Tips For Wearing Shorts With A Perfect Fit If You're Petite

Every single human body is beautifully and wonderfully different. While individuality is an absolute treasure, the significant variation in body types also means that what looks fab on someone who's way above average height might not fly as well on someone who's petite and sweet.

The great news is that short girls – who are 5 feet, 4 inches, or less in height — have pretty much always been that way to one degree or another, so over time they learn what looks best on their bodies. For example, t-shirt dresses usually don't hit the mark for shorter ladies because they drown out their small frames. Instead, wrap dresses or other fitted varieties compliment the dainty frame without overwhelming it.

Summertime fashion is a bit of a sticking point for petite people, especially when it comes to shorts, which, let's face it, are generally designed to suit much taller and leggier people. Here are some tried-and-true hacks that diminutive ladies can use all season long to rock shorts as good or better than their super statuesque counterparts.

This trick plays games with the eyes to add multiple inches to any person's tiny frame. It's pretty simple, in that high-waisted shorts add extra inches of fabric that fall higher than regular or mid-rise shorts. This helps the legs and hips to appear longer than they actually are. Of course, to make it work the shirt or blouse would have to be tucked in to keep the clean lines moving on up.

A nice nude heel adds a bit of helpful lift to the petite woman's frame. This is yet another optical illusion because the neutral color won't interrupt the natural line of the leg. Or, the wearer can intentionally draw attention by donning a taller pair of shoes in a bright pop of color. That choice really depends on the look you're going for and the overall outfit.

There's a reason the little black dress is so popular. Not only is the continuous, dark color very slimming, but it also helps the person look taller. Use these same principles to your benefit by pairing shorts with tops of the same color for a monochromatic effect. Bonus faux height will be even greater if done in dark colors like navy, charcoal, or black. However, bright shades are just so summery that they can't be ignored.

Vertical stripes are a petite person's best friend, as they naturally elongate the body. Summer is the ideal time to track such patterns down, as they're a fan favorite for lighter-weight shorts like seersucker and linen. Don a pair of these at a seasonal barbeque and give off the illusion of legs for days while still rocking a timeless style.