You have no idea how many times I've stared at Kendall Jenner's legs in a Summer miniskirt [1] (on Instagram, obviously) and prayed for the gods to stretch me a few inches while I'm sleeping at night. I've struggled with finding denim cutoffs I actually feel comfortable in [2], and, at 5'1", I have to get most of my breezy maxi dresses tailored before I wear them, so there's no immediate sense of gratification when I take them out of the box.
That said, over the years, I've learned to love my petite frame. Rather than pining for the vacation outfits that look great on my supertall BFF, I've followed bloggers and influencers who are about my height and have a great sense of style. I've collected some awesome pieces that actually may not work for women with longer torsos or mile-long legs (crop tops bare just enough skin, rather than too much), and I've even experimented with going braless [3], since I personally have a flat chest.
It turns out, in the Summer, there are so many trends — current trends [4], mind you! — I can rock because I'm small. (Sup, biker shorts [5]?) If you fall into my camp, and you're trying to find ways to flatter your body type this season, I gathered a few tricks I think you'll love. Read on to learn from the best.
A Cropped Blouse, a Distressed Denim Skirt, and Chunky Sneakers
An Asymmetrical Midi/Maxi With Dad Sneakers and a Fringed Denim Jacket
A Bishop-Sleeved Top With High-Waisted Cropped Trousers and Leather Slides
An Adorable Skirt Set With Funky Sunglasses
Circa-'90s Sport Shorts With a Breezy Tank and Bright Flats
An Oversize Blazer With Biker Shorts and Toe-Loop Slides
A Ribbed Tube Top (Go Braless!) With Biker Shorts and Some Bohemian Jewelry
A Bardot-Style Midi Dress in a Bright Color
A White Minidress With a Long Duster and Matching Pumps to Bare a Hint of Your Legs
Cutoffs, Espadrilles, and an Adorable, Swingy White Top
Cropped Pants, Low-Tops, and a Ruffled Top
A Polka-Dot Shirt Dress With Two-Toned Flats
A Cropped Tee and Knit Beach Pants With Over-the-Top Platform Sandals, Just Because
A One-Shoulder Bodysuit With Floral Cropped Pants and Lace-Up Sandals
A Rainbow One-Shoulder Dress Belted at the Center With Colorful Pumps
A Tie-Waist Utility Jumpsuit With Peep-Toe Slides
A Floral Shirtdress With Low Block-Heel Slingbacks
A Short Shirtdress With a Head Scarf and Fedora For Vacation
A Tie-Waist Printed Minidress With Throwback Sandals
A Halter-Style Maxi Dress Belted at the Center to Break Up the Print
A Sporty Coordinate Skirt Set With Knee Socks and Cool Sunglasses
A Vertical Striped Strapless Romper in Fun Colors
A Slinky Little Minidress For Date Night That You Can Wear Without a Bra
