How to Style Your Petite Summer Wardrobe

With warmer days ahead, it’s time to start rethinking your wardrobe. Sweaters, scarves, and heavy pants are put aside as shorter hemlines and breezy tops take center stage. But with the new season ahead, you may be wondering how to best utilize these summer styles to complement your petite frame.

For women 5’4” and under, finding fashion that fits can be a challenge. Inseams are often too long, tops can overwhelm, and trends may miss the mark. Thankfully, with a few chic styles and some expert tips from us, you'll master your petite summer wardrobe effortlessly.

How to Style Your Petite Summer Wardrobe

The perfect petite summer wardrobe should meet a few criteria: silhouette, fit, comfort, and fashion.

Silhouette: Variety is key for every modern woman's wardrobe! Choose silhouettes that both reflect your style and complement your frame. Experiment with different leg shapes such as Straight Legs or Kick Flares and try varying rises like a high rise. Tucking in your top can highlight your shape, while tops with bold sleeves add versatility to your collection.
Fit: Not only should you feel great in your outfits, but they should fit great, too. That means the appropriate inseam length (all of our petite styles have measurements intended for those 5’4” and under) so you don’t have to roll up or shorten your hems unless you want to!
Comfort: Summer can get very hot, but soft, breathable fabrics, cropped bottoms, and shorter sleeves can keep you feeling (and looking) cool. Plus, our signature “Ab”solution® fit technology has all the design details needed for all-day comfort, like stretchy premium denim and a hidden “no gap” elastic waistband.
Fashion: Trends come and go so quickly that it can be hard to keep up. Luckily, there are a few sure things when it comes to styling your summer wardrobe, so it never goes out of style. Think lighter hues, pretty prints, and classic feminine design details like embroidery or ruffles. With just a few new styles, you can update your entire wardrobe.

Petite Summer Styles to Try

Effortlessly Elevated Meets Comfy

When summer rolls around, it’s the perfect time to showcase your flirty and feminine spirit. Keep cool with a sleeveless top that includes on-trend design details like double ruffle shoulders and a scoop notched neck. Bright hues like spiced apricot scream summer, which you can pair with classic light blue denim bottoms.

Cropped Kick Flares are becoming a must-have denim trend, and effortlessly add style to your outfit. This pair has an inseam of 25” that hits perfectly just above the ankle, and the high waist creates an elongated effect when your top is tucked in. They look best with either comfy sneakers for a lowkey vibe, or dress them up with ballet flats or a pair of pretty sandals.

All Dressed Up with Everywhere to Go

Make a splash at your next summer soiree or dinner date with a versatile look that's easy to dress up or down. An elongated sleeve woven top in a comfy fabric provides cool, effortless movement, while its bright color and abstract print turn it into a statement piece. Longer tops can sometimes shorten your waist, especially for petite women, but with a hi-low design, you can leave it untucked or tuck in just the front to flaunt your silhouette.

For a semi-special occasion, a high-rise denim skirt with pockets strikes the perfect balance between casual and chic. Opt for a style that hits just above the knee to create an elongated effect. If the evening turns chilly, add tights for extra warmth. If you want to draw attention to your waist or turn your style up a bit, accessorize with a belt that matches your shoes or purse, seamlessly tying your entire look together.

A Vacay Look for Any Day

Half Smocked Sleeve Round Neck Printed Embroidered Petite Woven Top

Even when comfort is your priority, you can still look polished and ready for whatever the day brings. A relaxed-fitting, colorful woven top with embroidery ticks all the boxes for both comfort and style. With a tropical-inspired print, it's the perfect piece to pack for your next vacation.

Let's talk shorts—essential for summer and a go-to whether you're heading to the beach, the park, or a tropical destination. For those days when you prefer a bit more coverage, Bermuda shorts are ideal. They keep you cool while their above-knee length with an 11 ½” inseam ensures your legs look elegant. Pair them with your favorite sneakers and a hat to shield your face from the sun, and you'll have a comfortable yet polished summery look.

Bring On the Color

Ruffle Cap Sleeve Round Stand Collar Neck Die Cut Petite Woven Top

Summer is the perfect time to incorporate vibrant hues into your wardrobe. Balance your outfit by pairing one neutral color with one bold shade, such as a Moroccan blue top with candy yam-colored bottoms. Elevate your look with feminine design details like ruffles and die-cut embroidery. Cap sleeve tops are a great way to create the illusion of elongated arms.

Occasionally, swap out your jeans for a comfy pair of non-denim bottoms like relaxed Straight Leg pants. The utility design offers convenience with handy pockets, while the silhouette flatters by accentuating your waist and rounding your hips. Rolling up the cuffs is an on-trend way to keep cool and showcase shorter inseams. Complete your summery look with sneakers or sandals for perfect summer style.

With these styling tips, you’re one step closer to creating an effortlessly polished, petite summer wardrobe!

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