I Asked Petite Fashion Editors: These Are the 7 Transitional Capsule-Wardrobe Pieces They Swear By in Spring
Seasonal shopping can be difficult enough without having to worry about whether pieces will fit you properly, too. I asked my fellow editors what they wear in the "in-between" to help build a spring/summer wardrobe that really works.
Right off the bat I will confess—I don't actually fit into the petite category. At 5ft6, I can generally be considered "average" height to most people, but even I can struggle with the length and fit of some clothes whenever I go shopping. It can be frustrating enough finding pieces I love and having to have them taken up or in, but when you're also up against figuring out what to wear in the transition between spring and summer weather, getting ready in the morning can be a challenging process.
Thinking of petite shoppers and how often this conundrum must affect you, I set about asking petite fashion editors for the pieces that work best for them in the same situation. There were obvious suggestions (avoid baggy jeans, puddle pants and maxi dresses), and some I hadn't even thought of (drawstring trousers get a big yes), and eventually we whittled it down a concise list of transitional wardrobe wonders that I had to share with you.
So, if you're tired of sweating your way through baggy jumpers or braving the chill in short skirts, keep scrolling. This is the definitive spring/summer (transitional) capsule wardrobe for petite women. You're welcome.
How to Build a Petite Capsule Wardrobe for Spring
1. The Oxford Shirt
Style Notes: In our humble opinion, button down shirts always look cooler oversized. Slouchy, undone and longer in the cuffs and hems, "boyfriend" style shirts have been in every cool girls summer wardrobe for the last five years—good news for petite shoppers who can often find sleeve lengths challenging. If you have sized up to the perfect fit in the body but the arms are still too long, simply roll them up to the elbow for the effortless "I just threw this on" effect that I've spotted petite women nailing so well.
Shop Oxford Shirts:
I'm convinced that this is the perfect shade of spring blue.
You won't find better than shirt experts With Nothing Underneath.
This would look so cool with the sleeves rolled up with trackie bottoms and sandals.
Black shirts are too chic to get overlooked in favour of white.
2. Drawstring Trousers
Style Notes: So clever once you think of it, but a chic pair of drawstring trousers are the easiest solution to find a waist that fits. Don't faff around with tailoring waistbands, once you find a length that works for you, a drawstring pull is an instant fix that you can adjust in seconds—no belt required. In summer linen iterations are going to be your saving grace, but you can start wearing them now with some cosy layering up top.
Shop Drawstring Trousers:
M&S have not only petite, but extra short too.
That's right, these come in petite, regular and five different colours.
Such an easy weekend look to replicate.
So great to have a petite option in a barrel shape too.
3. The Midi Skirt
Style Notes; The beauty of the midi skirt is that no matter where it lands between below the knee and mid-calf, it always looks the perfect fit. If like my fellow editors you're tired of wearing minis, or struggle to find a maxi that doesn't pool around your feet, midis are still the fashion insiders' skirt length of choice, and they're perfect for petite women who may otherwise gravitate towards trousers for ease.
Shop Midi Skirts:
The handkerchief hem is so flattering.
This is just too pretty not to share.
Wear with white tees, tank tops, camis and cardigans.
Shorter than a lot of midi skirts on the market if you need a style that isn't calf length.
4. The Puff Sleeve Blouse
Style Notes: Big, romantic romantic blouses are having a moment right now, and they work for every body in exactly the same way. Billowing sleeves balance out proportions, and often shorter in the torso, you don't have to contend with reams of excess fabric. Style them up to perfection with straight legged denim (more on that later), or their warm weather counterpart, knee-length jorts.
Shop Puff Sleeve Blouses:
Polka dots are undoubtedly spring's biggest trend.
I'm in love with Anthropologie's blouse offering this season. Every piece is so versatile.
The perfect pop of red for pairing with indigo denim.
Wear loosely buttoned with skirts, shorts, jeans and trousers.
5. Closed Toe Mules
Style Notes: This shoe should really be considered a staple in anyones wardrobe. Showing a little bit of skin (but not too much), closed-toe, slip-on shoes allow your feet to breathe on warmer days, but are still the first defence against chilly winds if the forecast changes. With so many more high street and designer brands now starting at smaller and half sizes, you won't have to worry about things like calf fit and strap placement with this easy throw-on-and-go style.
Shop Mules:
A newly crowned classic.
How to do a backless shoe with polish.
This 90's silhouette is so elegant with slip skirts and dresses.
I'm so glad I stumbled across this comfortable everyday option.
6. The Utility Jacket
Style Notes: A great, lightweight option for layering up in spring and shoulder-robing in summer, utility jackets are perfect for toughening up pretty florals and pastels like blouses and dresses. Just like Oxford shirts, they look far cooler with a boxier, roomier fit, so don't be afraid to let sleeves hang and the hem to sit a little lower than you may normally go for. Unlike trenches, you won't have to try on dozens to find the perfect length.
Shop Utility Jackets:
The perfect minimalist jacket with just the right amount of detailing.
A utility-meets-barn jacket that is proving popular with customers.
The unexpected hook and eye fastenings are so much fresher than buttons.
The cinched waist elevates this casual jacket.
7. Straight-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: This list wouldn't be complete without denim in some way, shape or form, and after scrolling through the feeds of well-dressed, petite women it became immediately clear that straight-leg denim is still the preferred cut of choice. Where cropped jeans can be hit or miss, and flares can be overwhelming amounts of fabric, straight-leg denim draws the eye down from hip to ankle to leg-lengthening effect, and they just so happen to go with every shoe from towering platforms to easy ballet flats.
Shop Straight Leg Jeans:
High-rise, true-straight, classic wash and slightly cropped. Perfection.
Looser in the leg so not as "skinny".
The curve love range are designed to fit bums, hips and waists, and they also come in petite lengths.
A denim collector staple.
