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Fashion For Petites Over 40

So you are petite, over forty, but still want to look and feel great. It is hard when the fashion industry tend to be aimed at seventeen year olds. The crop top does not usually cover it anymore. So how do you find fashion for petites over 40? 

There are other factors to consider when looking at clothing like your colouring and body shape, but if we are just looking at your height then this post will defiantly help. Here are a few things to look out for when searching for petite clothing, especially fashion for petites over 40;

  • High waisted will elongate your legs. Choose a garment with a wide waistband that holds that Middle Ages spread in too!
  • Avoid loose jackets that fall below the top hip.
  • When choosing jackets try to find them tailored and fitted.
  • Avoid flouncy clothing and choose fitted where possible. 
  • Use simple block styles and colours and avoid too much fuss.
  • A slender V neck will draw attention downwards giving you length. 
  • Heels are a great way to add length, though be aware, if you have slim legs choose stilettos and curvier legs choose wedges. The heel does not have to be really high so stick with what you are comfortable with. 
  • Choose brands cut specifically for petite women. 
  • Choose skinny or straight trousers depending on your body shape. Avoid large pockets and detailing. Keep it simple! 
  • Look in the kids section! I know you may be thinking I can not wear kids clothes, but when it comes to a simple pair of jeans why spend more? Age 13-14 is very similar to a UK size 8. 
  • If you have a  top or jacket you love but it feels a little loose have it taken in by a professional. It can make all the difference. 
  • Slim maxi dresses will be fine on you. 
  • Black tights worn with slim black boots or shoes will elongate your legs


When looking for fashion for petites over 40, evening wear can often be a problem. Dresses are often made in maxi styles which will drown most petites. If you are attending an occasion that calls for a maxi dress choose one that is specifically designed for petite frames. Otherwise, with embellishment it can be hard to get the dress altered. 

Sportswear can also be tricky for petite frames. Particularly if you are looking for performance wear. Find sports bras that will suit your frame and with yoga pants and leggings consider children’s ranges if the adult versions come up too long. 

check out these posts for more detailed help if you are a classic hourglass, pear or apple body shape. Alternatively, if you are looking for further help with building a capsule wardrobe, check out my personal styling packages or online personal styling membership. 

Clothes For Petite Women Over 40
Fashion For Petite Women Over 40

What Next?

The information given in the post is the best of my knowledge at the time of writing. If you are embarking on anything new get professional advice if required.

If you enjoyed this post and wish to create a capsule wardrobe, I can help you create one quickly and easily. Get started immediately with one of my personal styling services or book in for a complimentary consultation

  • Personal Styling Gift Vouchers – Save up, ask for them for gifts or put towards any of my services. This is the ideal way to afford a personal stylist whatever your budget!
  • Capsule Closet Success Membership – Receive a copy of the Seasonal Capsule Essentials Ebook twice a year worth $19 and gain access to the Capsule Closet Success Course worth $200. Join our private community for support and advice and submit questions every week and have them answered live in our weekly live check-in sessions. 
  • Premium Personal Styling – A personalised colour analysis and body shape style guide, a live wardrobe edit, a personal shopping and a curated Lookbook
  • Personal Styling – 
  • A personalised Colour Analysis, a Body Shape Analysis And Style Guide, a Live Wardrobe Edit
  • A wardrobe Edit – A 20-minute zoom call to discuss your needs and to highlight any particular problems you want to address in the wardrobe edit. A private Pinterest board to pin styles and colours you love. A 60 minutes live video wardrobe edit
  • Colour Analysis And Body Shape Styling –

  • The Capsule Closet Stylist Colour Analysis looks at the natural colouring in your hair, eyes and skin tone and shows how you can complement your natural colouring in your clothes. The Body Shape Style Guide teaches you how to make the most of your best assets, hide what you do not like, find clothes that complement your shape, and choose the perfect fit.

Still Not Sure?

Book a discovery call with me where we can discuss colour, style, decluttering, body shapes and much, much more.  I can identify where you most need help and point you in the right direction. 

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**Please Note This Post Contains Affiliate Links

Capsule Closet Stylist is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Program, Shopstyle and LTK, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn commission incomes by advertising and linking to Capsuleclosetstylist.com 

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Capsule Closet Success testimonials

'When you join the membership it isn't generic it is tailored to your needs. Michelle considers each individual person and provides advice and guidance based on their needs. I have learnt so much since I joined I feel like I could sit an exam on it now! Honestly, without a doubt if you feel like you are lost with what to wear, you don't know what suits your body shape or your shape has changed, you've lost confidence, you're starting a new job, or you want to minimise your wardrobe, Michelle's membership is without a doubt for you. You can not get better for the price, I have looked!'
Rachel
UK
I joined Michelle's facebook "capsule wardrobe challenge" in June 2020. I loved her approach of starting off with a concept of what colours and styles you were attracted to, followed by what your lifestyle required functionally. It helped me assess my existing wardrobe with a checklist in mind instead of feeling overwhelmed and indecisive. I found the video format and weekly check-ins easy to follow and explained each stage of building a capsule well. She has been quick to answer any queries I have and to offer her professional stylist's opinion with a gentle manner. I am most grateful for Michelle's overarching aim to help her clients "find their happy place". This membership is about being comfortable in your own skin, not about being super fashionable, and that is exactly what I needed. Thank you for helping me find my confidence again. 😊
Helen
Australia
There is no doubt in my mind that having a personal stylist online is worth the investment. In fact, at the end of the day I will spend considerably less while looking and feeling so much better. Why? Because I will never again mindlessly spend and spend and spend on clothes that just aren’t right for me and that don’t make me happy. I think we all dream of that wardrobe that makes us happy and confident, but it is so easy to just give up and just wear something. I know I did. And that is just plain crazy because I love clothes! I have always been attracted to styles that I lacked the confidence to try out. Now, with the help and guidance of Michelle, I can finally explore those styles with confidence knowing that whenever I run an item by Michelle, she will give me her honest feedback on whether or not it will fit with my colors and with how I want to look and feel. In short: Michelle’s advice really is priceless. I feel an A-lister in the garments I have purchased since becoming a member! Pssst: One secret, you don’t have to become a minimalist if you don’t want to. Michelle is not about legalistic minalism, she is all about you finding out what works for you and that – along with her very deep knowledge of style – is why I think her membership works for me when in the past nothing else has.
Sisse
Denmark
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