5’4 or under? Here’s what you need to know.

Jenny Chang / BuzzFeed

First things first: "Petite" doesn't just mean short and slim.

It refers to women who are 5'4 and under.

Clothing labeled as petite is cut with that proportion in mind. Compared to standard items, you'll often find narrower shoulders and shorter inseams. So whether you're a size 00 or a size 16, if you're shorter, the petite section is worth a look.

With that in mind, BuzzFeed Life turned to bloggers Jean Wang of Extra Petite, Kelly Tucker of Alterations Needed, and New York City-based stylist Cindy Gordon, for their best tips and tricks on nailing shorter style.

Jenny Chang / BuzzFeed

For bustier petites, balance is key.

"Fuller petite body types can vary, but overall, celebrating shape is important," Gordon told BuzzFeed Life. "For big-busted petites, empire waists are great since they nip you in beneath the bustline." Or, try a fitted top paired with a high-low skirt. This way you've got a fitted base with an outer layer to balance — all without sacrificing shape.

Sandee Joseph / curvenvy.com

Smaller frame? Depending on the brand, don't overlook kids' sizes.

Sizing doesn't always make sense, even with retailers that have specific lines for petites. So when shopping, don't look at sizing tags, look at measurements. With some brands, the larger kids sizes are interchangeable with the smaller petite sizes — and they often cost less too. More here.

Jean Wang / extrapetite.com

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