I’m a 5’2” Shopping Editor—These Are the 3 High-Street Brands I Turn to for Elegant Summer Staples

A petite shopping editor handpicks the chicest summer buys from Marks & Spencer, Abercrombie & Fitch and Reformation.

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(Image credit: @florriealexander)
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As a 5’2” shopping editor, I’m well aware of the trials and tribulations of finding well-fitting pieces. For years, I envied my friends who could instantly wear their new purchases, whilst mine demanded a delay of tailoring before finally joining my wardrobe. Thankfully, the past few years have seen a rise in petite-friendly fashion, and as someone who tries on the latest pieces for work, I know all the best spots.

Woman wears red top, white skirt and burgundy ballet flats

Florrie wears the Marks & Spencer Pure Cotton Poplin Midi Skirt (£30)

(Image credit: @florriealexander)

Currently, I’m in the midst of building a chic petite-friendly summer wardrobe, and three high street brands are ensuring I can wear my summer looks as soon as the sunshine arrives. Marks & Spencer, Abercrombie & Fitch and Reformation are ready for the challenge. All three brands have a distinct sense of style, but share in their focus on quality pieces, expensive-looking designs and balancing the latest trends with timeless details that ensure every piece earns its keep in our wardrobes. Putting together our summer wardrobes takes time, a considered eye and understanding of the kinds of pieces that are truly worthwhile. Add to that a demand for correct lengths, fits and sizes that petite shoppers prefer, and you could spend hours searching for a single item. Thankfully, these trusted brands make chic petite shopping that much easier.

By now, many of us have secured a selection of reliable summer buys, from pretty blouses to light cardigans to easy linen jackets. But for my fellow petite shoppers, you may be missing out on a few summer staples simply because you need some hemline guidance. Below, I’ve curated a refined edit of those tricking pieces: think tailored trousers, flowing skirts and easy dresses that feature both serious elegance and perfect petite proportions. Alongside, you’ll find a range of pieces that I’ve tried on recently, as well as a selection of my personal favourites (notably an M&S pleated skirt, Reformation straight-leg jeans and an Abercrombie dress, which all feature in my wardrobe already). Whether the following spring days are filled with bright sunshine or call for a trusted trench coat, this petite-friendly summer capsule wardrobe can be worn instantly.

Shop the Best Petite Spring Buys From Marks & Spencer, Abercrombie & Fitch and Reformation

Florrie Alexander
Florrie Alexander
Shopping Editor

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content. Over eight years of fashion industry experience, Florrie has honed her skills from styling e-commerce photoshoots to personal shopping. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer. Now, as the Shopping Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them.