If You’re Petite, This Is For You: Short Story

A few weeks ago I was scrolling through Instagram and saw a post that drew me in. The post was from @shortstory and it talked about proper fit for petite women. Now, I’ve never considered myself to be petite-just short. But as I was looking at this post I realized that maybe I should be shopping petite sizes. The problem I have, or thought I had, was that I’m short waisted and as a result clothing wouldn’t always fit me correctly. Again, maybe I’m not short waisted, but just petite. 

So what exactly does it mean to wear petite size clothing? Well, petite clothing are designed for women 5’ 4” and under. Petite sizes range from xsmall or 00 to xxlarge or 18/20, the same as standard clothing sizes, but there is a difference. For example, petite pants will have a shorter inseam, often up to 2” shorter, and a shorter rise. Dresses may have shorter hemlines and a higher waistline. Sleeves will be shorter—you get the idea. This was an eye opener for me!

Enter Short Story, personal styling for petite women. While there are many companies that have a stylist shop for you and deliver your personal box by mail, Short Story is the only such company that caters strictly to petite women. And when you have one focus you get it right!

So how does it work? To get started you take an online quiz and create your style profile. Here you let the stylist know what types of clothing and accessories you’re looking for based on your likes, needs, sizes, and budget. Each box charges a $25 styling fee, but this charge will be credited towards your purchase. Once the box arrives you can try on all five pieces in the comfort of your own home. What’s nice about this is that you can style your pieces with what you already own to make sure they’ll really work for you! You have five days to return your purchase (you can keep as much or as little as you’d like) in the envelope Short Story provides along with a prepaid label. Shipping and returns are free! When you checkout online you can leave feedback for your stylist about each item. I love this because I feel like they’ll get more of a feel for your likes/dislikes and fit as they read your comments.

I also love to get packages so it’s always exciting when I know my Short Story Box is coming. You can check online when your package is due to ship and you’ll receive an email once it’s shipped and when it has been delivered. Another aspect I like about Short Story is that you can decide how often you want to receive a box from every 2-3 weeks, once a month, once every 2 months, 3 months, or 4 months-your choice depending upon your needs and budget.

I was so excited to get my box and when I opened it, I was not disappointed. A little disclaimer here-I actually cheated a little. When I saw that my box had been sent I went to the checkout link and saw what was being sent. I know, I have no patience! Seeing the photos made me so excited that I immediately went to my closet to start looking at how I was going to style each piece! If you’re like me, I know you just want to see them already so here’s what I received!

This wrap jumpsuit is so cute. Granted I do have a good number of black jumpsuits, (I don’t think anyone can have too many black jumpsuits) but the fit of this one is new for me. The waist hit me at the perfect spot and the pants were not dragging on the floor. An eye opener for someone who has never shopped petite clothing before! I paired this jumpsuit with a duster from my wardrobe and I love how it looks-and feels. The length was perfect with a pair of kitten heels. This Boden jumpsuit comes with a belt but looks great with or without it. I’ll also wear it with a long sleeve shirt underneath, add a jean or leather jacket, or wear it as it is. Adding sneakers, booties, flats, or sandals, this jumpsuit is such a versatile piece.

A summer dress is always a yes for me! I love this dress with a jean jacket and sneakers. It has an open back, which is not my style (and something I’ll let the stylist know about when I check out online), but wearing a jacket or sweater over it is perfect. This will also look really cute with a pair of sandals. While I’m not keeping this Illa Illa dress, I wish I could because from the front it’s just adorable.

This Petite Principle crewneck sweater can be worn in so many different ways. For a little dressier look, I chose a pair of lace pants, heels, and a cute bag. Then I decided to try jeans and booties, which I also loved. This sweater will look great with flats or sneakers, with a skirt or over a dress. So many options!

I’m pretty conservative when it comes to showing skin, but shoulders are one area that I think are sexy and always look good. And this gorgeous Line + Dot cold shoulder top proves just that! I felt incredible when I put it on-sexy and beautiful. Paired with a pair of leather pants or jeans, this will be a perfect date night outfit. I loved this top, not only because of how pretty and sexy it is, but also because it is fully lined and has adjustable straps. While I wore it with a partial tuck, being a petite size it’s a shorter length and so it can be worn untucked and look great. I’m really experiencing a whole new world with petite sizes! Thank you Short Story!

And for my favorite piece, this Lily Aldridge for Velvet utility jacket! Oh. My. Goodness. I am going to be living in this jacket. It’s just perfect and hits me at all the right places. I paired the jacket with a slip dress and combat boots, but it will be equally as cute with jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers. This will definitely be worn on repeat. 

As you already know, I love fashion and I love to shop. Shopping in a store is always great, but if you are 5’4” and under, you’re really busy and don’t have time, if you’re staying home because we’re in a pandemic, or if you like receiving packages in the mail (me me me!), Short Story is for you. The fit will be spot on, you’ll learn about new brands, and you’ll be shopping in the comfort of your own home! What could be better? Oh wait-this can-use this code to get the styling fee waived off your first box shortstorybox.com/referral/MicheleLee 

Happy Shopping!