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Shopping as a petite woman over 45 can feel like a balancing act. You want clothes that fit your frame, flatter your proportions and reflect your personal style. Two brands that come up again and again in the petite fashion conversation are Chico’s and J.Jill.


Both are popular with women who value quality, comfort, and timeless style, but when it comes to petite sizing, how do they really compare? In this post, we’ll look at both across categories like jeans, bottoms, tops, dresses, and outerwear, so you can decide which brand deserves a spot in your petite wardrobe.


What Sets Chico's Apart?

  • Their unique sizing system (0 - 4) can make finding the right fit easier once you know your size.

  • Known for structured pieces that flatter with a sleek look.

  • Bold prints and colors that add personality to a wardrobe.


Top Picks:

Girlfriend Slim Ankle Jeans - Features a tummy slimming interior.


Pull-On Wide Leg Jeans - Vintage inspired with an elongating silhouette.


Girlfriend Frayed Flare Jeans - Mid-rise cut for a leg-lengthening look.


Embellished Girlfriend Slim Ankle Jeans - Mid-rise skinny jeans with fun embellishment.


Belted Dolman-Sleeve Jumpsuit - The perfect everyday jumpsuit with a petite 25" inseam.


Belted Pleated Wide Leg Pants - Flattering details and removable tie-front belt.


Floral Ruffle-Sleeved Midi Dress - Bold and beautiful with a fit-and-flare silhouette.


Flutter-Sleeve Tie Front Dress - Make a fashion statement with this romantic flutter sleeved dress.

Wide-Leg Denim Jumpsuit - The perfect everyday jumpsuit.



What Sets J.Jill Apart?

  • Known for flowy tops, soft fabrics and easy silhouettes.

  • Softer colors and neutrals are the norm.

  • Casual, yet polished


Curvy-Fit Authentic Slim-Leg Jeans - High rise, flattering fit with a touch of stretch for a comfortable fit.


The Boyfriend Jeans - Bestselling slim fit with rolled cuffs.


Pima 3/4 Sleeve V-Neck Tee - Ultra-soft, long lasting, perfect for tucking.


Perfect Reversable Tank - Versatile tank with a scoop neck on one side and a v-neck on the other.


Pure Jill Embroidered-Knit Flounced Top - A wearable work of art.


Embroidered A-Line Shirtdress - Eyelet embroidery with a scalloped hem.


Wearever V-Neck Midi Dress - Timeless piece for summer and beyond.


Embroidered Snap-Front Jacket - Wardrobe staple designed with rich texture.



At the end of the day, both Chico’s and J.Jill bring something valuable to the petite fashion table. Chico’s with its polished bottoms and dresses, and innovative sizing system. J.Jill with its consistent range of petites and effortless everyday style. The right choice really depends on your lifestyle and what you’re looking for. If you want structure and tailored pieces, Chico’s may be your match; if comfort and ease are your priorities, J.Jill is hard to beat. The good news? You don’t have to choose just one, many petites find the perfect wardrobe by mixing the best of both brands.



 

When it comes to petite fashion, Anthropologie and Boden are two brands that consistently show up in conversations about style, quality and fit. Both offer dedicated petite sections, but their aesthetics are very different. Here are some top picks for each brand so you can shop smarter.


💃 Anthropologie


What Sets Anthropologie Apart for Petites


Romantic boho-chic with personality. Dresses, blouses, and layers designed with petite proportions in mind, rather than just shorter hems. Best for statement pieces, artsy tops, and dresses that turn heads.


Top Picks:

Bl-nk Stephanie Top – Boho-chic petite, comes in several different color schemes.


Maeve Colette Crop High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans – Pants so beloved, it sparked its own colelction


Tobie Mini Shirt Dress – Petite-appropriate mini with a cinched waist and pockets.


Somerset Mini Dress – A beloved silhouette among petites for its flattering fit, versatile style, and pullover ease.


Somerset Maxi Dress – A maxi version of the same flattering cut, perfect for petites seeking length without dragging.


AGOLDE 90s Mid-Rise Straight Leg Jeans – Classic, great fitting style.


La Quinta Linen Pleated Pants – Slim, tailored styling for work and play.


Maeve Crop Faux Fur Coat – Trendy cropped style that sits perfectly on petite frames.



👗 Boden


What Sets Boden Apart for Petites


Polished, colorful, and tailored. Boden brings crisp prints and structured fits that flatter shorter frames without overwhelming them. Best for work-appropriate dresses, elevated basics, and vibrant wardrobe staples.


Top Picks:

Sienna Cotton Shirt - Classic but colorful, in true petite sizing.


Sarah Short Jersey Dress – Every day elegance with petite-friendly proportions and effortless polish.


Sofia Trim Jersey Midi Dress – A sleek yet comfy midi dress that works well on shorter frames due to its balanced cut.


Highgate Ponte Pants – Classic, fitted trousers with a smart look.


Gwen Slash Neck Jumpsuit - Modern jumpsuit with wide legs.


Canonbury Pants - Perfect for work, with a touch of stretch.


Valentina Taffeta Midi Skirt - Flare, pockets and crisp pleats. Stylish with minimal effort.


Naomi Short Sleeve Dress - Comfortable, wear anywhere style.


If you're a petite who loves bold, artistic fashion and you're willing to hunt for those perfectly proportioned statement pieces, Anthropologie is your brand. If you want reliable fit, polished everyday pieces, and color that doesn't overwhelm, Boden is the clear winner.



 

Shopping as a mid-sized petite (typically sizes 10–16) has its own fashion struggles. Too often, you’re stuck between standard sizes that are too long and plus-size options that aren’t designed for your frame. The result? Waistbands that gape, sleeves that swallow you, and hems that puddle.


But don’t worry - there are brands out there that get it. Here are the best petite-friendly clothing lines that design with mid-sized, curvy bodies under 5’4” in mind.


Size Range: 0–18


Why It Works: Founded by a fellow petite woman (she’s 5’2”), this Hawaii-based brand prioritizes shorter inseams, higher rises, and hip-friendly fits. Everything is tested on real petite bodies, so you’ll feel the difference.



Size Range: Up to 3X in select styles


Why It Works: Madewell’s Curvy Petite denim is a must-try for short women with hips. They’ve added more sizes and petite inseams recently, and many styles come in that sweet spot of mid-size proportions.



LOFT 💼

Size Range: XXS–XXL (up to 18P)


Why It Works: LOFT is a go-to for curvy mid-sized petites. Their cuts tend to accommodate hips and thighs, and their pieces are versatile, great for work or casual wear.



Athleta 🌿

Size Range: XXS–3X with petite inseams


Why It Works: Athleta’s performance wear and athleisure come in short inseams and are made with curves in mind. Stretchy, sculpting fabrics make it easy to move and feel supported.



Size Range: 0–18P


Why It Works: Known for curve-hugging denim, Kut offers several jeans and pants in petite sizes that mid-sized women swear by.


Top Picks: Meg Wideleg Pant


Also Worth Exploring:


  • J.Crew: Chic essentials in up to size 20P

  • Old Navy: Budget-friendly, carries up to XXL

  • NYDJ: Curvy-friendly fit with mid-rise styles and forgiving waistbands


Mid-sized curvy petites are often overlooked - but that’s changing. These brands are leading the way in creating stylish, properly proportioned clothing for women who fall between standard and plus sizes.


Tried any of these brands? Have a favorite I missed? Let me know in the comments so I can share your picks with our petite community.




 
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