Workwear Outfits & Must-Have Wardrobe Essentials For Petite Ladies To Look Taller

By Karmen on 08 Dec 2020

Digital Editor

Has severe RBF but is fairly jolly and carefree on the inside. Degree of life satisfaction is heavily influenced by food.

If you're part of the petite gang, you'll know how easy it is to pick outfits for the weekends and the struggle to find flattering ones for the office.

While shorts, mini skirts and crop tops make us look and feel great, they aren't suitable for most office settings. But standard workwear pieces like structured blazers and pencil skirts can be incredibly unflattering on shorter ladies.

Keep reading to check out 7 casual workwear outfits will make petite ladies look taller and wardrobe essentials you can shop online!

#1 One-tone outfit

Photo from @thealex_g via Instagram

Colour blocking with different coloured tops and bottoms visually cuts off your body which has a shortening effect. If you're wearing separates, try to keep them in the same colour but in slightly different shades.

For example, pair this pale pink Dorothy Perkins Petite Ankle Grazer Pants (now $37.90, U.P. $49.90) with the Mango Recycled Polyester Shirt ($45.90) in a slightly darker shade of pink.

Photo from Zalora

Photo from Mango

#2 Belted jumpsuit

Photo from @ughrubia via Instagram

An easier way to get a one-tone outfit is to simply put on a solid-coloured jumpsuit. Make sure to choose one that ties in at the waist to avoid the unflattering baggy look.

Photo from TOPSHOP

Try the TOPSHOP Petite Belted Short Sleeve Jumpsuit ($110.90, use code for 35% off) which has a flattering high belted waist with a collar and structured fit. The cream colour makes it match easily with your entire collection of shoes and accessories.

#3 Crop top + high waisted trousers

Photo from @ughrubia via Instagram

Although the one-tone outfit is a nifty elongating trick, you can still mix different colours in your outfit and look taller than you are. A v-neck crop top and high waisted trousers with heels is a flattering look on petite ladies. Besides preventing too much skin from showing for an office setting, high waisted trousers create the illusion of height and longer legs.

Photo from Zalora

The Dorothy Perkins Petite Black Wrap Jersey Top ($49.90, use code for 35% off) ticks many boxes, namely the v-neck which elongates the neck, the puffed sleeves which creates proportion on ladies with narrow shoulders and the solid black colour.

Photo from Zalora

Pair it with the Miss Selfridge PETITE Grey Cigarette Trousers ($83.90, use code for 35% off) which has a high rise, slim fit with small checked prints.

#4 Fitted top with high waisted skirt

Photo from @thealex_g via Instagram

The same effect works for high waisted skirts as well. If you're going for prints, stick to small ones as large motifs can overwhelm your small frame. This ZALORA BASICS Button Front Jersey Maxi Skirt ($29.90, use code for 35% off) has a timeless black colour with a subtle polka dot print that will suit petite ladies.

Photo from Zalora

Complete the look with these Kimmijim Kristi Pointed Toe Ankle Strap Block Heels (now $36.90, U.P. $49.90). The pointed toe adds an extra elongating effect for longer-looking legs.

Photo from Zalora

#5 Loose top and fitted bottoms

Photo from @astrids03 via Instagram

If you're wearing a loose fitting top that's not cropped or outerwear like a blazer, make sure to balance it out with trousers that are fitted - not tight, but tailored - to avoid an oversized look that would make you appear shorter and wider.

Photo from Zalora

Some versatile pieces to add to your wardrobe are the MISSGUIDED Petite Skinny Cigarette Trousers ($37.90, use code for 35% off) and this slim Pieces Silja Suede Waist Belt ($32.90, use code for 35% off). Match your belt colour with your trousers to minimise the shortening colour block effect and keep your accessories small to avoid swamping your frame.

Photo from Zalora

The proportion rule applies to bags too! Petite ladies will look even smaller and shorter while carrying large bags. Some of our favourite small bags that are still roomy enough to fit work essentials are the Ted Baker SEACON Small crosshatch icon bag ($89) and the Marc Jacobs Mini Grind Tote Bag in Black (now $398 , U.P. $675).

Photo from Ted Baker

Photo from Zalora

#6 Petite-fit blazer with one-tone outfit

Photo from @ughrubia via Instagram

Blazers have to fit just right or could make you look frumpy and short. The right blazer should fit your shoulders and arms well, either cropped or ending right below your bottom.

Photo from Zalora

Your best bet would be to shop specifically for blazers designed for petite ladies like the Dorothy Perkins PETITE Crosshatch Double Breasted Blazer ($99.90, use code for 35% off) and the MISSGUIDED Petite Co Ord Boyfriend Blazer ($45.90, use code for 35% off).

Photo from Zalora

Pair it with the Miss Selfridge Petite Pink Drawstring Jumpsuit ($34.90, use code for 35% off)

#7 Vertical stripes

Photo from Mango

Just like how horizontal stripes have a widening effect, vertical stripes have a lengthening effect. Besides clothes with horizontal stripes, you could also go for a maxi pleated skirt for a similar effect. Try the Mango Houndstooth Pleated Skirt (now $59.90, U.P. $89.90) and pair it with a fitted top.