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When we think of summer, we think of golden sunshine, ice cream cones and breezy beach days. However, for petite ladies like us, it can also mean a time of dread—where we struggle to find stylish petite summer outfits that don’t overwhelm our small frames. Ever felt like you were swimming in fabric or drowning in a sea of maxi dresses? Well, me too, unfortunately.
However, fret not, my petite pretties. In this style guide, I have rounded up 12 really chic and stylish summer outfit ideas tailored just for you. Outfits that will have you looking effortlessly fabulous, even as you beat the heat of these scalding months.
The 12 Must-haves Summer Outfit ideas for Beauties
So without any further delay, I’m going to present to you a dozen tested and trusted summer outfit ideas for those of us on the smaller side of the divide. They are:
1. The Mini Dress
When it comes to petite summer outfit ideas, the mini dress is your best friend. If you have slim, toned legs, you’d probably want to show them off. This option is great for slaying while staying cool in lightweight fabrics.
Body-hugging silhouettes that flatter your petite frame are a great choice and they can be paired with flat sandals to give you a chic, yet casual look. If you want to go on an evening date, swap out the flats for a pair of sleek heels and you have another fashion “aha!” moment right there.
2. High-Waisted Shorts
High-waist shorts are definitely a must-have when it comes to short girl fashion. They make your legs appear longer while providing a flattering silhouette for your small frame. Pair them with a cropped top or a breezy camisole. Complement your petite height by adding wedges for that extra touch of sophistication.
3. The Romper
Maximize your petite frame by adding rompers to your summer fashion collection. Rompers are not only adorable but also perfect for petite women as they are a cute one-piece option to stay cool and chic.
Choose rompers with tailored fits and shorter inseams to avoid bunching at the ankles. If you want more cinch in the waist area, you can add a statement belt to create more definition. You can then go on to accessorize with statement earrings and slip-on sneakers for an effortless vibe.
4. The Skirt Set
Skirts are a must-have when talking petite summer outfit ideas and as a petite queen, go ahead and beat the heat in style with a coordinated skirt set. You can match a mini skirt with your pick of lightweight, breezy fabrics like cotton or linen.
Flatter your figure by pairing a high-waisted skirt with a matching top—either a fitted tank or cropped blouse. This will make for a seamless ensemble that will look just right for you. Slip into flirty flat sandals, if you want to complete the look.
5. The Jumpsuit
This summer, get on the jumpsuit train and join the versatile and chic petite club. Jumpsuits can be worn for both day and night events depending on how they are accessorized. For example, for an evening occasion, a sleeveless jumpsuit is an easy way to look instantly put-together with little effort, especially when layered with a denim jacket.
If you prefer not to wear a jacket, opt for jumpsuits with a cinched waist to give you an enviable fun, flirty, and feminine silhouette. Be sure to look for a shorter inseam length and tailored fit as longer lengths can be unflattering. Don’t forget your statement earrings, and of course, a cute pair of wedges.
6. Printed Shorts
This summer, proudly show off those legs with a pair of printed shorts. These shorts give you a youthful and summery look and add a playful touch to your summer wardrobe. Be careful to choose patterns that don’t overwhelm your frame and pair them with a solid colored cropped camisole or tank top. Finish off with espadrille wedges or strappy sandals for added flair. Don’t forget your stylish mini bag!
7. The Sundress
We all know that nothing says summer like a breezy sundress. This mini but mighty piece of fashion is widely recognized as a go to staple summer outfit ideas for ladies who want to exude effortless charm. Opt for dresses with shorter hemlines to avoid the need for alterations. Better still, you could search for the ones with adjustable straps to get the perfect petite-friendly fit.
For an easy daytime look, you could throw on a denim jacket and a hat. Slip on a pair of sandals, and you’re ready to stroll along the beach. A sundress and a pair of flats will always be perfect for small girls.
8. Cropped Pants
Make a statement this summer with a pair of cropped pants. Cropped pants are a petite-friendly option that keep you cool while providing a tailored look. They are greatly complemented by crop tops, especially the boxy ones.
Choose cropped pants that show off a hint of ankle for that lengthening effect. Transition seamlessly into a more serious look with cropped cigarette pants. Ankle pants or culottes paired with strappy sandals or mules make for an iconic summer fashion statement.
9. High-Waisted Skirt
A high-waisted skirt makes for one of the most versatile summer looks. This skirt is a timeless piece that enhances your proportions, particularly by highlighting the waist. If you are proud of your waistline, draw attention to it by tucking your lightweight blouse into mini or midi length high-waisted skirts. Finish up the look with a chic mini bag and a pair of flats.
10. Printed Maxi Skirt
Who says small girls can’t wear maxi skirts? Maxi skirts can work for petites too if tailored correctly, and are exceptionally well-suited for warm weather. Select a printed maxi skirt with a high slit to create the illusion of height.
Alternatively, look for an elastic waistband and shorter length skirt. Either look can be paired with a fitted camisole and sandals or wedges, depending on how flirty or serious you want to look.
11. Cutoff Shorts
Keep it light and breezy with a pair of cutoff shorts. This is a summer classic—one that favors petite women pretty well. Just remember to choose styles with shorter inseams to avoid the “baggy” look.
A more daring look would be distressed denim shorts paired with a cropped tank and slip-on sneakers. Throw on a denim jacket and you have one of the easiest go-to summer ensembles you could think of.
12. The LBD (Little Black Dress)
Finally, we come to an option that is regarded as the holy Grail of every woman’s wardrobe. But as a petite woman, did you know you could rock the LBD in summer? Turn the heat on this summer by copping your own LBD, making a special effort to pick form-fitting silhouettes in lightweight, breezy fabrics.
A black mini or midi dress easily transitions from day to night, however, stick to the ones with shorter lengths to remain effortlessly stylish. Mix and match your outfit with a pair of bright-colored chunky heels and some minimalistic jewelry to complete the look.
So there you have it, 12 chic and stylish summer outfit ideas tailored to petite women. Remember, summer fashion is about the freedom to express your unique style, regardless of your size. From mini dresses to high-waisted shorts, the possibilities are endless and there’s no reason to be frumpy and uncomfortable this summer.
Embrace these summer outfit ideas, experiment with accessories, and have fun staying cool and fashionable all summer long. Please leave your favorite petite summer outfits shared in the comments below. After all, great style is meant to be shared and celebrated
