Navigating different fashion choices as a petite girl can sometimes feel like trying to fit into clothes meant for someone else. It's a struggle when the styles you see on tall models don't translate the same way when you're wearing them. If the usual style inspo sources like Pinterest or Instagram aren't hitting the mark for you, we suggest you turn to the experts. Preview spoke with celebrity stylist Janra Raroque, known for dressing stars like Mikee Quintos, Sofia Pablo, and Julie Anne San Jose, who's worked on the wardrobe for TV shows such as Black Ryder and Maria Clara at Ibarra. His main muse? Filipino actress and fellow petite girl Barbie Forteza. In our chat, Janra shares his tried-and-true styling tips tailored specifically for petite frames.
How to Dress Petite Frames, According to Celebrity Stylist Janra Raroque
Are there specific clothing silhouettes or styles that work best for petite individuals to make them look taller and well-proportioned?
"There is a common misconception that when you are blessed with a petite frame, your options for dressing up are limited. I beg to differ. I think that 'proportionizing' your looks is the key to wearing a wide variety of styles."
When wearing a casual top-and-trousers combo, Janra suggests striking the right balance; if you're already showing too much skin on your upper half, offset it with some coverage for your bottoms, and vice versa. "Think: crop tops and wide-leg or flare pants. But if you are in the mood to wear an oversized top, ensure you balance it with a fitted lower half," he cites an example.
"For dresses and skirts, tight-fitting pencil and mini skirts that sit above the knee will do wonders to elongate the legs. For a sexier vibe, Try on dresses with slits, especially for maxi dresses or gowns—this will make your legs appear longer when you walk. When you are in a feminine mood, short A-line dresses highlight your waist to give a flattering romantic look."
What types of accessories do you recommend for petite figures like Barbie to complement her outfits without overpowering her?
"In terms of accessorizing, Barbie and I tend to gravitate towards understated jewelry. Minimal accessories complement petite girls like her. I try to keep chunky and statement jewelry to a minimum. Smaller dainty accessories won't overpower your stature, and they will add subtle highlights and accents to your outfit."
What kind of footwear do you typically suggest for petite figures to help create a more elongated and balanced look?
"Heels! They provide extra inches to your height and elongate your legs. And don't be afraid to try different styles of heels. Chunky platform heels give an instant lift to a look. Pointed stilettos bring a sexier touch to an outfit as they elongate the legs."
Which colors or color combinations do you think look best on petite individuals like Barbie?
"With Barbie, we tend to work around pastel tones to complement her fair skin. I usually don't mix colors or combinations because one can elongate the body more by using [monochrome] shades in an outfit to create a vertical line."
How do you incorporate prints and patterns into her looks without making her look too busy?
"Same as our idea for accessorizing, we opt for smaller prints so that we don't overwhelm her petite frame. The idea that vertical stripes are better than horizontal is a styling golden rule."
As a petite girl, what are the usual style struggles you encounter and need to keep in mind when putting together Barbie's looks?
"As a stylist, we usually tend to receive samples from designers, which most of the time are made for tall statuesque models. But we are fortunate that there are designers and brands who create custom outfits specifically for Barbie.
"Big shoutout to our dear talented fashion friends who are always game to collaborate and dress up petite girls like Miss Forteza—Barbie and I appreciate you so much!"
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