How to look slimmer if you’re petite: Designer reveals tricks

Rule No.1: Proper proportions are the foundation of any look

One of the most common mistakes, according to Andre Tan, is dividing the figure according to a 50/50 principle.

Long sweaters or hoodies that end at the hip level, paired with trousers, visually cut the silhouette in half. As a result, the legs appear shorter, and the figure looks heavier and more squat.

Instead, the designer advises sticking to a 1/3–2/3 proportion.

A cropped top or a tucked-in shirt emphasizes the waist, while high-waisted trousers take up a larger share of the visual height. This technique makes the legs look longer and the overall look more refined.

Andre Tan shares styling tips for petite women (photo: instagram.com/andre_tan_official)

Rule No.2: V-neck instead of a high neckline

According to the designer, high collars and closed necklines visually shorten the neck and make the upper body look heavier. This effect is especially noticeable on petite women.

A better alternative is a V-neckline on tops, dresses, or blazers. It creates a vertical line, visually elongates the neck, and lightens the silhouette, making the overall look more elegant and balanced

Andre Tan shares styling tips for petite women (photo: instagram.com/andre_tan_official)

Rule No.3: Scale of prints matters

The size and contrast of patterns directly affect how the figure is perceived. Large, bold, or animal prints can overload the outfit and make the silhouette appear smaller.

Andre Tan recommends choosing small or delicate prints that don’t hide the body’s lines and maintain proper proportions. Such clothing looks more harmonious and doesn’t reduce perceived height.

Andre Tan shares style tips for petite women (photo: instagram.com/andre_tan_official)

Rule No.4: Vertical lines always work

Horizontal accents, heavy layering, or mismatched pieces can visually widen the figure. Clear vertical lines in cuts, seams, or fastenings elongate the silhouette and add a sense of height.

Andre Tan shares style tips for petite women (photo: instagram.com/andre_tan_official)

Rule No.5: Choose shoes that match the bottom

Contrasting shoes, especially dark ones against light clothing or bare legs, visually break the line and make legs appear shorter. The designer recommends selecting shoes that match your pants, skirt, or skin tone. This creates a continuous vertical line and elongates the silhouette.

Andre Tan shares tips for petite women (photo: instagram.com/andre_tan_official)

Rule No.6: Focus on the face

The final touch is adding the right accents in the upper part of the outfit. Without accessories, the eye naturally travels downward, whereas earrings, bold lipstick, or striking makeup draw attention upward toward the face.

According to Andre Tan, these details help balance proportions and complete the overall look.

Andre Tan shares styling tips for petite women (photo: instagram.com/andre_tan_official)

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