As a 5’1 Girlie, These Are the 10 Style Tips That I Swear By To Help Me Look More Put Together

Photo Credit:@whatgigiwears

Girl,let’s be real—as a 5’1 petite girlie I can say that it has its perks. You get extra leg room on planes. You can shop in the kids’ section and no one will know. And you’ve never hit your head on a cabinet in your life.

But let’s not pretend it’s all sunshine and clearance racks.

Because sometimes, finding jeans that don’t bunch at the ankles feels like a miracle. And let’s not even talk about maxi dresses that look more like floor dusters than fashion moments. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Why do I look like I shrunk in the wash?”—same.

But the good news? You don’t need to grow 5 inches or live in 5-inch heels to look taller. These 10 style tricks work overtime to help you appear longer, leaner, and more put together—even when you’re just running errands.

Let’s get into it.

Also grab our 365 Outfit Prompts here so you’ll always know what to wear—no matter the season or your size.

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1. Go for One Color Head to Toe

This is the easiest trick in the book. Wearing one color (or shades of the same color) from top to bottom creates one long visual line, making you look taller instantly. Matching sets, jumpsuits, and even coordinating loungewear are perfect for this.

Express

Body Contour Compression High Neck Bodysuit

$34.00

Express

High Waisted Relaxed Trouser

$88

2. High-Waisted Bottoms Are Your MVP

High-waisted pants are a petite girl’s secret weapon. They give the illusion that your legs start way higher than they actually do. Whether you love wide-leg trousers, straight jeans, or chic skirts—go high or go home.

Tip: If you have a short torso, balance it with a cropped or tucked-in top.

Abercrombie

Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean

$90

Abercrombie

Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean

$90

3. Say Yes to Pointed-Toe Shoes

Even flats can give you a little lift if they’re pointed. Pointed-toe shoes extend the line of your leg, unlike rounded ones that can cut it short.

Bonus points if they’re nude or close to your skin tone—they make your legs look even longer.

The Bow Point II

$165

Amazon

Pointed Toe Loafers

$36.99

4. Tailoring Is a Game Changer

Petite-friendly brands are great. But a tailor? Even better. A small tweak to your pants, sleeves, or blazer length can make your outfit look 10x more expensive—and way more flattering.

No tailor? Try hemming tape for a quick fix (Amazon to the rescue).

Amazon

Casual Long Sleeve Lapel Open Front Suit Jacket

$49.99

Nordstrom

The Curator Relaxed Blazer

$149

5. Choose Smaller Bags

We love a statement tote, but let’s be honest—giant bags can overwhelm a petite frame. Stick to mini to medium-sized purses to stay in proportion and let your outfit shine.

Look for: Crossbody bags, top handle satchels, or small shoulder bags.

Amazon

Top-Handle Purse

$35.99

Amazon

Quilted Crossbody Tote Bag

$24.99

6. Add Structure with Cropped Jackets

Oversized blazers are cute, but they can easily swallow a smaller frame. Cropped jackets that hit at the waist help define your shape and make your legs look longer.

Layer over: Bodysuits, tanks, or a simple fitted tee.

Amazon

Cropped Bomber Jacket

$45.99

Amazon

Cropped Trench Coat

$60.99

7. Stick to Clean, Straight Details

Forget the fashion lingo. Here’s what works: long hemlines, clean seams, and sleek cuts. That means no chunky ruffles, oversized pleats, or anything too busy up top. You want pieces that visually glide down the body—not out to the sides.

Express

Mixed Media V-Neck Sleeveless Drop Waist Midi Dress

$98.00

8. Tuck Your Tops (Even Just a Little)

A French tuck or full tuck is a petite styling staple. It creates the illusion of longer legs and a more defined waist. Letting your shirt hang loose can make you look boxy or shorter than you are.

Tip: Use a bodysuit or a fitted tank as your base—no tucking required.

Amazon

Baggy Barrel Jeans

$39.99

Amazon

Crew Neck Sleeveless Body Suit

$26.99

9. Go Monochrome (Again)

Yes, I’m saying it twice because it’s just that good. If you don’t know what to wear, pick one color and build from there. Even neutrals like white, gray, or camel can look sleek when styled all in one tone.

Bonus: Matching sets are everywhere right now.

Amazon

Vest Top & Flowy Maxi Skirt

$45.99

10. Check Yourself Before You Wreck Your Look

Before you leave the house, give your outfit one last look in the mirror. Are your proportions working? Is your bag too bulky? Are your sleeves eating your arms? A quick mirror check saves you from an outfit regret spiral later.

Amazon

Long Sleeve Button Down Shirt Short Set

$55.99

Looking taller isn’t about tricking the world—it’s about feeling confident in your clothes. And when your outfit works with your frame (instead of against it), you show up a little taller, a little bolder, and a lot more you.

Want more style tips like this? Grab our 365 Outfit Prompts here so you’ll always know what to wear—no matter the season or your size.