How to wear today's top trends whether you're petite or tall

It’s one of the questions stylists get asked most often: How do you translate today’s trends for petite and tall figures? To prove that you can rock fall’s hottest looks no matter your body type, style experts Alexis Honce and Mana Mansour are here to share their top tips for both petite and tall figures. 

OVERSIZED BLAZER

The oversized, boxy, menswear blazer has taken over the runways in recent years and become a street-style favourite of late. The fall 2020 version features long sleeves and padded shoulders for added volume. 

If you’re petite: Treat the oversized blazer like a kimono or dress! Pair the blazer with a skirt or dress of the same length and layer the blazer on top to give the illusion that it's not too big for your frame. Try to keep the other elements of your outfit on the more fitted side. For extra definition, add structure with a belt and finish the look with knee-high boots.

Get the look

• Zara oversized blazer, $100
• Zara turtleneck sweater, stylist’s own
• vintage belt from Etsy
• patent-leather skirt, $40 at Winners
• Guess boots, $130
• YSL purse, stylist’s own

If you’re tall: Shop oversized blazers in your actual size, rather than sizing down or up. The shoulders should hit just past your natural shoulder. The key to creating the perfect look here is to layer the look with a blousy knit or tee so as not to draw attention to the blazer’s oversized cut, then balance the outfit with slim-cut pants or skinny jeans.

Get the look

• Zara oversized blazer, $100
• Old Navy textured crew-neck sweater, $35
• Fidelity Oh Boy boyfriend jeans, $228 at Nordstrom
• Vince Cabria lug boot, $495 at Nordstrom
• ai Teddy clutch, $85

LUG BOOTS

Chunky lug-sole boots have quickly become the must-have footwear of the season but they can be tricky to style because of their signature thick rubber sole. The key to making them work for your wardrobe is picking the right height!

If you’re petite: A lower-cut lug boot is definitely the way to go for petites, as a mid-calf version can be unflattering on shorter legs. With ankle boots, make sure it hits at the smallest part of your calf and layer over tube socks for a trendy touch. As for the rest of the outfit, avoid long dresses and, instead, opt for a shorter baby-doll style. Top the look off with a cropped jacket to highlight your natural waist!

Get the look

• Brixton Fiddler fisherman cap, $42 at Nordstrom
• Alexander Wang cropped denim blazer, $491
• Zara babydoll dress, $49
• mini purse, $10 at Value Village
• Steve Madden Howler bootie, $150 at Nordstrom

If you’re tall: Mix in soft and neutral pieces to contrast the heavy boots. Try and avoid platforms, which add extra height and, instead, choose a pair that’s tight at the ankle and tall on the leg, perhaps with studs or other minimal metal detailing to elevate the look. Adding a bit of volume to the top half of your outfit, such as statement layered pieces, will help balance out the boots. 

Get the look

• Smythe coat, $995 at Nordstrom
• Emporium leopard-pattern turtleneck sweater, $42 at Nordstrom
• Wayf Dylan satin midi slip skirt, $59 at Nordstrom
• Zara treaded low-heel studded ankle boots, $70
• ai ESSE cross-body bag, $115