The most important factor about dressing as a petite woman is dressing proportionately to your small body frame. Avoid excessive fabric and accentuate the waistline. The rule of dividing clothing into 1/3 upper body and 2/3 lower body provides a good proportion for petite bodies.

Necklines that accentuate the neck by showing more of the neck are flattering to petite bodies. V-necks and even boat neck lines help elongate the neck and draw the viewer's eye upward. This also includes a button blouse with a collar; just leave the first few buttons left unbuttoned.

The most flattering pants on petite women are high-waisted pants with a flare or slightly wide leg at the bottom. Avoid extreme wide leg, baggy jeans, and low-waisted jeans. High-waisted jeans paired with a crop top or tucked-in blouse with a belt are by far, the most flattering silhouettes.

Petite women, especially over 50, should wear heels around 2.5" when appropriate. It is amazing what that extra height gives a petite woman. Sneakers should be slender with built-in heel lifts (even if it is only 1/2"). Avoid chunky wedge sneakers that just look huge on a small woman and takes away from the total outfit. Nude, tan, and gold colors are great for elongating a petite frame. Similar colors to the petite person's body enhance her overall appearance. Thong sandals and sandals that show feet also contribute to an elongating silhouette. Avoid sandals with thick ankle straps that break up the front of the leg, taking away from a petite person's height. Wear dark color heels and shoes only when you are wearing dark colored clothing to give a monochromatic look that streamlines the petite body.

Petite women should choose small accessories. Small purses or crossbody bags that hit at the waistline are great for petite women. (You can always leave a larger bag for 'maybe' needed items in your vehicle. Also, a smaller bag will be easier in the over 50/60's petite woman's back and shoulders. Balance your outfit with petite jewelry. Choose necklaces that range from 16" to 18" to hit at the collarbone or just below the collarbone. Good choices of earrings include very small hoops, studs, or tiny dangling earrings. Avoid large hoops and large dangling earrings. Sunglasses should fit a petite woman's face proportionately. Oversized sunglasses on a small petite woman is overwhelming to her total outfit and is not a flattering style. Many petite women benefit from wearing junior or kid's sunglasses that fit a small head appropriately. Hats should fit a petite woman's head proportionately with no brim overhanging to the shoulders. Fedoras are great hats with a pinched crown to elevate a petite frame. Remember: Petite women should wear the jewelry and accessories and not let the jewelry and accessories wear them!

Color can be used to elevate a petite body by using monochromatic colors (the same or similar colors for the top, bottom, and shoes).