How to Style Straight-Leg Jeans for Petites

Want to try a fashion-forward jean silhouette, but don’t know where to begin? Look no further because your resource for styling straight-leg denim is here! This style can be daunting for petites. That is why Short Story is your solution: expertly curated selections of petite items just for you! Whether you’ve already bid farewell to those skinny jeans or are perhaps eager to step beyond the bounds of your reservation, let’s take a look at some of the ways that this trending silhouette can be styled just for you!

Looking for straight-leg jeans that are made to fit your petite proportions? Take the Style Quiz to get started!

Blouses

The easiest way to elevate a pair of jeans is to team them with a blouse. Straight-leg jeans pair especially well with a variety of blouse styles–from a sweet and smocked bodice to a fun and flirty peplum! Whether you’re aiming for a date-night look or simply off to brunch with friends, try reaching for a top that is a bit less casual than a tee!

To polish the look even further, try slipping into some heels. You can also wear some fashion sneakers for heightened comfort or for a long day on your feet! Straight-leg jeans, along with flares, can be a challenge for us petites. When choosing to buy petite, no inseam alterations are necessary!

Cardigans

The cardigan is a fashion staple that has continued to endure throughout the past few decades. They are comfortable, easy to wear, and a piece of clothing you can take with you just about anywhere especially if you’re like me and are always cold! Most petites find that a cropped cardigan fits their petite frame best.

One way to pair these with straight-leg jeans is by starting with a cami or tank. Then layer on your favorite cardigan and, depending on your preference and level of comfort, leave it open or buttoned up. We have many neutral and colorful cardigan options you will just adore! Most petites find that a cropped cardigan fits their petite frame best.

Basic Casual Tees

If you find yourself a bit hesitant to try out a new straight-leg silhouette, starting off with a basic casual tee might be the easiest, smoothest introduction! They are a great foundation and are perfect to throw on for those weekends of running errands! If you’re feeling good and would like to create an even more adventurously on-trend look, try adding some fashion sneakers and a crossbody.

We keep our inventory stocked with the cutest tees, especially striped ones. Give it a go and let us know how you feel. Not sure how to style an oversized tee? Try knotting it to create shape!

Blazers

My favorite way to style a pair of straight-leg denim has to be with a blazer! If you are looking to add a touch of sophistication to your base layer and enjoy a more professional aesthetic, a blazer may be your new go-to. If you want to wear a patterned blazer, smaller prints can be best, as they are less inclined to overwhelm a petite frame. You can even add a joyful pop of color if you opt for a solid blazer! Either way, this type of outerwear nicely complements this style of jean.

To balance out petite proportions, cropped blazers can team well with a higher rise! A looser, oversized look is also a fun way to lean into the trend. Add a belt to pull the ensemble together!

Tanks & Bodysuits

These are basics in every wardrobe! Tanks are excellent foundational pieces and bodysuits are staples for those of us who like a tucked-in look without having to worry about anything being un-tucked. They make an effortless pairing with straight-leg jeans! A looser straight silhouette juxtaposed with a more form-fitted tank/bodysuit equals a recipe for visual harmony. You can balance out a more distressed jean with a simple tank or a more classic jean with a detailed top!

Excellent for any anytime, they can also be a great underlayer for button-downs, cardigans, or shackets! Tanks and bodysuits come in all shapes and sizes and Short Story carries a variety of petite options. You could pair one with a slightly distressed boyfriend jean for a laidback and edgy vibe.

There are endless ways to style straight-leg jeans as a petite! Whether you’d like to go for a professional jean/blazer moment or a laidback jean/tee combo, the choice is yours! You can absolutely rock them if you believe you can- because we sure do!

Ask for a pair in your next curation and request a Short Story box today!

Do you have a favorite way to wear your straight-leg jeans? Show us how by tagging #shortstorybox on Instagram @shortstorybox

*Cover: Honey Sweet Petite