Gone are the days of Topshop in all its high street glory, but more importantly, its physical death took with it the sprawling section at the Oxford Street flagship dedicated solely to petite clothing - aka garments made to fit those of us who are 5’3” and under. Surfing for true-to-size clothing via ASOS just isn’t the same.
Yet what exactly is the importance of petite clothing, one may ask? Proportions, darling. What fits wonderfully on our vertically blessed friends tends to look rather misshapen as we make our way down the measuring tape. From too-high waistlines and underarm seams that restrict our every movement, to necklines that look as though they’ve been cut with a giraffe in mind – meandering our way through the jungle that is sample-sized and standardised womenswear is no simple task.
What’s more, clothing brands tend to equate the notion of petite womenswear with inherently small women, instead of producing specifically petite clothing in a range of sizes. That’s right people, petite doesn’t just mean size XS.
This, paired with the significant lack of options from our favourite high street brands has seen a rather drab, unlively and incredibly limited selection of petite clothing on the market. Fear not, for we’ve trawled through the depths of the digital high street to find the best of the best.
As we petite ladies will know, there’s no item of clothing more difficult to find than a jumpsuit that fits properly. Either the legs are too long, the crotch too low or it drapes across our frame like a rubbish bag. Sadly, though our mothers may vehemently declare “You’d look good in a potato sack, dear!” – the feigned compliment simply does not apply to frumpy jumpsuits. We’ve tried the potato sack look, Mum. It doesn’t work.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best party-ready jumpsuits designed with petite women in mind that will have you jumping for joy. Shop our top picks below.
Petite Brown Geo Print Flutter Sleeve Suki Jumpsuit
This 70s-inspired jumpsuit from Nobody’s Child would have Daisy Jones herself envious of your style. The flouncy Peter Pan collar paired with the perfectly tailored wide-leg silhouette and adjustable waistline is sure to make this the most flattering garment in your wardrobe.
Buy now £52.00, Nobody’s Child
Sleeveless Ponte Jumpsuit
Available in both petite and regular, the Ponte Jumpsuit from Boden is the perfect day-to-night piece. Simply trade out your favourite pair of flats for a chunky platform and some deliciously sparkly earrings for an immediately show-stopping festive look.
Buy now £78.40, Boden
Petite Western Denim Jumpsuit
Howdy, partner. This western denim jumpsuit from Whistles makes for a brilliant autumn/winter uniform. Pair it with a cosy cashmere scarf in a statement colour for a look that will turn heads on any city street.
Buy now £143.20, Whistles
Ro&Zo Petite Hotfix Stud Jumpsuit, Black
Your family Christmas party won’t know what hit them when you rock up in this dance-ready, bejewelled and beautiful jumpsuit from Ro & Zo.
Buy now £143.20, John Lewis
ASOS DESIGN Petite cowl neck wide leg jumpsuit in floral burnout
We love the 90s-esque floral burnout design which adorns this flowing jumpsuit. Featuring a delicate cowl neck and adjustable straps, you simply can’t go wrong with this petite option.
Buy now £40.00, ASOS
Velvet Embellished Faux Wrap Jumpsuit
The festive season isn’t complete without a velvet number, and this petite jumpsuit by Sosandar is sure to satisfy your sartorial craving this winter. The faux-wrap design creates a flattering silhouette without leaving you worried about ensuring the ensemble remains fastened.
Buy now £79.20, M&S
Metallic Plunge Jumpsuit
Ladies, we’ve done it. We’ve found the most flattering jumpsuit to party hop in this season. Dress it up with a statement belt as pictured, or down with simple gold hoops and a pair of platform heels. Either way, it’s certain to pass all seasonal party dress code rules.
Buy now £104.00, Boden
Petite Khaki Belted Wide Leg Jumpsuit
Silky, sleek and wonderfully chic, this khaki-hued long-sleeve jumpsuit from River Island is complete with a belted feature, chest pockets and tailored collar.
Buy now £65.00, River Island
Kenethel Sleeveless Wide Leg Jumpsuit
Crafted from 100 per cent organic cotton, this jumpsuit will make for an extremely versatile addition to your year-round wardrobe. Layer up with a cashmere turtle neck during the winter, or wear it on its own in the summer – either way, you’re in for a petite-sized treat.
Buy now £79.95, Seasalt Cornwall
