
As with the denim, the length and rise in the size 29 were spot-on. However, I will flag that the Winter White colorway was a little sheer — I plan to pick these up in Bordeaux and Dark Carob for further holiday styling.
I styled my cords with the Belted Trench Coat in Drapey Twill, and underneath, a new favorite, the Snap-Front Cardigan Top. The second I saw this top, I knew it would be a petite crowd-pleaser thanks to the snap-front closures that allow the wearer to switch up the look.
For this ‘fit, I left a few snaps open up top, and then buttoned only to the waistband of the bands. Perfect for my short torso! I love that I could go one button longer or shorter depending on the ensemble. Think of this like an adjustable blouse, aka a short gal’s dream. Plus, Madewell does right by us and offers a chic array of autumn neutrals like Dark Carob and Dried Olive. Yes, please!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
This article was originally published on refinery29.com.