Why do we all find shopping for trousers to be one of the most boring of tasks? I’d put it up there along with shopping for the dreaded jeans… One tip I will prematurely let slip here is to shop online. There’s nothing more humbling than searching the rails for trousers you assume will fit, head to the changing room with a modest 5 pairs certain that ‘one pair has got to fit’. Then only to be met with unflattering spotlights, dusty floors and complete with a curtain that just won’t close… I feel there should be a changing room breakdown emotional support group at this point.
You know what, girls? I’ve done the hard work for you. I’ve searched far and wide to find the most flattering dressy but casual tailored trousers from the high street that will elongate and actually fit us shorties. I won’t lie, I did make around 9374 orders from ASOS to ensure I had the very best pick of the bunch, so these all come tried and tested. I also wanted to make sure we have an arrangement of A/W staple colours, naturally. So, let the fashion show begin…
The statement white pair
My favourite trouser is a white or light neutral design. I just think it always looks effortlessly chic and expensive. This pair from River Island are gorgeous – the material is thick, which gives us smaller stature ladies that structure that works so well on our frame. For extra chic points, I love the thick cuff detail at the hem which adds a luxury touch I’ve seen across high-end designs. I also appreciate a super-exaggerated waist band. It’s the petite girls BFF when it comes to adding that all important length.
The everyday black pair
It may be the most boring item to shop for and it may trigger some hellish back-to-school shopping trips, but the black trouser is a wardrobe must.
It looks like big players Bershka and Stradivarius are coming through for us petite queens that want that iconic Matilda Djerf-style wide leg. She’s petite and absolutely rocks a wide leg look because it’s an easy, flattering way to look taller. Just be sure to wear a tighter-fitting top, or tuck in your knitwear to balance out proportions.
Across all wardrobe capsule guides, I guarantee you’ll find a black pair of trousers so I strongly advise recycling your old trusty pair and treating yourself to a brand spanking new pair for the colder months.
The classic camel pair
Camel is one of those shades that instantly makes me feel more elevated, elegant and expensive… However getting the right shade of camel can be the tricky part. Lucky for you I’ve found that gorgeous muted tone that doesn’t pull too yellow from Bershka!
These trousers have that wide leg silhouette, with extra details like belt loops and a contrasting dark button. I strongly advise adding belts to your trouser styling if you’re petite: It really helps pull your attention to the smallest part of the body. It also helps to trace the eyes all the way up the leg giving you the appearance of long limbs, especially if the trousers are high waisted like these are. It’s all an illusion, honey! You’ll thank me later when you start pulling together all the camel and cream tones this season and harnessing the power of tonal dressing for supermodel height.
The leather-look pair
This is a trouser look that I avoided for years! I was terrified to bring attention to my legs because I was conscious of them appearing ‘stumpy’. Now, with more education, we can 100% utilise the leather look trend to our advantage.
It’s all about finding the right fit. I must admit, I did try on around seven pairs of leather look trousers until I found the right pair. These are from Topshop and are the *perfect* fit, feel and look for that premium style. Faux leather can tend to look shiny and I wanted something lightweight, matte and which didn’t suffocate my legs in a skinny style. Topshop answered with these ‘slightly’ wide leg (but I would say more straight in design) leather-look trousers. Complete with pockets (whoo) and a matte black button, just add a pair of heels or sock boots.
The pair in the shade of the season
I’ve seen so much of this shade of grey around at the moment. The charcoal more sophisticated grey palette has been seen across many of our favourite stores and I had to find a place in my wardrobe for a pair. I also recommend buying a grey matching blazer for some serious cool points.
I love these from Pull & Bear, which FYI, has a petite range! I had no idea they carried petite styles but I’m so glad they do. These have to be the most flattering of them all. The shape is quite fit-and-flare look which I love as it skims your legs but gives out just below the knee for a super elongating effect. They are high rise, again with that lovely stretch woven fabric, and this beautiful front seam detail that mirrors some covet-worthy brands at higher price points. The front seam is another detail that all petite girls should note – It’s small design addition that can really help trace the eye up the leg and create a more flattering and taller silhouette.
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