Are You Petite? Here’s My Experience with Short Story

When I was a teenager, a pair of kitchen scissors were always at my disposal. From cropping oversized shirts to doing a DIY hem job to too long jeans, nothing ever seemed to fit quite right. Into adulthood I’ve made do by shopping in the kid’s sections or begging my friends to sew outfits to my size. Long story short: I was over it and lived in yoga pants and sweatshirts.

Until one day I discovered Short Story, a subscription box for the itty-bitty, teeny-tiny, shortcakes who are under the average 5’4” height. I come in at a petite 5 foot — the same size since 6th grade (let me know when you too stopped growing in the height department).
Short Story is an insightful and fun way to try new petite clothes worry free! I began by filling out a quiz on my personal tastes of styles, clothing pieces, and body measurements. I realized I loved the ultra boho-mets-femme looks with frills, lace, and lots of free flowing elements. I opted for jeans and sweaters since it’s getting chilly here on the east coast.

A few days later I got my notification that I had my package. Greeting me was a pale pink box that I promptly opened up to reveal what adorable items my stylist picked for me (oh yeah, you get a personal stylist with Short Story, I wish it was like this all the time!).
I received five pieces and here’s my thoughts:

My favorite was the Phoebe Short Sleeve Sweater from Gentle Fawn. It came in a soft natural — almost like oatmeal — that looked so dreamy against my skin. It felt like a dream too, with soft knitting and subtle puff sleeves that hit right before my elbows. The V-neck was absolutely flattering as I layered with necklaces and a scarf. When I visited friends they complimented the almost cashmere-texture. So of course this sweater was staying with me!

To meet my old professor for sushi I got dolled up in Kimono Sleeve Maxi Dress from Grade & Gather. The flowing slits fluttered with every step I took and it hit my ankles at the perfect spot. The fabric was a rich wine color that evoked all the witchy feelings of Fall. I was able to transition this dress to the library afterwards for a quick study session.

For a poetry reading I paired Lucrezia Blouson Sweetheart Neck Top from Democracy and Bridger Flare Jeans from The Fine Print together for a cross between bard-meets-70s teenager. The jeans felt amazing and hugged my curves while the top’s peasant sleeves and romantic neckline gave me a major confidence boost as I read sonnets to my peers.

Lastly and most surprising was the Lena Surplice Jumpsuit from Muse Petite. This sleek-yet-playful jumpsuit was dapped with flower buds and had a ribbon to bring in the waist. I paired this outfits with heeled sandals on one of the unseasonably warm days that felt like a taste of summer. This jumpsuit I’ve already worn three times from class, grabbing dinner with friends, and taking portraits for club photoshoots. This piece is versatile and truly unlike anything else I’ve worn. This item is on constant rotation in my closet.

Short Story is made for petite women, by petite women, and their items are well-made. For the items I didn’t feel absolutely in love with, I simply put them in a pre-labeled bag and dropped it off at my campus post office. No fuss or payments apart from the items I kept. Short Story is a great gift for a girlfriend, friend, niece, or anyone you know who is on the little side. Even yourself, because — let’s be real — as short women we deserve all the help we can get (and yes, that includes getting things off the top shelf)! Shop Short Story here — and here’s to finding perfect fits!