The best outerwear hacks for Petites this Fall (or short women under 5’4). As a 4’11 Petite curvy woman, I know the struggle of finding coats and jackets that do not swallow me whole. Each year I struggle to find stylish, wearable coats that let me layer clothing while fitting me and not making me look like a penguin. Or as a five-year-old wearing my mom’s coat.

However, most outerwear we see in regular stores, online shops and mainstream brands is not designed for Petite women. The sleeves are usually too long, the shoulders too wide and square, the length is too bulky, and the coat in general is too wide.

Last but not least, in this Petite fashion style guide, I will share ten outerwear hacks for Petites to help you look chic and taller this Fall.

Outerwear hacks for Petites

Choose a cropped or waist-length jacket

Why cropped jackets work for short women? Cropped length makes your legs look longer and slimmer. Specifically, if you go for a puffer jacket and a thicker material jacket. Then, wear the cute cropped puffer jacket with high-waisted bottoms for a specifically visually flattering look.

Last but not least, my favourite cropped jackets as a Petite woman are moto jackets, denim jackets and cropped puffers.

Go Monochrome for length

Firstly, monochrome always wins when it comes to Petite women and Petite fashion. Therefore, one of the best outerwear hacks for Petites is to wear all monochromatic outfits. For example, a camel beige trench coat, beige bootie and beige pants. Secondly, automatically, you will look taller than you did before. Petite friendly fall palette includes all the neutral beige and brown tones.

Tailoring is you best friend

Personally, I am not a fan of tailoring. I like to shop from Petite brands or Petite categories of clothing that already fit me. However, if you find your dream winter coat or trench coat and it needs a small alteration. I suggest you do a quick sleeve or hem tailoring– worth the investment. Last but not least, buy coats slightly oversized and then tailor them.

Look for vertical details

One of the best ways to include vertical details is to choose single-breasted coats over double-breasted. As well as choosing vertical seams, long lapels and button rows that elongate. Many times, details are important and we do not realise it or appreciate it enough. The smallest fashion detail can make a difference. However, avoid wide belts and large patch pockets at the hips.

Belt it to define your shape

I cannot count on how many times have I belted a dress or coat to cinch in the waist and make my outfit more flattering. Belting prevents being “swallowed” by chunky winter and Fall fabrics. Choose fabric or leather belts for more flattering and aesthetic look.

A trench coat with a belt tied in front or back is one of the best go-to Fall coats to have in your capsule wardrobe.

Avoid extra-chunky oversized fits

When I choose oversized fits, I usually go for a smaller size and it works. The usual oversize is always too oversize for me. However, also make sure you style it with more fitted clothing underneath (slim pants or midi dress).

Last but not least, I suggest you get structured oversized coats with waist definition rather than chunky, wide oversized coats with no definition.

Mind the sleeve length

When choosing outerwear, pay attention to sleeves. Many times, we use coats and jackets with sleeves that are too wide or too long, and we get lost in the outerwear. Long sleeves shrink on a Petite woman’s frame. The best outerwear hacks for Petites include cuffing or tailoring sleeves, or just pushing them up for effortless chic.

Pick the right boots to pair

However, when it comes to outerwear, 50% of the whole look is on how you style the outfit. Fall and winter boots are one of the most important pieces of the whole outfit. Therefore, think about filling your wardrobe with good Fall boots.

How to style outerwear?

• Choose cropped coat, style with ankle boots for more balanced look.
• Go for shorter coats and wear them with knee-high boots for the leg-lengthening trick.

Play with textures, not volume

Textures will add a whole new look and style to your Fall and winter outfits. Pay attention to textures rather than the volume. Add the interest with tweed, boucle and faux leather. Tweed and faux leather jackets are the early Fall basics and essentials for the fall capsule wardrobe. Texture adds style without swallowing up Petite frames.

Texture adds style without swallowing up Petite frames.

Where to shop for Petite outerwear?

Opt for Petite-specific brands when possible

Last but not least, support and shop from Petite fashion brands and categories. Did you know there are more than 100 Petite brands and retailers in the Petite category?

I have listed all the Petite fashion brands and update them every season. Some of my favourite Petite brands include Petite Studio NYC, ASOS Petite, Kembar, Spanx Petite, Stradivarius jeans, Karen Millen and more. However, for discovering more brands, links, my reviews and more, shop the Petite brand list.

Looking stylish in Fall outerwear while staying warm is possible. Petite women only need smart styling. Which coat style do you struggle with most? What are your outerwear hacks for Petites in Fall and Winter? Share them with me in the comment section, and any questions or requests you have about Petite fashion.