Petite capsule wardrobe will be helpful for those who have a petite frame and have trouble looking for the right clothes for them. Generally those who are categorised as petite are shorter than 5 feet 4 inches (163cm). However, you can be petite and plus size.
Have you ever felt like you have nothing to wear when in reality you have many clothes you can choose from? One of the reasons is you might buy clothes because it’s trendy. Capsule wardrobes are one of the solutions for that problem.
Timeless colors like black, white and neutral are the best for capsule wardrobes. However if you are a fan of colors and would love to add colors in your wardrobe, you just need to follow these steps for a colorful capsule wardrobe!
In this post I will be sharing 14 essential items every petite needs in their capsule wardrobe and tips on how to dress as a petite lady.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
Capsule wardrobe consists of essential clothing pieces that can be worn with one another to create a variety of outfits. These are items you love and you can see yourself wearing them over and over again on different days with different looks.
In order to build a capsule wardrobe, you don’t need to throw away every thing you currently own. You can just identify the pieces you wear the most and start from there. The main purpose for a capsule wardrobe is to own less and wear more.
Tips for Petite Capsule Wardrobe
There are tips and tricks on how to flatter your petite body. From patterns to the fitting of the clothes, you can find the right one to have the perfect petite capsule wardrobe that you love!
Pick the correct neckline
Lower necklines are good for petites because it gives the illusion that you are taller than you actually are. Pick lower necklines especially if you have a short neck. This will elongate the neck and change your proportion.
Go for small patterns and prints
Small patterns and prints are the best for petites as it won’t make you look even smaller than you are. Big prints may make you look even shorter which we would like to avoid. If you’d like to wear big prints, you have to keep proportions in mind.
Choose high waisted bottoms
High waisted bottoms are great because they elevate your waistline and therefore will elongate your legs. It gives an illusion that you have long legs and you will look taller instantly.
Practice the Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is a rule for composing visual images such as designs, films, paintings, and photographs. The rules have been used widely in design, from photography to fashion. The Golden Ratio is 1/3 and 2/3 and it is said to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. You can apply this rule on your outfit. For example, crop tops with baggy jeans and baggy sweaters with mini skirts.
What Not to Wear for Petites
These are guidelines on what clothing pieces you should avoid wearing if you have a petite frame. Generally, the items listed don’t look as good on petite frames as opposed to those who are taller. However, you can make it look good when you learn how to apply the rule of thirds in your outfits.
- Avoid drop waist clothing pieces – Drop waist clothing may make your waist appear shorter therefore makes your upper body look longer and your legs shorter.
- Cropped Pants – Generally, petites should avoid cropped pants as they tend to make your frame shorter.
- Oversized Everything – Baggy clothes tend to hide your body shape which makes you look even shorter.
- Big Handbags – It’s all about proportions. If you wear a big handbag, it will look like the bag is wearing you instead of you’re wearing them.
- Ankle strap shoes – Ankle strap shoes visually divide your bottom part of your leg right at the ankle which will make you appear shorter.
Essential Items in a Petite Capsule Wardrobe
Capsule wardrobes usually consist of staple pieces that are versatile and can be paired with one another to create multiple outfits for different occasions. Below I listed 14 essential pieces in a petite capsule wardrobe that are timeless and can be worn all season!
1. Jumpsuits
Jumpsuits are a great staple piece that can be worn for any occasion and it is easy to style. You can dress it up or dress it down by changing your accessories like bags and shoes. Choose solid colours or vertical stripes to elongate the body.
2. High Waisted Jeans
High waisted bottoms are petites’ best friend! It elevates the waistline and will lengthen the legs to appear taller. Jeans are another staple piece in any capsule wardrobe. It is a versatile piece that can be paired with anything and you will definitely look good in it.
3. High Waisted Trousers
Another staple piece in the capsule wardrobe is high waisted trousers. It is great for formal occasions or whenever you feel like looking all put together! Pair them with a button down shirt and nude pumps and you will instantly look smart.
4. High Waisted Skirts
No matter if its mini, midi or maxi skirts, opt for a high waisted one. This will create an illusion that your legs are longer than they actually are.
5. Crop Top
Crop tops will draw the eye upwards and this creates an illusion that you have a short torso and longer legs and you will instantly look taller. This is also a staple piece that is great for layering and even on its own.
6. Cropped Jacket
Cropped jacket also has the same effect of lengthening the legs and can instantly give extra inches to your height! You can style a cropped jacket in any way, dress up or dress down.
7. V-neck T-shirts
T-shirts are a must-have in any capsule wardrobe but V-neck t-shirts are especially better for petites as it elongates your neckline and creates an illusion that you are taller.
8. Strap Dress or Cami Dress
The more skin you show around your neck area, the better as it can lengthen your body. Strap dress and cami dress are versatile pieces that can be worn in any season. You can wear it on its own or layer it with outerwear or innerwear.
9. Wrap Dresses
Wrap dresses are great to show off your curves. It is a great clothing piece for petites as it will flatter the body frame. This is a great staple piece for summer! It is effortlessly cute and pretty.
10. Small to Medium Handbags
Handbags are staples for every wardrobe. It can complete the whole look and adds glam into the whole outfit. Small to medium handbags are the best size for petites as it won’t overshadow your small figure.
11. Low Cut Vamps
Low cut vamps are great for petites as they lengthen the legs and give extra inches to your height! You can also style them with anything and instantly look glamorous. It is one of the must-haves in a petite capsule wardrobe.
12. Ankle Boots
Boots are the go-to shoes for cozy weather. Ankle boots are especially a must-have for those who have a petite body frame. It doesn’t cut off at weird positions and it helps make the legs appear longer as well.
13. Slingback Sandals
Sandals are easy to style and are a versatile piece. One of the staples for the summer season! Slingback sandals are amazing for petite ladies as it is light and not chunky. It doesn’t make your whole body look stumpy.
14. Pointed Toe Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are also one of the staples in any capsule wardrobe. It is easy and versatile to style. You can wear it any day and any time. Opt for neutral colors like nude as it is timeless and relevant every season.
Petite Capsule Wardrobe Checklist
This is a guideline on how many pieces you should have for every essential item in your capsule wardrobe. You may adjust the list accordingly based on your lifestyle and needs. Keep in mind capsule wardrobes exist to help you own less and wear more. So only get enough pieces that are versatile and can be paired with one another.
Tops
- V-neck tshirts x 3
- Crop tops x 3
- Cropped jacket x 2
- Fitted button down shirts x 2
Bottoms
- High waisted trousers x 2
- High waisted jeans x 2
- High waisted mini skirt x 2
- High waisted midi skirts x 2
One piece
- Jumpsuits x 3
- Wrap dresses x 2
- Strap dresses x 2
- Cami dresses x 2
Bags
- Small bags x 2
- Medium bags x 2
Shoes
- Low cut vamps x 1
- Ankle boots x 1
- Slingback sandals x 1
- Pointed toe ballet flats x 1
Petite Capsule Wardrobe Outfit Ideas
I made a visual guideline on how you can style all the items in this capsule wardrobe to help you. This is a great way to see how you can style one item with another to create multiple outfits for different occasions.
The pieces in your petite capsule wardrobe should be versatile and can be paired with one another. You can pair crop tops with a skirt or jeans and complete the look with your choice of shoes like slingback shoes or pointed toe ballet flats.
You can wear dresses and jumpsuits as its own and you will still look amazing. However, you can also layer them with a jacket or blazer when the season gets colder. Complete the look with ankle boots or low cut vamps.
It is best to choose solid colors for pieces in your petite capsule wardrobe as it is timeless and relevant throughout the seasons.
How Small Should a Petite Capsule Wardrobe Be?
There are not set numbers on how many pieces you should have in a capsule wardrobe. It all depends on your lifestyle. Ideally, you need 25 to 50 pieces to create enough pieces that can last you a long time. You may adjust your capsule wardrobe every season to suit the weather.
