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At 5’1”, I deal with tons of shopping woes like always having to hem my jeans, managing gaping shoulders, and having to navigate whether or not it’s worth it to spend overpriced fees on alterations. Most importantly, I am in desperate need of tips and tricks to help me figure out how to shop for items that fit my body.
So when I recently came across Nelle Atelier, a new denim brand solely dedicated to petite inseams, I knew I needed to pick the brain of the brand’s founder, Madeleine Cohen, to hear her thoughts on how to shop as a short person. Read on for some tips and later, for some of my favorite pieces.
What are the most important things to consider and look out for when shopping for petites?
When shopping for bottoms, the most important thing to know is your inseam. Every body has different proportions, and knowing your inseam will better help you navigate a brand's offering — especially if you are shopping online. Petite inseams generally range from 25 inches (ankle length) to 30 inches (floor length, usually a style that is intended to wear with heels).
Nelle is different in that we fit every style on a 5’2” model. The product is designed specially for women below 5’4”. In addition to adjusting inseams, we’ve also adjusted rise and knee placement with shorter bodies in mind.
Are there any hacky ways a shorter individual can “cheat” the system when shopping at brands that don’t have a petite section?
When shopping as a shorter woman, the most important thing to consider is proportion. I always look for cropped garments when it comes to jackets and tops, as I know they will hit me in the right places. As you can imagine, this is quite limiting and was one of the reasons I started Nelle Atelier. I also tend to gravitate towards high-waisted bottoms as they elongate the leg.
What inspired you to start Nelle Atelier? And if someone is new to your brand, what would you have them start out with?
I was standing in front of my closet trying to get dressed wondering why I didn’t like any of my jeans. I went online and googled “best jeans for short girls.” There wasn’t a brand that fit in with the rest of my wardrobe.
Our bestseller is The Claire in Sky. We just launched that style in a new off-white colorway. The Claire is a 100% rigid jean that can easily carry you from day to night. You can style it with sneakers or flats for your day-to-day, or throw on some heels and head out to dinner. If you prefer something with a hint of stretch, I would recommend our Kate Jean. Its high waist and full-length leg makes your legs look 10 miles long.
I sometimes tend to cut the hems off my own jeans. Any tips on making things fit at home, without having to go to the tailor?
Safety pins in a pinch!
And now, some long-lasting closet staples I swear by:
Nelle Atelier’s Emily Jeans…
These were the single pair of jeans that got me excited about this brand. The Emily is Nelle’s straight-cut option that is fitted at the waist. I wear them with everything — from tees to sweaters. If you’re short and want a baggier pair of jeans that won’t swallow you in extra length, get these. They’re handmade in LA with Italian-woven denim, and they have 2% elastane for a little bit of stretch (which I love for added comfort). I also love Madewell, Levi’s, and Frame’s cropped silhouettes. ($218, Nelle Atelier)
J.Crew’s New Icon trench coat…
This trench coat is perfect for the transitional seasons in which you want some extra warmth without the commitment of a heavy coat. I get compliments on this piece all the time – mainly because of the hood (an added detail that makes a huge difference during spring storms). This comes in a petite version, but I’ve been able to wear the regular size just fine. ($314.99+, J.Crew)
J.Crew’s cashmere shrunken crewneck sweater…
This is another piece from J.Crew that’s a must for me. As Madeleine mentioned, cropped styles can make a huge difference for those with shorter torsos as these silhouettes typically hit right at the waist. This cashmere sweater is one of those pieces that I can layer with all year. In the summers, I throw it over my favorite T-shirt (more on that later) on chillier nights. ($118, J.Crew)
Old Navy’s cropped T-shirt…
This is the $15 T-shirt I can’t stop writing about, but it’s a bestseller for a reason. It’s usually on sale and it’s made of a buttery-soft ribbed material that’s soft, comfortable, and not too thick. It comes in 17 colors and because it’s slightly cropped, it tucks in just perfectly. ($14.99, Old Navy)
Abercrombie’s Sloane trousers…
Abercrombie is a great place to shop for petites in that they usually have short and extra short lengths. These billowy trousers are a go-to office piece for me and again, I can wear them all year. The only downside with Abercrombie’s petite sizing is that it sells out pretty quickly, so you have to keep your eyes peeled. ($90, Abercrombie & Fitch)
Reformation for alteration-free dresses…
While Reformation tends to be on the pricier side, I’ve found that their pieces tend to fit my shorter torso which means I’m willing to eat that cost instead of turning to alteration fees. When it comes to their “regular” sizing, their mini dresses hit me at about my knee and their midi dresses hit me a little past my ankles. What’s great is that the brand now has petite sizing on select items, which is ideal for wedding season or any upcoming events. (Price varies, Reformation)
Athleta’s Salutation Stash leggings…
As a short person, you know that shopping for leggings is the worst. It’s always hard to find a pair that isn’t bunching at the ankle or is cropped in an awkward spot. These high-rise leggings from Athleta have been a faithful find as they hit right at my ankle and have lasted me for years. My favorite part of these leggings is the thick waistband and endless pockets. They even have UPF 40+. ($39.97+, Athleta)
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