8 Petite Spring Fashion Staples for 2025, Per an Expert

I consider spring to be the most frustrating fashion season, especially in New York City. One day it’s beautiful and sunny, and the next it’s cold and rainy—so how does one dress for the ever-changing weather? To complicate matters more, I’m five feet tall, searching far and wide for petite-friendly options that will carry me through the season and transition into summer. 

I know I’m not the only person facing this challenge, so I tapped petite fashion expert Madeleine Cohen, founder of Nelle Atelier, a wardrobe essentials brand for women 5-feet-4 inches tall and under, for her top tips to build a spring capsule wardrobe. She shared her advice for petite-focused spring shopping with me, and I’m already implementing everything into my wardrobe. 

Below, find her best pro tips, along with shoppable petite options from J.Crew, Gap, Anthropologie, and more, starting at $39. 

Petite Fashion Expert-Approved Spring Styles

Play With Proportions

Proper styling can make all the difference, especially for petite shoppers. Cohen suggests balancing an oversized top with something “more fitted at the bottom” or vice versa. Oversized items can feel daunting, but you can find plenty of “oversized” options cut to petite proportions, like this white button-down from J.Crew. Try pairing it with straight-leg jeans, or go the more daring route and try a pair of divisive skinny jeans. 

J.Crew Petite Étienne Oversized Shirt

Gap High-Rise ’90s Straight Jeans

Don’t Be Afraid of Length

While it might seem counterintuitive, Cohen recommends petite shoppers opt for pieces with length. “I find things that are either to my ankles or hit my waist to be the most flattering,” she explains. Cohen also says that she wears her pants, coats, and dresses long, and if she does wear something short, she doesn’t let it go “past mid-thigh,” adding that longer lengths make her legs “look the longest.”

If you’ve avoided length in the past, consider trying a petite trench coat like this one from Banana Republic. With summer around the corner, a maxi dress is another elevated piece to add to your wardrobe, and this top-rated option from Anthropologie is available in petite sizing.   

Banana Republic Factory Timeless Trench Coat

Anthropologie the Somerset Maxi Dress

Invest in Timeless Pieces

Splurging on clothing isn’t essential to building a petite spring wardrobe, but Cohen says investing in a few key pieces from a brand that fits you well could be worthwhile. “Find what those are for you, and stick to them!” she suggests. Cohen pointed to the Laura Jean from Nelle’s spring drop as an instant wardrobe staple, saying, “They feel like sweatpants but make me look polished.” This timeless tailored blazer from J.Crew is another effortless piece you’re sure to have for years to come, and it’s made with a lightweight linen-blend material that’s perfect for spring.

Nelle Atelier the Laura Jean

J. Crew Petite Alexandra Blazer

Build a Wardrobe of Neutrals

“This is a styling tip that isn’t just for petites and is probably controversial,” prefaces Cohen, before going on to explain that one should build a wardrobe around neutral pieces. “I find that I have infinite outfits because my wardrobe is composed of mostly neutral colors and few prints,” she explains. While Cohen likes a “pop of red” or a “butter yellow” here and there, she’s found that even those colors are “easy to incorporate in a wardrobe that’s mostly cream, brown, beige, olive green, and black.” 

I’m taking her advice immediately by adding this petite barrel denim dress, a celeb-loved trend, to my shopping cart.  

Favorite Daughter the Favorite Petite Pants

Gap Barrel Mini Dress