Being petite means proportions are your best friend. The right outfit can visually add inches without a single pair of heels. The wrong one can swallow you. Summer makes this trickier because the layering tricks that work in fall and winter (long coats, structured boots) aren’t on the table when it’s 90 degrees.

Here’s how to dress for summer when you’re on the shorter side without overthinking it.

High-Waisted Everything

High-rise pants, shorts, and skirts are non-negotiable for petite frames. A high waist creates the illusion that your legs start higher than they do, which translates to an overall longer look. If it sits at or above your belly button, it’s working in your favor.