Where to Buy College Outfits for Petites (Our 12 Go-To Stores) (2023)

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.

This post will show you where to buy college outfits for petites.

Where to Buy College Outfits for Petites (Our 12 Go-To Stores) (1)

Are you looking for some fun new outfits to fill your college wardrobe? Shopping for college clothing is always fun, but it can be more difficult for those with specific sizing requirements.

For example, if you need petite sizes, it can be a lot more challenging to find clothing that will fit you (and is also cute). However, many clothing brands have altered their size ranges to include many more sizes to help you find the perfect fit for your body.

And don’t worry because these clothing brands are some of the most popular and trendy, so you will still be able to wear cute outfits that you love.

If you’re a petite girl looking for cute outfits, you will benefit from checking out this list of the 12 best places to buy college outfits for petites. Below, I will show you all the brands you should consider when filling up your closet as a petite woman.

Table of Contents

(Video) Petite Girl Fashion | Short Girl Styling Tips | Jhanvi Bhatia

Best Stores for Petite Shoppers

1. Ann Taylor

Where to Buy College Outfits for Petites (Our 12 Go-To Stores) (2)

Ann Taylor is one of the best clothing brands to find petite sizes! They carry sophisticated, classic clothing items, so if you want some classy pieces to add to your college wardrobe, this store will be the perfect fit.

For example, this super cute petite ribbed v-neck flutter sleeve top is just one of the many different kinds of petite clothing items this store carries that you could add to your college wardrobe!

2. Express

Where to Buy College Outfits for Petites (Our 12 Go-To Stores) (3)

Another great option for petite clothing that I highly recommend you check out is Express! This store is popular among young women, and much of its popularity comes from its professional clothing.

Express is a great place for all of your professional clothing needs, so if you are looking for some professional pieces to add to your college wardrobe, such as for a job interview you may have coming up, this store will be perfect for you! Almost everything is available in a petite size.

For example, this columnist high-waisted knit ankle pant is a great choice for those of us looking for some stylish, professional petite clothing for our wardrobe!

3. J.Crew

Where to Buy College Outfits for Petites (Our 12 Go-To Stores) (4)

One other great place that I recommend you check out for petite clothing is J.Crew! J.Crew also has more sophisticated clothing, but it also has some classic pieces that you will love adding to your wardrobe for college!

For example, this petite chambray shirt would be a great addition to your wardrobe since it’s a timeless piece you’ll have forever.

4. Princess Polly

Where to Buy College Outfits for Petites (Our 12 Go-To Stores) (5)

Most of us have probably shopped at Princess Polly before because of how popular this store is among college-age women. But what a lot of us may not have known is that Princess Polly also carries tons of petite clothing!

For example, this petite Katrina mini dress black would be a super cute addition to your wardrobe for college and will make sure you are keeping up with the latest trendy clothing items.

(Video) HOW TO LOOK TALLER: Outfit Ideas For Petites Ep. 7

So, if you are looking for all things trendy, definitely check out Princess Polly for petite clothing that will make sure you look stylish while in college!

5. Anthropologie

Where to Buy College Outfits for Petites (Our 12 Go-To Stores) (6)

Anthropologie is another clothing store that most people don’t realize carries petite sizes! If you have a bohemian sense of style, you absolutely need to check out this store and its killer petite selection.

For example, you will love these gauze balloon pants from Anthropologie that will give you something casual to wear for everyday looks while in college.

6. Reformation

Where to Buy College Outfits for Petites (Our 12 Go-To Stores) (7)

Reformation is another great place to shop for petite clothing items! Many people may not have thought this store carries petite clothing, but — surprise — they do.

Reformation is the perfect place to get some super cute dresses and outfits for your college wardrobe. For example, you will adore this petites baxley dress. How stunning is the cut?

While Reformation is expensive, they’re a fantastic brand with sustainability and quality in mind. Translation: You will have their pieces in your wardrobe for decades to come.

7. Abercrombie & Fitch

Where to Buy College Outfits for Petites (Our 12 Go-To Stores) (8)

Everyone has heard of Abercrombie & Fitch. This store has been around for years now. And now, it has made a comeback as one of the most popular stores for college students!

Abercrombie was once famous for its branded clothing, but now it has switched to trendy and classy pieces you will love for your college outfits, such as this wool-blend dad coat.

This coat is the perfect addition to your wardrobe if you go to college in a cooler state. And, of course, this stunning coat comes in petite sizes!

(Video) How NOT to Look Like A Tourist While Traveling To Europe This Summer

So, if this looks like a piece you would like to add to your wardrobe, make sure also to check out some of Abercrombie’s other petite clothing items.

8. Banana Republic

Where to Buy College Outfits for Petites (Our 12 Go-To Stores) (9)

Banana Republic is also another clothing store that you could totally shop at when looking to add petite pieces to your college wardrobe.

Not only does Banana Republic have fancier pieces for when you may have events to attend while in college, but also they carry more casual clothing that will add class to your everyday outfits.

A great example is this petite baby terry romper that would be the perfect addition to your college wardrobe that you could wear to class or lounging around.

So, if you are looking for petite outfits that cover all your clothing needs while in college, check out Banana Republic’s petite section!

9. ASOS

Where to Buy College Outfits for Petites (Our 12 Go-To Stores) (10)

ASOS is a very popular online store for younger women because it has tons of brands and clothing items you can choose from! There is truly something for everyone here.

And they even have clothing specifically for petites, so you will have no trouble finding the right size while shopping at ASOS.

For example, you will be obsessed with these petite oversized cargo pants with multi pockets that would be a great addition to your wardrobe for some trendy everyday looks.

10. Aerie

Where to Buy College Outfits for Petites (Our 12 Go-To Stores) (11)

Aerie has also become a popular clothing store among college students because it carries super cute casual and comfy items, such as this smocked cross-back mini dress!

(Video) 10 Classic French Wardrobe Essentials You Will Want To Have In Your Closet Now!

This would be an adorable addition to your college wardrobe and will ensure you have a super cute dress to wear for more special occasions while in college.

And this dress does come in petite sizes, so there is no need to worry about finding your perfect fit. Also, check out some of Aerie’s other super cute petite items to add to your college wardrobe! Their selection is great.

11. Loft

Where to Buy College Outfits for Petites (Our 12 Go-To Stores) (12)

If you are looking for a clothing brand that will give you some cute and classy everyday outfits for you to wear while in college, I recommend checking out Loft.

Loft, the younger brand from Ann Taylor, has some adorable clothing pieces in petite sizes that you will be obsessed with for your everyday looks while in college, such as this super cute petite patchwork tie-neck puff sleeve top.

This top will be perfect for everyday looks or for fancier occasions. Loft is one of my favorite places to shop for pieces that toe the line between business casual and every day, and their petite selection is just the icing on the cake.

12. Topshop

Where to Buy College Outfits for Petites (Our 12 Go-To Stores) (13)

If you are a fan of Topshop, you will be happy to know that they have a decent variety of petite clothing!

A great example is this super cute petite button-down tonal floral rose v-neck mini tea dress in pink.

You will love wearing this while in college, and it will be exactly what you need for any special events that you need to attend.

So, make sure to check out this adorable dress along with some of the other petite clothing items that Topshop offers for your new college wardrobe!

(Video) Plan Your London Adventure Including Lot's of Free Activities - June 2023 Events Guide

Which stores from this list have the best college outfits for petites?

What kind of outfits do you like to wear while in college? What stores will you be shopping in to find your college outfits?

FAQs

What height is considered petite? ›

What Height Is Considered Petite? Petite sizes are designed for women 5'4” and under, regardless of their size. In the petite category, sizes range from extra-small to plus-size. They also have a “P” label to illustrate a smaller and proportioned fit.

Why is petite clothing more expensive? ›

But the difference in production cost isn't just due to the amount of fabric used; it's about the expense incurred in adjusting the pattern, and whether more time and skill are required for specific sizes. (This is why petite clothing, which use less fabric, cost more than their “regular” counterparts.

What are petite clothes? ›

Petite clothing is designed to fit women shorter than 164cm to cater for narrower shoulders and shorter vertical proportions. Petite clothing is specialised at the cutting stage of the garment where unique pattern blocks are used compared to the fashion industry standard.

Does petite mean short? ›

In terms of fashion and clothing, the term “petite” describes clothing to fit women of shorter height, typically 5′ 4″ or under. Occasionally, you'll see the term “petite” meaning thin, dainty, or small.

Is 5 ft 4 short for a girl? ›

The average height of women varies around the world. In the U.S., the average woman is around 5 feet 4 inches.

Can a 5 7 girl be petite? ›

Many believe that petite just means being 5'3” or shorter. The truth is, petite is a proportion and not just a size. You could be 4'll or you could be 5'7 and still be considered petite. It's a fact that a woman who is 5'7” could possibly need to wear petite tops or bottoms if she has a shorter torso or leg length.

Is petite smaller or just shorter? ›

When most people hear the word "petite," they assume it means "tiny." To be clear, while "petite" does mean small, in terms of clothing, it refers to a specific height size range that is made to fit those who are shorter.

Is being petite healthy? ›

Longer Lives

According to the BBC, petite bodies would need less resources to support themselves, which in turn reduces the accumulation of toxic by-products. In studies quoted, shorter people lived on average 2 years more than the taller counterparts or even 0.7 years more per centimeter shorter.

What is the difference between petite and short? ›

The difference between our petite and short is the rise and cut. The inseam and the cut of the pants in petite are smaller than our short for a petite person. The short is simply shorter in length and cut the same as our regular. What is the inseam length on petite vs regular short?

What size is a 12 petite? ›

PETITES
SIZE0P12P
WAIST24½31
HIP34½41

What is a petite shape? ›

Petite means you have a shorter scale but you still have the attributes of one or more of the 5 body shapes, hourglass, pear, strawberry, rectangle or apple. The problems petite ladies find when buying clothes is sleeve length, trouser length and waistlines not being in the right place.

Is petite and slim the same? ›

Slender, for example, means 'slim and graceful': She was small and slender, like a dancer. Lean describes someone who is slim and strong: Long-distance runners are usually fairly lean. Petite, which is positive in tone, means 'short and slim' and is only used for women and girls.

Should I call a girl petite? ›

The adjective petite is used to describe a small woman. When you call someone petite, it's usually meant as a compliment — implying that she is dainty and adorable. Many clothing stores offer petite sizes for women who are short.

Do petite sizes run smaller in the waist? ›

Although it might feel like it, being petite doesn't just mean you've got short legs. You're a bit shorter all over. Petite sizing adjusts everything proportionately. That means the waist sits higher, the shoulders are narrower, and the sleeves are shorter, as well as the shorter inside leg (cries in 27 inches).

Am I petite or tall? ›

For example, women who are around 5 foot three inches or shorter are thought of as “petite”. Women who are between 5′ 5″ and 5′ 7″ are thought of as “regular” height. Women who are 5′ 8″ and taller are “tall”.

What age do girls stop growing? ›

Girls usually stop growing and reach adult height by 14 or 15 years old, or a couple years after menstruation begins. Learn more about growth in girls, what to expect when it happens, and when you may want to call your child's pediatrician.

What height do guys like for a girl? ›

A study on women's and men's height preferences found that women are most satisfied when their partner was 8 inches (21cm) taller. Men are most satisfied when they are 3 inches (8cm) taller than their partners. Another study found that among men, 13.5 percent prefer to date only women shorter than them.

How tall is a small girl? ›

Women between 5 feet 2 inches and 5 feet 9 inches make up around 68% of the population. Therefore, a lady is often regarded as short if she is under 4 feet 10 inches tall and tall if she is over 6 feet tall. Simply put, a woman is considered short if she is under 5 feet 3 inches tall.

Can you be petite and curvy? ›

If you are short and curvy, finding the flattering outfits can be a challenge. The two primary goals of styling a petite and curvy woman is to elongate your short frame and wear clothes that can make you look taller and leaner.

How long is petite short? ›

Petite women are typically 5'3 and under, with a pants inseam of 27 inches or less. There's a common misconception that being petite indicates a certain weight. This is not true – a petite size is measured solely by one's height.

Can I wear petite if I'm tall? ›

Depending on the measurements of your arms, legs, or torso, petite sizing may in fact fit you best even if you're as tall as 5'9”. That's because, with petite sizing, it's all about proportions.

Is it a skinny woman or petite? ›

Petite refers to stature, anyone under 5′5″ is considered petite. Skinny refers to body mass or size. For example if a woman is 5′8″ and wears a size 2, she would be skinny but not petite. If she was 5′1″ and wore a 14p she would be petite but not skinny.

What does petite woman mean? ›

adjective. relating to or being a woman who is short and has a small, trim figure; diminutive: She is a petite brunette. The sash accentuates her petite waist. small; little: I usually buy frozen petite peas.

What is misses size? ›

Misses sizes are designed to fit ladies who are somewhat thin. Misses apparel is designed to suit women with average busts and hips and is cut to the same length as regular women's or plus-sized clothing.

Is it harder to lose weight if you're petite? ›

More lean muscle means higher BMR and faster weight loss. Besides, short people also have less muscle as compared to taller people. Both of these factors make it difficult for short people to shed kilos faster than those who are taller.

Can petite girls give birth normally? ›

Petite women can absolutely have safe vaginal births; body size is not the only factor that weighs into a woman's ability to safely deliver vaginally.

Do petite people eat less? ›

So yes-shorter people have to eat less than taller people to lose weight in general. But height isn't the only factor that determines how many calories you burn per day. Sleep habits, genetics, hormonal health, exercise, dieting history, and exercise also play roles here, says Dr.

What type of jeans are best for petite? ›

Usually, if you're on the shorter side, you should look for something in the 23-inch to 27-inch range for skinny to slim-cut jeans. Wider-cut jeans will naturally have a longer inseam, though, like the Loft Petite Flare Jeans, which have a 29.5-inch inseam, so don't worry if you notice a longer length on these styles.

Is 5 2 petite for a woman? ›

What Height is Considered Petite. If you are under 5'4″, then you are typically considered petite. The average height of American women is 5'4”.

Do skinny jeans look good on short legs? ›

Skinny and straight-leg jeans are the number one most recommended silhouette for short girls because the way they hug the legs creates a lengthening illusion. They also make hips look narrower and legs skinnier, which in effect makes the wearer look taller.

What is the difference between 12 petite and 12 short? ›

A: 12 petite short is much narrower all around than 12 short. I wear a 12 short and cannot fit into a 12 petite short because it's way too tight everywhere. I'm 5'3" and did not notice much difference in the length between both sizes.

Is a size 12 a small or medium? ›

I WONDER HOW MUCH IT SHRINKS?
WOMEN'S SIZES:
Size:Hips:
Small4-635-36"
Medium8-1037-38"
Large12-1439-41"
2 more rows

How do you know if you have a petite body? ›

A petite body type is categorised by several factors, but typically height determines it. If you're 5'3” or under you'd be classified as petite.

What body type is a petite model? ›

Female measurements: Petite female models are usually between 5'2” and 5'6” with slightly smaller hip and chest sizes than their straight-size counterparts.

What do you call a skinny girl? ›

Some common synonyms of skinny are gaunt, lanky, lank, lean, rawboned, scrawny, and spare. While all these words mean "thin because of an absence of excess flesh," scrawny and skinny imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality.

What do you call a very skinny person? ›

Definitions of emaciated. adjective. very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold. synonyms: bony, cadaverous, gaunt, haggard, pinched, skeletal, wasted lean, thin. lacking excess flesh.

What is a word for skinny but strong? ›

Someone who is sinewy has a lean body with strong muscles.

Do guys like tall or petite girls? ›

While men might see taller women as more conventionally attractive — and even more intelligent — than shorter women, men find the latter to be “more nurturing and likely to be better mothers.” According to Dobson, “men believed that shorter women were more considerate, nurturing and homely.”

How do you dress if you are a petite or a short woman? ›

Short, fitted outer garments that do not fall on the hip. Avoid horizontal stripes. Stay away from oversized garments and don't excessively layer. If you do want to layer pieces, keep voluminous layers in check by wearing a belt.

What is the opposite of petite? ›

▲ (big) Opposite of having a physically small size or stature. big. extra-large. giant.

What length should petite jeans be? ›

So, what does inseam mean?
SkinnyStraight
Petite 5'3″ or less25″ – 27″27″
Average 5'4″ to 5'7″28″ – 30″28″ – 32″
Tall 5'8″ and above31″ – 34″32″ – 34″
1 more row

What's the difference between misses and petite? ›

MISSES': About 5'5" (165 cm) to 5'6" (168 cm) height. MISSES' PETITE: About 5'2" (157 cm) to 5'3" (160 cm) height.

Should I get short or regular pants? ›

In general, low rise pants are best for casual looks (think jeans), and they're not for everyone. If you have short legs and a long torso, stay away from low rise pants. Unless your legs are much longer than your torso, you should stick with regular rise pants for business casual and formal wear.

Is it prettier to be tall or short? ›

Study after study has found that taller men and women are generally considered more attractive.

How tall is too tall for petite? ›

What Height Is Considered Petite? Petite sizes are designed for women 5'4” and under, regardless of their size. In the petite category, sizes range from extra-small to plus-size. They also have a “P” label to illustrate a smaller and proportioned fit.

How to look tall for short girl? ›

Short Girl Problems: How to Dress to Appear Taller
  1. DON'T BE AFRAID TO WEAR A MAXI SKIRT. ...
  2. BUT DON'T BE AFRAID TO WEAR A SHORT SKIRT EITHER! ...
  3. MONOCHROME. ...
  4. VERTICAL STRIPES. ...
  5. ACCESSORISE TO YOUR BODY SIZE. ...
  6. STICK WITH SKINNY BELTS. ...
  7. V-NECKS ARE YOUR FRIEND. ...
  8. LOW-CUT VAMP HEELS.

Is 5 3 petite or regular? ›

Petite women are typically 5'3 and under, with a pants inseam of 27 inches or less. There's a common misconception that being petite indicates a certain weight. This is not true – a petite size is measured solely by one's height.

Why is 5 4 considered petite? ›

Petite size is a standard clothing size designed to fit women of shorter height, typically shorter than 162 cm (5 ft 4 in). So, petite is really just talking about the height, and not referring to the weight. That means you can be petite and skinny just as much as you can be petite and curvy.

Is 5 ft 2 short for a girl? ›

Originally Answered: Is 5'2 really short for a female? The average female height worldwide is 5'3 and the average female height in America is 5'4 so yes 5'2 is short for a woman because it's below the average heights.

Can you be 5 9 and petite? ›

What height is considered petite? Petite is about proportion. So you can be considered petite if you are 5'3" or 5'9"!

What size is petite girl? ›

Petite sizes are designed for women 162 cm (5 ft 4 in) and under, regardless of their physical body shape or weight. Many clothing stores cater their petite sized styles to people who are 162 cm (5 ft 3.75 in) or shorter.

Is short longer than petite? ›

The difference between our petite and short is the rise and cut. The inseam and the cut of the pants in petite are smaller than our short for a petite person. The short is simply shorter in length and cut the same as our regular. What is the inseam length on petite vs regular short?

What is the average height for a petite woman? ›

For tops, petite clothes tend to have smaller shoulders, shorter torsos, and shorter sleeves than other size categories. Also, trousers for petite women are shorter than most others. In summary, if your height falls anywhere less than 5'3” or 5'4”, you can proudly call yourself a petite lady.

How short is considered short? ›

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, short stature means an estimated final height below 5 feet 3 inches for boys or 4 feet 11 inches for girls. The average height in the United States is 5 feet 8 inches for men and 5 feet 4 inches for women.

What dress size is considered skinny? ›

A size 6 is slim. Average (depending on which source you reference) is between 12-16. Of course a size 12 looks much different on a woman who is 5' tall compared to a 5'11” woman. A 6 on a 5' tall woman would look average.

Is tall bigger than petite? ›

For example, women who are around 5 foot three inches or shorter are thought of as “petite”. Women who are between 5′ 5″ and 5′ 7″ are thought of as “regular” height. Women who are 5′ 8″ and taller are “tall”.

What is the perfect weight for 5 feet 2 inch girl? ›

Weight Chart According to Height for Male and Female
Height in FeetHeight in cmAverage Weight in KG for Female
5'0” feet152 cm40.8 – 49.9 kg
5'1” feet155 cm43.1 – 52.6 kg
5'2” feet157 cm44.9 – 54.9 kg
5'3” feet160 cm47.2 - 57.6 kg
15 more rows

How to become taller? ›

What can I do to become taller? Taking good care of yourself — eating well, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest — is the best way to stay healthy and help your body reach its natural potential. There's no magic pill for increasing height. In fact, your genes are the major determinant of how tall you'll be.

Is 5 1 too short for a woman? ›

This can vary depending on factors such as age, ethnicity, and geographic location. However, the global average height for adult women is around 5'4″. This means that if you're 5'1″, you might be considered a bit shorter than average.

How tall do you have to be to wear tall clothes? ›

If you are 6'2" or taller and your waist measures less than your chest, you need to shop for a “tall” size from a big and tall store. Tall sizes are made to be two inches longer in length than a regular-size, and the sleeves will be one inch longer.

What does petite xxs mean? ›

When most people hear the word "petite," they assume it means "tiny." To be clear, while "petite" does mean small, in terms of clothing, it refers to a specific height size range that is made to fit those who are shorter. Keep in mind, though, that shape also plays a role in how an item of clothing will look and feel.

Videos

1. How To Dress Your Age - Tips For Your 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and Beyond
(Audrey Coyne)
2. How to Wrap Your Hands For Boxing (Better Method)
(Beast Gear)
3. Randy Is "Disgusted" By The Way This Mum Treats Her Daughter | Say Yes To The Dress
(Say Yes to the Dress)
4. The Meaningful Stitch - Episode 42
(Amy Palko)
5. Learn Numbers, Colors, Counting and Shapes with Ms Rachel | Learning Videos for Toddlers in English
(Ms Rachel - Toddler Learning Videos)
6. ✅In 10 Min Very Easy A-Line Dress Cutting and Sewing with Less Fabric
(DIY Pattern)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Duane Harber

Last Updated: 09/03/2023

Views: 6077

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Duane Harber

Birthday: 1999-10-17

Address: Apt. 404 9899 Magnolia Roads, Port Royceville, ID 78186

Phone: +186911129794335

Job: Human Hospitality Planner

Hobby: Listening to music, Orienteering, Knapping, Dance, Mountain biking, Fishing, Pottery

Introduction: My name is Duane Harber, I am a modern, clever, handsome, fair, agreeable, inexpensive, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.