If you are petite, it is really important to find the right skirt style that can elongate your short frame. I know this from first hand experience, as I am 5’2″ myself. If you are short and have a rectangle shape, that means your body looks more straight up and down and you do not have much natural waist definition. Therefore, it is critical to find the right style of skirts to flatter your shape.
Because I have a petite clothing line for women 5’4″ and under, I style petite models of all sizes and shapes (including the rectangle) for our product fitting as well as photo shoot every week. Based on first hand experience, I’ve put together this guide to help you find the most flattering skirts.
Styling Goals
- Add volume to the lower body by going for hemlines with fabric flounces. Flounced fabric details such as ruffles significantly add more depth to your naturally straight lower body which often lacks definition.
- Go for elongating prints and patterns to elevate your height. Patterns and prints such as vertical stripes, pleats, vertical embroidery, and ruffles that run down the hem are some of the designs that efficiently give your height a nice lift to make you appear leaner and taller.
- Pay attention to the right length of the skirt. Midi-length or knee-length skirts can be a great option for petite rectangle shapes, as they help elongate the legs and create a balanced silhouette while shorter skirts can also work well if paired with high heels or ankle boots.
- Choose the right fabric because this can make a huge difference in how a skirt looks on a petite rectangle shape. Lightweight fabrics, such as chiffon or silk, can create movement and add volume to your figure while structured fabrics can also be a great option if you’d like to go for something thicker.
Now that we have covered all these styling goals that you need to consider when choosing a skirt, let’s now dive into the different styles that will absolutely flatter your beautiful petite rectangle-shaped body.
Full Structured Skirts
This type of skirt features a flattering amount of volume and structure. It typically flares out from the waist and can have pleats, gathers, or layers of fabric to create a voluminous effect.
A full-stuctured skirt can be a great choice for petite rectangle shapes because it adds volume to the lower half of the body, creating the illusion of curves to achieve a more defined shape. The structured nature of the skirt helps to create shape and definition, which can balance out a straighter or more angular body shape which is typical for petite rectangle-shaped women.
Additionally, the fullness of the skirt complemented by a cinched waist can help to create the illusion of longer legs to make you appear taller. Overall, a full-structured skirt can be a great choice for women with petite rectangle shapes who want to add some volume and shape to their lower half, as well as elevate their height.
A-Line Tulle Skirts
The A-line structure of the skirt creates a natural-looking curve at the hips, which can help to balance out a more straight or rectangular body shape.
In addition to the A-line shape, tulle fabric can also be very flattering on a petite rectangle shape because of its lightweight structure and sheer fabric material that drapes well and adds volume to the skirt without adding bulk to the body.
A-Line tulle skirts can help to create the illusion of curves and movement, which can be especially beneficial for women with straighter or less curvy body shapes. Tulle skirts can also be a great formalwear option because of their feminine and fairytale-like vibe that can definitely amplify your ensemble.
Skirts with Ruffled Hem
Skirts with ruffled hems are skirts that have a flouncy, frilly hemline created by adding layers of ruffles or pleats to the bottom of the skirt. These skirts can be very flattering on petite rectangle body shapes because of their silhouette alone!
Just like the other skirt styles we have mentioned, the ruffled hemline adds volume and dimension to the lower half of the body as well, which creates the illusion of curves and a more feminine shape. This can help to balance out a straighter or more angular body shape and create the illusion of an hourglass shape.
The ruffles can visibly add movement and interest to the skirt, which can be especially beneficial for petite women who are looking to add some depth and dimension to their outfits. They are also quite versatile as skirts with ruffled hems can easily be paired with a lot of different wardrobe pieces.
Pleated Skirts
A pleated skirt features intricate folds in which each fold adds depth, dimension, and interest to the paper, turning a flat surface into something intricate and beautiful. These pleats in a skirt add texture, movement, and shape to the fabric, transforming a simple garment into something more dynamic and flattering for petite rectangles shapes.
The pleats in the skirt strategically add volume to your lower body without making it overwhelmingly bulky. This visual effect can help to add definition to a rectangle-shaped girl’s athletic silhouette.
Additionally, the vertical lines created by the pleats can help to elongate the body and create the illusion of height. Petite ladies can absolutely benefit from this as the effect of the pleats instantly elevates your height by creating an unbroken visual line up and down.
Asymmetrical Skirts with Flounces
For women with a rectangle shape, wearing skirts with an asymmetrical hemline can be a great choice. These skirts have a unique style that works well with the feminine structure of the body, and the detail in the hemline draws attention to the lower half of the body, distracting the eyes from your straight figure.
Asymmetrical hem skirts are also incredibly flattering for rectangle shapes because they can create the illusion of curves on your rectangle figure which often lacks shape and definition. The hemline of the skirt adds volume and flow to the lower half of the body which brings proper proportion to your frame.
They definitely offer a stylish and edgy look without emphasizing your lack of curves or overwhelming your overall figure. And to add to all that? They can also help to add length and height to your figure, without throwing you off balance.
Belted Skirts
Belted skirts are a timeless fashion piece that can work wonders for petite rectangle-shaped women. This versatile skirt style accentuates the waistline and adds dimension to the lower body, making it an excellent choice for those who want to create the illusion of curves.
For petite rectangle-shaped women, the belted skirt is an especially great option because it helps to elongate the legs and adds volume to the hips, creating a more balanced silhouette to your naturally athletic figure. The belt detail draws attention to the narrowest part of the waist, which can help to create a more defined waistline and let the fabric of the skirt “bloom”.
In terms of fabrics, belted skirts can be found in a wide range of materials, from lightweight cotton to luxurious silk. Petite rectangle-shaped women should look for fabrics that drape well and don’t add bulk to the hips, such as flowing silk or lightweight denim.
Tiered Midi Skirts
A tiered midi skirt is a skirt style that features multiple tiers or layers of fabric, with the length falling between the knee and ankle. This style of skirt is popular for its feminine and flowy look and can be made from a variety of materials such as cotton, chiffon, or silk.
For petite women with a rectangle shape body, a tiered midi skirt is a great option because the tiers on the skirt add volume and movement to the lower half of the body. This strategically gives the illusion of curves and a more feminine silhouette that is particularly beneficial for those with a rectangle shape body, which tends to be more straight up and down.
In addition, the midi length of the skirt can be flattering for petite women, as it elongates the legs and gives the appearance of height. The hemline typically falls at the slimmest part of the leg, which can help to create a more balanced and proportionate look.
The Key Takeaway
Skirts can be a little tricky to pull off for petite rectangle shapes but by taking these styling goals into consideration, you’ll be surprised at how they can amp up your fashion game!
