June 4, 2023

As a petite woman, I often dread dressing for the cooler months. More layers usually equate to more trips to the tailor, as there’s always another billowing sleeve take up or trouser leg to hem. (Of course, I’ve discovered many a DIY hack in my time and can’t tell you how useful iron-on hemming tape can be when you’re in a bit of a rush.)

However, this autumn, I’m attempting to keep my alterations to a minimum and instead invest in clothes that actually fit to begin with. As more and more petite-specific options become available, it’s easier to find items that not only fit my stature but also genuinely adhere to my personal style. Gone are the days of petite options being relegated to a small selection of jeans styles at Topshop. Now, plenty of brands exist that are catering to women under 5’4″.

Whether you’re after work-appropriate styles such as the items that can be found at J.Crew and Boden or the perfect dress for a special occasion (may I turn your attention to Reformation, Reve the Label or The Shortlist?), there are several great autumn options around in petite-specific sizes. I’ve even found a trenchcoat that won’t skim the floor. Keep scrolling for my complete autumn shopping guide including dresses, skirts, trousers, and jackets.

1. Dresses

Reformation Petites Cammi Dress
Reformation
Petites Cammi Dress
£248

The Shortlist Imogen Petite Floral Midi Dress
The Shortlist
Imogen Petite Floral Midi Dress
£295

Glamorous Petite Long Sleeve Dress
Glamorous Petite
Long Sleeve Dress
£45

Reve the Label Vada Dress in Watermelon
Reve the Label
Vada Dress in Watermelon
£79

Topshop Petite Satin Mini Tea Dress in Spot Print
Topshop Petite
Satin Mini Tea Dress in Spot Print
£40

2. Skirts

Reformation Petites Bea Skirt
Reformation
Petites Bea Skirt
£128

ASOS Design Petite Satin Bias Slip Midi Skirt in Navy
ASOS Design
Petite Satin Bias Slip Midi Skirt in Navy
£28

Nasty Gal Petite Satin Strappy High Waisted Mini Skirt
Nasty Gal
Petite Satin Strappy High Waisted Mini Skirt
£25
£18

ASOS Design Petite Organic Cotton Blend Denim '90s Maxi Skirt in Washed Black
ASOS Design
Petite Organic Cotton Blend Denim ’90s Maxi Skirt in Washed Black
£30

Alyda Lila Skirt
Alyda
Lila Skirt
£95

3. Trousers 

Nasty Gal Petite Checkboard Straight Leg Jeans
Nasty Gal
Petite Checkboard Straight Leg Jeans
£40
£28

Gina Tricot Petite Front Slit Trousers
Gina Tricot Petite
Front Slit Trousers
£26

Miss Selfridge Petite Kickflare Trouser in Gingham
Miss Selfridge
Petite Kickflare Trouser in Gingham
£25

4th + Reckless Petite Tailored Trousers in Blue
4th + Reckless
Petite Tailored Trousers in Blue
£40

J.Crew Petite Hayden Kickout Crop Pant in Stretch Linen
J.Crew
Petite Hayden Kickout Crop Pant in Stretch Linen
£110

4. Jackets

ASOS Design Petite Collared Luxe Trench Coat in Stone
ASOS Design
Petite Collared Luxe Trench Coat in Stone
£70

Next Black Reversible Faux Fur Aviator Jacket
Next
Black Reversible Faux Fur Aviator Jacket
£60

Boden Victoria Blazer in Navy
Boden
Victoria Blazer in Navy
£110

ASOS Design Petite Cropped Faux Leather Jacket in Khaki
ASOS Design
Petite Cropped Faux Leather Jacket in Khaki
£35

ASOS Design Petite Tie Dye Shacket in Yellow
ASOS Design
Petite Tie Dye Shacket in Yellow
£38

Next up, see our top shopping tips for petite women.