How to Style It… Petite Prints (Street Style Edition)

Love them or love to hate them, prints have always sparked debate in fashion—especially for petites and extra petites. Here’s 6 ways to style it. 

As Miranda Priestly famously scoffed in The Devil Wears Prada, springtime floral prints trend annually like clockwork. This seasonal change often sees fashion trends embrace playful patterns and bright colours over sophisticated monochromatic looks. Recent trends reveal florals aren’t the only prints making waves this season. 

Bold leopard print has taken over high-street brands for nearly a year, with no sign of slowing down. This street style trend has even reached the red carpets in Hollywood as Millie Bobby Brown and Doja Cat turned heads in their head-to-toe cheetah ensembles. DEWEY even got in on the fun, creating a vibrant printed set with the IRIS legging and HAZEL cropped vest. 

Thanks to fast-fashion's rapid trend cycle, prints can be seen as a risky investment. Who remembers how quickly the must-have prints of 2020, like the ultra-trendy marble and patchwork pattern, fell out of favour, landing in the charity shops in less than a year? 

Either regarded as an expression of personal style or a “micro-trend”, the rise of prints spark a divide. Some embrace prints wholeheartedly, while others find adopting them seamlessly into their wardrobe a daunting styling challenge. For petites and extra petites, prints can be a frequent “frenemy”, with the potential to both flatter or overwhelm our frame. 

The key to making prints work, especially for petites and extra petites, is all about scale and balance. Strategic styling, like pairing bold prints with neutral basics or opting for well-tailored silhouettes, ensures the trend feels intentional rather than overwhelming. Accessories, like printed footwear or a statement bag, can also be an easy starting point for the unconvinced. Whether you’re rocking a full printed set or just a subtle pop, there’s always a way to style bold patterns. 

On How-To-Style-It, we’re all about making the trends work for you, not the other way around. As we see prints pop up on the high-street, petites and extra petites can use these tips pulled from fashion content creators, designers, and trendsetters to pull off patterns effortlessly. Here's 6 ways to style prints. 

Opt for smaller prints

Smaller, more delicate patterns tend to complement a petite frame, while oversized prints can sometimes overpower the look. I’ve always loved floral prints, but found some don’t compliment me as much as I’d like, such as the bold, tropical florals often seen  in resort-wear. “Ditzy” floral prints flatter shorter frames, while often being more wearable and accessible across different styles and seasons. Large prints can also cause visual disharmony by breaking up the frame with a blocky, shortening effect. Luckily for petites and extra petites, these prints are currently trending as fashion brands embrace dainty polka-dots and small florals in this trend cycle.

Look for vertical lines

While this may be the oldest extra-petite styling trick in the book, it’s still a wise one! Look for vertical leading lines, while avoiding horizontal ones. This will be easy to spot in a classic striped print, but often more tricky to spot in more geometric or abstract patterns. Take DEWEY’s IRIS printed leggings for example, designed with strokes of pink and blue cheetah print that lead the eye down the leg. These offer an elongating effect thanks to their subtly vertical design. While I still think horizontal stripes aren’t completely off-limits for extra-petites, use them thoughtfully and sparingly to avoid a shortening look. 

Cinch your waist

Using your natural waistline to create definition within prints is a game-changer for styling. Accentuating it with a belt or strategic color-blocking helps you prevent getting lost in bold patterns, drawing the eye to the waist and enhancing your shape. I’ve seen some printed belts that could be a great addition to any outfit, and a fun use of prints. While I love an oversized silhouette, baggy printed items seem to throw off a look. Opting for slimmer tailoring or defining your waist is the best way to rock prints with full confidence. 

Experiment with accessories

Looking to dip a toe into the world prints without fully committing? Accessories are a solid entry way into these trends, especially for the more minimalist dressers out there. Accessories are the perfect low-risk way to “test drive” a print you’ve been eyeing. Think a chic cheetah-print mini bag, a patterned ball cap, or even a pair of floral socks, all small touches that let you dip into the trend without full commitment. Start small!

Add a “sheen” to the fabric

Sometimes, the smallest details can make all the difference. A very 90s trend, find fabrics with a shiny luster to add depth, creating vertical shadows that flatter the body. Satin, satin, and velvet are perfect examples of these fabrics, as they reflect light in a complimentary way for extra-petites. This subtle trick elongates and straightens, great visual qualities to add to a printed look. We’ve seen plenty of extra-petite celebrities use this tip on the red carpet (look at Doja Cat’s shiny gown at the most recent Oscars). 

Stick to monochrome or low-contrast prints

High-contrast, busy prints can sometimes feel overwhelming on petites and extra petites (as much as we love colour). Use monochrome patterns as your “go-to” since these create a more subtle effect. If you still want to incorporate colour, try prints in similar shades or gradient patterns that blend seamlessly rather than stark, contrasting designs. I love the cheetah trend for this reason, as this neutral-tone, low-contrast print is easy to style as a 5’0” woman.  Soft gingham, similar toned florals, and polka dots are stand-by prints for a low-contrast look.  

To showcase the impact of prints on petites and extra petites, we hit the streets to find our favorite standout printed looks! From classic monochrome patterns to trendy animal prints, we’ve gathered plenty of inspiration to help you style prints with confidence. Plus, don’t forget to check out our FAQ section, where we answer all your top questions about choosing the best prints for petite frames and how to wear them effortlessly!

Your most asked questions about prints answered

Are big prints or small prints more flattering?

For petites and extra petites, smaller prints tend to be more flattering because they are proportional to a smaller frame and help create a balanced look. Large, oversized prints can look busy and sometimes overwhelm a petite figure, making you appear shorter or drowned in fabric.

Look for ditzy florals and small polka dots as these are both timeless and currently trendy. If you’re going to style a larger print, choose a tailored silhouette for a more streamlined look. 

What prints make you look taller?

If you want to create the illusion of height, vertical stripes are your best friend. They draw the eye upward, elongating your frame for a taller, narrow look. Choosing prints that have a subtle vertical element or have an upward-flowing design can add height as well. Patterns that naturally draw the eye upward, like pinstripes or cascading florals, build a taller silhouette.

Is it okay to wear pattern on pattern?

Pattern on pattern can be a chic and bold statement if styled correctly. Finding contrasting, but not clashing, patterns is the key here, or else you risk getting lost within your outfit.  Look for similar colourways or print styles (i.e. monochromatic or clashing checks in different scales.

Can petites wear prints?

Yes! Petites and extra petites should absolutely wear prints, as they can be a playful way to showcase your personal style. 

The key is choosing prints that complement your proportions rather than overwhelm them. Opt for smaller, low-contrast patterns like soft florals, gingham, or subtle polka dots to maintain balance. Monochrome or gradient prints can also create a lengthening effect. If you love bold prints, try vertical patterns or evenly spaced designs to enhance your frame. With the right styling, prints can add personality and dimension to any petite wardrobe!

What prints look best on petite women?

Always look for vertical designs when choosing your print! These create an elongating effect, making you appear taller by drawing the eye up and down. Pinstripes, vertical florals, and column-like patterns are great choices.