For example, avoid low-rise jeans or drop-waist dresses that make your torso appear longer and shorten your legs.
But sometimes, you should probably push the boundaries to try new trends.
Wide and full, they’re the opposite of slim-line pants or fitted skirts.
Culottes are different from gaucho pants, though sometimes the term is used interchangeably.
If you’re petite, you probably read wide pants and knee-length or lower and recoiled from the screen.
Well, don’t write off culottes just yet or othertrends like maxi skirts, for that matter.
A few styling tips can help shorter-framed individuals pull off these French-inspired trousers.
That leaves a wide range of lengths available for these easy-breezy pants.
If you’re petite, pick culottes that are on the shorter side.
They should end around your knees instead of mid-shin or ankle; more like culottes shorts.
Midi-culottes, hitting below the knee or almost mid-shin, make a better runner-up than maxi or long culottes.
Long culottes may drag down your frame.
Instead of elongating your legs, drapey culottes hide your legs, detracting from the illusion of height.
Most things can be altered.
Those who are savvy with a sewing machine may even be able to do it themselves at home.
It shouldn’t be a big deal if you prefer to send out for your alterations.
In the end, you’ll have a wardrobe piece you love that is custom-made for your height.
Remember when we mentioned that low-rise jeans are usually a no-no?
The same goes for culottes.
High waistlines, or even those that sit at your natural waist, are often better than low rises.
Even if you have a short torso, don’t forgo a higher waist when wearing culottes.
Thankfully, most culottes are often made with a waist that sits north of the belly button.
Additionally, the waist is usually cinched in because culottes have roomy, wide legs.
A form-hugging waistband is another advantage for those with a petite figure.
It’s also ideal for striking the perfect balance between what you wear on top and bottom.
Generally, you’ll want to keep your shirt or blouse pretty fitted.
With baggy trousers and skirts, a petite profile can easily get lost.
Culottes are naturally loose, so balance things out with a more fitted top.
The trick is tucking the front into your waistline.
We love a trendy front knot for highlighting your midpoint and lengthening your legs too.
Using thebutton-down shirt hackfrom TikTok, even a loose dress shirt can complement culottes.
Either trick makes for a more balanced profile.
Well, as much fun as a petite person can have with culottes, that is.
Because typically, you’ll want to keep your trousers pretty tame.
Monochromatic patterns or styles are a great option if you still want to play with design.
Vertical patterns can give you a nice boost in the height illusion department, too.
The last thing is footwear.
Of course, high heels don’t just give the illusion of height but actually add a few inches.
With a warm-weather pant like culottes, block sandals, or2000s-inspired wedge espadrillescan really set your outfit off.
Still, we never want to assume all short-statured individuals like to wear heels.
