Where to Buy Petite Work Clothes
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Petite ladies, I know the struggle all too well. The frustration of finding petite work clothes that actually fit. Suits that are too long, skirts that drown you, blouses with sleeves meant for someone twice your size—and don't even get me started on trying to find professional petite dresses that aren't a nightmare to alter. One woman once confessed to me, "I still shop in the kids’ section for my corporate work clothes. I'm so embarrassed, but what do I do? Nothing fits!"
If this hits close to home, you’re not alone. But trust me, it doesn’t have to be this way. Dressing for work should be empowering, not frustrating. Let’s dive into why wearing the right clothes matters and how you can take control of your work wardrobe without the headaches.
Why Dressing in Appropriate Clothes for Work is Important
1. First Impressions Matter
The saying "dress for success" exists for a reason. Your clothes are the first thing people notice when they meet you, and you want to project professionalism. For petite women, this means clothes that fit well, are appropriate, and make you feel confident.
2. Boosting Confidence
When you look good, you feel good. Well-fitting, professional clothing can give you that extra boost of confidence needed to ace a presentation or nail an interview. The right outfit should empower you to walk into any room with your head held high.
3. Reflecting Your Capabilities
Dressing well shows that you take your role seriously and that you respect the job you're doing. If you appear put-together, your colleagues and clients will assume that your work is, too. It sends a signal that you're capable and ready to take on responsibilities.
4. Professionalism and Respect
Wearing appropriate clothing in the workplace reflects not just your respect for the job but also for those around you. It shows that you understand and adhere to the professional standards of your industry.
5. Setting Boundaries and Expectations
Your attire can communicate subtle boundaries. When you're dressed professionally, you set a standard for how you expect to be treated, both by colleagues and superiors.
10 Things Petite Women Must Avoid When Dressing for Work
1. Lack of Grooming
Ladies, grooming matters. Make sure your hair is clean and styled for the week. Take care of shaving or waxing, and don’t forget moisturising. Nothing says "I’ve got it together" like a polished appearance.
2. Overly Large Accessories
Everything already feels big on us, so there’s no need to amplify it. Stick to dainty accessories that complement your petite frame—less is more when it comes to jewellery and handbags.
3. Settling for ill-Fitting Clothes
One of the biggest pitfalls we fall into is accepting clothes that don’t fit. Altering your garments or shopping from petite clothing brands is essential. Yes, it may cost more, but the difference is night and day. Follow and support petite brands—they understand your needs better than anyone.
4. Wearing Denim
While jeans can be tempting, they rarely belong in the office. Opt for tailored trousers or dresses instead. Denim tends to look too casual, especially when we’re working to command attention as professionals.
5. Too Revealing or Too Tight Clothes
Work isn’t the place for skin-tight or revealing outfits. You want to look polished, not unprofessional. Make sure your clothes are modest and leave a positive impression.
6. Overly High Heels
Yes, I know we’re short—but please, avoid those towering heels. Not only do they throw off your balance, but they also look disproportionate. Instead, embrace kitten heels or delicate flats that complement your height.
7. Large Tote Bags
Big totes can swallow you whole. Stick to smaller bags that fit your work essentials (laptop, water bottle, wallet...). A small, structured handbag will look proportionate and chic, rather than overwhelming.
8. Ignoring Proper Undergarments
Proper undergarments can make or break an outfit. Avoid visible panty lines or bras that don’t offer enough support. Invest in the right pieces that enhance your figure without showing through your clothes.
9. Wearing Clothes in Poor Condition
Your wardrobe should always be in top shape—no pilling, fading, or loose threads. Ensure your clothes are well-maintained to avoid looking shabby.
10. Un-ironed or Wrinkled Clothing
Nothing says "unprepared" like wrinkled clothes. Make sure everything is neatly ironed before heading into the office. A little attention to detail goes a long way.
10 Things Petite Women Should Do to Embrace Their Femininity, Short Stature, and Elegance in the Workplace
1. Wear Midi Dresses
When in doubt, reach for a petite midi dress. It’s universally flattering for petite women and hits just the right length, making you look polished and professional.
2. Shop Petite Brands
The days of endless tailoring are over. Petite brands like House of Arti design specifically for our frames. You’ll find clothes that fit beautifully straight off the rack.
3. Invest in Quality Pieces
You wear your work clothes more than anything else, so they should be top-quality. Invest in durable, well-crafted garments that will last.
4. Prioritise Comfort
Choose natural fibres like cotton and silk for ultimate comfort. Also, look for pieces with a little stretch/ a-line silhouette, like shirt dresses, so you can move freely throughout the day.
5. Invest in Proper Undergarments
Support is everything. Ensure your undergarments fit perfectly and enhance your silhouette. It’s the foundation of any good outfit.
6. Stick to Dainty Accessories
Accessorise with delicate pieces that complement your petite frame. When in doubt, stick to the basics like silver, gold, or rose gold to match your undertone.
7. Embrace Tailoring
If something doesn’t fit perfectly, don’t be afraid to tailor it. Altering a piece to fit your body can make all the difference in how you look and feel.
8. Play with Proportions
Experiment with proportions to highlight your assets. Pairing fitted tops with flowing skirts, for example, can create a balanced and flattering silhouette.
9. Stick to Neutral Colours
Neutral colours are timeless and professional. They make mixing and matching easier and always look polished.
10. Emphasise Your Waist
Define your waist to create a flattering, proportionate silhouette. High-waisted trousers or belted dresses work wonders for petite figures.
Where to Buy Work Clothes for Petites
Finding the right brand can be a game-changer. Here are a few options to consider:
House of Arti
Of course, I have to mention my own brand, House of Arti. We specialize in creating designer tailored, elegant workwear specifically for petite and extra-petite women. Our pieces are designed with your proportions in mind, so you can avoid constant tailoring and feel confident straight away.
With us you can shop your garment size (xs, s, m, l, xl) within your height range:
- Extra-petite: 1.4m-1.49m/ 4f 7.1"-4f 11"
- Petite: 1.5m-1.59m/ 4f 11.1"-5f 2.6"
Petite Studio
This New York-based brand focuses solely on petites, offering trendy and professional options perfect for the modern workplace.
LOFT
LOFT has an excellent selection of petite-friendly workwear at a reasonable price point, making it a great go-to for everyday office looks.
Shopping from petite brands is crucial for ensuring a proper fit. These brands understand the specific needs of shorter women, making you look polished, classy, and professional without having to constantly alter your clothes.
Dressing as a petite woman in the workplace doesn’t have to be a struggle. By embracing brands that understand your proportions and following the style tips above, you can look professional, polished, and ready to conquer any challenge. Remember, it’s not about trying to fit into someone else’s idea of what you should look like—it’s about celebrating your unique stature and embracing your personal style. So, head out, shop smart, and dress for the job you want!
Must read follow up story, and the reason why dressing for success is important for us petites: Why are shorter women belittled in the work place: paid less, promoted less, respected less.
