Petite Classy And Comfortable Tips Over 60
- Apr 21, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
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Fit Guide: I am 5' and 105 pounds. I usually wear XS-S tops and XS bottoms.
Discover how to elevate your petite fashion to a polished, casual style to make fashion in your 60's one of the best fashion time periods of your life. Discover petite classy and comfortable tips over 60.
Oh yes! So you are a ‘baby boomer’? Now is the time to let your hair down and embrace one of the best seasons in life- over 55. Composing over 20% of America’s population, baby boomers are striving and enjoying those long awaited retirement years. Many of these women are finding themselves in the petite category (5’4” and under) for the first time in their lives since many women decrease in height as they age. At 5', I clearly benefit from shopping the petite line of clothing.
Coming from a time period when women dressed up for their career to a time period when it is stylish to be casual, women are making a transition to a polished, casual style as they partake in the latest social events, traveling, and even out to appointments.
High waisted wide leg jeans are a sure way to be fashionable, especially when paired with a skinny belt. It will accentuate your waistline and lengthened the look of your legs!
AMAZON Levi Wedge Jeans (I am 5' and the 28 length fit well for full length jeans) The Levi Wedge Jeans runs small so size up one size. Lilly Pulitzer Popover (Related)
Even though your day no longer requires professional attire, there is no reason to run around in athletic pants and T-shirts. With just a few changes and learning to wear petite-friendly clothing and accessories, you can continue to be stylish as you enjoy your leisure activities from dining at a favorite restaurant to hiking to a waterfall or riding your bike.
Let's dive into some tips for petites.
Wear clothes that fit your body and accentuate your figure. It really is worth shopping at stores that specialize in petite sizes to assure that clothes are proportional to your body frame (appropriate sleeve length, waistline, and hem length). J Crew, Ann Taylor, and White House Black Market are some of my favorite stores to shop petite sizes. Most department stores, including Dillards, Macys, and Nordstrom, offer a petite section with a wide range of budget options.
White House Black Market Jeans (Size 0 Short) Short sizes are similar to regular sizes except for length. Petite sizes are smaller proportions all over. For reference, I wear 0 Short or 2P at WHBM so you will understand how the different sizes run on a petite woman.
Know the difference between petite sizes and short sizes. Petite sizes fit smaller than regular sizes all over. Short sizes fit regular size except the hemline is shorter. Sometimes petite women can wear petite sizes and short sizes. Be prepared to go a size bigger if you transition from short sizes to petite sizes. You can also wear regular crop jeans and pants as full length on petites. All stores have a slightly different fit. When possible, try two different sizes to identify the best fit in a particular outfit.
A monochromatic (same or similar color) for top and bottom helps to elongate your body.
Choose tops with V-necks for a lengthening look, especially if you have a full chest. This helps to make your chest and body appear smaller. As shown in the image above, the v-neck neckline exposes the neck elongating a petite body, especially when paired with two very light colors or one color.
Pass on those popular crop jeans and opt for full length jeans and trousers for a taller, leaner appearance. If you are not a fan of shorts, choose lightweight cargo or linen pants paired with a slim top or an above the knee well-fitting dress made of a breezy fabric, preferably with a belted waist.
Petite women benefit from wearing solid colors with pops of patterns or tops/dresses in vertical stripes or vertical patterns to elongate their petite body.
Choose a high quality linen for trousers, shorts, tops, and dresses. Linen is a step up from denim and is a great way to be ‘dressy casual! It works well at social events and dining.
Wear The Right Shoes
Add some height with 1.5 to 3 inch heels with your favorite wedge sandals or thin strap slide. I have found 2.5 inch heels to be my favorite heel height; it adds height and I can still walk comfortably. I even wear this height with shorts for a polished look. A thong sandal is more slenderizing than a wide slide that looks bulky on your feet. Avoid heels over 3 inches and shoes with extra straps. Nude colors and clear straps add an elongated look to legs.
Pair crisp, white sneakers that hit below the ankle with jeans, cargo pants, and even casual dresses for casual attire. Platform sneakers are tempting to add height, but the bulkiness of these shoes look awkward on petite women. Likewise, avoid sneakers that rise above your ankle. Instead, choose sneakers that have a slimming effect on your feet, so your feet will match your small frame. Better yet, choose sneakers with a touch of gold for a little pop of color. Add a pair of pointed comfortable leather loafers with a touch of gold to add elegance to jeans and trousers.
Keep your accessories small. Choose stud earrings or small hoops over large earrings. Trade that oversized open handbag for a small purse with a clasp. For casual outings, use a small crossbody bag that matches your outfit. Make sure your sunglasses fit your face.
Don’t forget skin care to keep your skin glowing to enhance your fashion. Consistent skincare paired with strengthening exercises and proper nutrition help to decrease the dreaded crepey skin and cellulite that creeps up on many women in their 60’s.
Remember when you were a busy career woman dressing for your job with that thought running through your head ‘dress for the job/promotion that you want’? The same is true for these golden years. Even though we are not striving for a particular job or promotion, we still want to be respected and admired by others. With a few staples of petite clothing, you can pull off that ‘put together’ look quickly whether you are running an errand or going out for a last minute dinner date with your husband or friends.
Follow along at www.lovingpetite.com and Petite Fashion Over 60 for more petite over 55 fashion styling tips, nutritious comfort food, and vacation rentals.
What is your favorite classy comfortable petite outfit?
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