Like 50% of American women, I am considered to be petite (5’4” and under).

Now, being pear-shaped and “5 foot nothing” is not a huge cross to bear, but it is one that makes shopping, and dressing myself, difficult at times. Thanks to years of experimenting with proportions and reading up on petite dress sizing — not to mention eons of idolizing short, stylish celebrities like Kristin Chenoweth and Reese Witherspoon — I’ve developed a working knowledge of petite fashion I’d like to share. (Especially to CF reader Savannah, who kindly requested advice on shopping and fitting for petites!)

Whether you’re super confident in your “5 foot nothing” skin or constantly reach for the sky-high stilettos when you go out, you deserve to look your best. Read on for eight star-approved tips for styling a petite figure.

Table of Contents

Cuff your jeans

I know — rule #2 of the Traveling Pants clearly states, “You must never double-cuff the Pants. It’s tacky. There will never be a time when this will not be tacky.”

Setting aside Ann Brashares’ obviously misinformed understanding of millennial normcore, cuffing one’s pants is actually a great solution to looking taller (if that’s what you’re after) without resorting to chunky footwear. Just look at how proportional Anna Kendrick’s outfit looks when she pairs a skinny cuff with a 3/4 sleeve jacket!

(And, for the record, rolling up your shirt sleeves to hit just below the elbow? Equally good for us shorties.)

Elongate with a hat

If you’re not willing to get taller shoes, pile on a petite-friendly hat* and call it a day. Or, better yet, combine the two to gain at least 5 inches à la High School Musical superstar Vanessa Hudgens.