Petite Style Guide

Petite Style Guide

We believe that the perfect fit is the most important part of our collection, which is why we spend hours working and fitting to perfection on a petite model.

Our petite collection has been scaled proportionally throughout the body to create truly stylish clothing.

We are the go-to brand for women 5 foot 3 and under looking for elegant occasion wear, beautiful tailoring and sophisticated separates. Instead of selecting a few key pieces to tailor to smaller dimensions, our petite collection is an entirely new range created especially for the petite woman. The collection is cleverly designed with bespoke prints to flatter smaller figures, and is meticulously measured to complement petite proportions.

How to Elongate Your Petite Figure?

There are a number of things a woman 5’3” / 163cm and under can do to try to elongate their figure. Here are some tips for someone with a petite figure to follow:

If you are petite all over then a perfectly proportioned dress is the answer. To showcase your petite figure, make sure hemlines are above or just to the knee, as with our beautifully tailored silk Severine dress.

A panelled or block colour dress will streamline your petite silhouette, like the Martine Dress.

Go for classic cuts to suit your petite silhouette. For example, to showcase your curves pick a fit and flare shape, or for a slender frame pick a chic shift such as our Mirabelle dress.

Shop Petite Dresses

How to Elongate Your Legs?

Fenn Wright Manson’s sharply tailored black or ink trousers paired with high heels are the perfect way to elongate your legs as they streamline your figure.

To lengthen the appearance of your legs, pick a mid-rise waist and tuck your top in, to create the illusion of height. A straight cut such as the Josette trouser, and a higher waist will maximise your petite figure/ will slim the appearance of your overall length.

Maxi dresses and skirts exude effortless elegance. Paired with heels, a maxi skirt can give the illusion of a taller frame. Our new range includes several contemporary maxi styles beautifully proportioned for the petite woman such as the Orianne skirt.

Shop Petite Tops

Shop Petite Trousers

Shop Petite Skirts

How to Find the Right Length of Jacket for Petite Women?

Do you often find sleeves and jackets drown you? If so, you may have a shorter torso. A structured cropped jacket such as our navy and coral Caterine jackets will focus the eye upwards, elongating your upper half. Plus, with our petite styles the arm length will be perfectly tailored for you.

 Shop Petite Jackets

Which Prints Should I Wear as a Petite Lady?

Fenn Wright Manson is renowned for its striking bespoke prints hand-created by our in-house designers. From abstract florals and animal patterns to updates on the timeless polka dot, we have a print to suit your personal style. Our prints are skilfully designed to meet the needs of petite women, so that smaller frames will not be overwhelmed by the bolder prints of our core collection. 

The floral design of the Orianne Collection is cleverly set against a delicate blush-pink hue, while the bold blossom print of the Angelique dress is muted when placed against a navy background. 

Embrace print, however make sure you balance it out by pairing with a colour block garment. This will ensure that the print does not drown your figure, but instead creates the illusion of a longer torso.

Where to Shop for Occasionwear as a Petite Person?

We hope that this has helped you in choosing the optimal way to dress as a petite lady. Shop Fenn Wright Manson’s petite collection of new season styles.

Shop the Petite Range