Petite Fashion: The Jacket

Do not ever underestimate style power of a great coat . Throw one on with jeans, a maxi skirt, poof and even tailored shorts –instant design upgrade. Slip on a pair of fun apartments or on-trend boots, and unexpectedly even running errands feels smart, and there is nothing which makes standing at the supermarket more tolerable than understanding at least you seem  fabulous.

For petite girls on a budget, however, locating a coat that matches is a struggle. Sure, some petite-specific retailers (if you can find them) take great choices, but the price tags tend to cause greater sticker shock than buyer satisfaction. And tailors are still an alternative, but if it is more than simply taking a sleeve (petite cuts are about shoulder width and hem length( also ), it’s likely going to make even a deal jacket more trouble (and cost) than it is worth to begin with.

Another problem? Retailers are under the impression that the petite females interested in appropriate clothing that is are within age 60 and of a conservative bent. Google”petite coat” and high hits include”Eddie Bauer”,”Talbots” and”Coldwater Creek” — not that there’s anything wrong with some of these people, but they’re not exactly fashionista go-tos. Sigh.

Fashionable Jackets for Petite Fashionistas

Therefore, in our quest to keep all the (literal) shawtys appearing fabulous, we are sharing our picks of sources for jackets which will make you feel six feet tall. The list is, unfortunately, um, short.  Okay, for real–we can hardly ever find budget-friendly petite jackets anymore. Ever. Retailers, be cautious.

Ann Taylor LOFT

Petite Linen Cotton Dobby Open Jacket, $89.99 from Loft

We *heart* the petite jackets at Loft.com–both the colors and cuts are contemporary (like the cotton linen jacket pictured above), and also the prices aren’t entirely ridiculous though they will require us to dip into that change jar that is supposed to be helping us fund our next tropical holiday in order to justify the buy (we weren’t gonna receive far about the $47 we’ve stored in the last year anyway).

Macy’s

Le Suit Petite Three-Button Tweed Jacket, $57.99 from Macy’s

Macy’s makes the listing primarily for selection–although some of their coats are kind of ho-hum rather than so fashion forward, there are plenty of choices (at least compared to most other retailers) and some are super cute, entirely fair, and eminently work appropriate (that the Le Suit petite three-button tweed coat for example).

Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe

Ribbed Knit Biker Jacket, $32.80 from 21

Okay, we know–that is not the place you’re going to want to go for this power coat to take you to your next promotion. That having been said, for the absolute benefit of being able to afford some variety in our closet, we love both of these retailers for simple to wear small on-trend jackets (obsessed with the Ribbed Knit Biker Jacket at F21). Of course the sizing isn’t technically petite (it’s not even technically reliable from one garment to another ), but because these things are trimmed together with the junior frame in your mind, most will do the job for petite girls from the small average size array without needing costly alteration adjustments.

The Restricted and Target

Outback Red® Patch Pocket Blazer, $89.95 from The Limited

We are combining these two because the choice of miniature jackets offered by each is soooo miniscule, neither of these deserves their own entrance. However, the handful of petite jackets they do provide are clean and classic (Limited), and versatile and inexpensive (Tarjay). Worth a watch for dresses staples (we enjoy the Outback Red Patch Pocket Blazer, half off right now with promo code BIG50) along with the occasional trend-worthy coat but don’t expect to be knocked out.

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Angela

Angela is a senior author who has been hanging around TBF since way back into 2007. When she is not weighing on the virtues of, say, feathers as a fashion statement, Angela functions as a bridal consultant in the St. Louis area. She enjoys sunsets, and long walks in Goal.

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