Cute. When someone says you look cute, it’s supposed to be a compliment. But when you’re petite, it comes with follow up questions: cute, as in you like my outfit? or cute, as in I look like a 5-year-old? Being shorter makes navigating the realm of pretty and girly fashion more difficult than for our statuesque counterparts. It’s a fine line between chic and cutesy, but it’s definitely doable and petite women needn’t eschew their favourite frills in favour of dark and edgy simply because they’re worried of coming off as juvenile.
1) Think feminine, not girly.
Femininity implies a more grown-up take on our girly favourites. It doesn’t mean giving up anything you love, nor does it mean dressing old, it’s simply a matter of reinterpreting your style with a different focus. Ruffles can be candy sweet, but when done in a masterful Chloe-esque way, they become simply elegant. White lace has an inherent cuteness to it, but in modern, clean silhouettes, it takes on a more grown-up appeal. Pink can be twee in the form of a tea dress, but sophisticated and chic in a minimalist Dior number. Alternately, a drop-waist dress done in clean black takes on a different note than one done in a darling daisy print. 
2) Balance is key.
We’re all suckers for a good bow, frill, or cute animal. It’s also tempting to wear them all at the same time. But piling on the adorable guarantees your look will be classified as cutesy the moment you walk out the door. The solution? It’s all about balance. Limiting your ensemble to one cute statement and balance it out with more sophisticated pieces. A crisp white button down, leather leggings and your adorable Charlotte Olympia cat flats? Or a jacquard midi skirt paired with an edgy cropped tank and minimalist sandals? Sophisticated chic and not at all cutesy. 
3) Take advice from the pros.
On the runways, it’s a veritable jungle of Amazonian women, but off the runways and in the front rows, there are plenty of fashion-forward petite women who know a thing or two about style – and definitely don’t look like children. A few of our faves? The ever-fearless Miroslava Duma, who masterfully tackles trends and every whimsical piece of clothing thrown her way; the sassy Nicole Richie, who has mastered luxe bohemian with a fabulous flair; the Olsen twins, who not only manage a fashion empire but break fashion rules left and right and look amazing while doing so; and our new fave Margaret Zhang, who has fearless and fun fashion down to a science. 
4) Wear what you want.
The last piece of advice and the one constant in our repertoire – wear what you want. Remember, this is advice – not rules – and when it comes to fashion, confidence is key. If you love what you’re wearing, it’ll show and you’ll look fabulous no matter what.
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Written by Sasha Moyer, cofounder of Adela Mei, an online boutique specializing in modern, contemporary clothing for petite women.
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