How To Wear A Cropped Jacket When Petite

Over the years, I have realized that having a few jackets in my closet that I can rely on makes feeling put together so much easier. It doesn’t have to be a fancy jacket, just something that you can toss on with several different things to make you smile when you look at yourself before walking out the door. For me, a good cropped jacket will do just that.

The great thing about cropped jackets is that they come in many styles and fabrics. Trust me, there is one out there just for your personal style. I am going to share with you different types of cropped jackets and how to wear them.

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How To Wear A Cropped Jacket

Whether you want to level up a casual outfit, want a jacket to polish an outfit for the office, or just want some coverage for your arms, a cropped jacket is your answer as a petite. I am going to share some outfits for all of those situations and more. This style of jacket will be your finishing touch to so many outfits. But first, we are going to figure out exactly what makes a jacket a cropped jacket.

What Is A Cropped Jacket?

A cropped jacket is a jacket that is shorter than usual. It will usually hit at the waist or just below the waist. You want to make sure that the jacket hits your hip bone or above. That is what will achieve the look that we are going for with your outfits. This length works well for petites because when you pair it with the right bottoms, it will make your legs look longer.

You can easily find cropped jackets made for winter, spring, summer, or fall. They can be made out of any type of fabric. So if you have a favorite fabric that you love to wear I am sure you can find a cropped jacket that will fit your needs. The most common fabrics are denim, tweed, leather, linen, and all sorts of blended fabrics. You will even find some cute puffer jackets in the winter.

These are the most common cropped jackets that you will find when you are on the hunt to add one to your closet:

• Denim jacket
• Leather jacket
• Moto jacket
• Tweed jacket
• Blazer
• Utility jacket
• Puffer jacket

What To Wear With A Cropped Jacket

When it comes to what to wear with a cropped jacket, we are looking for balance. As petites, that is always the goal. This style of jacket works so well for us because there are so many things we can pair with it that naturally work for us short gals.

High-Waisted Bottoms

The high-waisted bottom is a petite gal’s BFF. They work no matter your body type. When it comes to jeans or trousers, look for straight, wide-leg, or flared styles. If you want to wear a cropped jacket with a skirt, then you will want to look for an A-line or midi skirt with a high waist.

These pieces work so easily with a cropped jacket because the high waist visually elongates the bottom half of your body. The jacket will naturally draw the eye upward to your waistline, so hello to long legs.

Fitted or Tucked-In Tops

You want to keep your base layer sleek so that your jacket shines. Slim tees, turtlenecks, and body suits in solid colors are great basic pieces to pair with your jacket.

Keeping your base layer clean and simple helps the cropped silhouette of the jacket do its waist-defining magic.

Dresses

Cropped jackets are great toppers for dresses. Mini and midi dresses that are fitted or belted define your shape underneath the jacket. In the winter a sweater dress is a great option to layer with a cropped jacket.

This pairing works great together, but you do need to make sure that your jacket hits at the most narrow point of your waist. That is what will flatter your shape the best.

Matching Sets

I love how the “matching set” has become the hit recently. Petites have been loving matching sets or monochrome dressing since the beginning of time. They always give the illusion of height.

So for this option, you want to match your cropped jacket with high-waisted pants or a skirt and keep the top simple. Works like a charm on a short gal because there are no visual breaks in the outfit.

Statement Shoes

Shoes are always a favorite topic for me. When you are petite elongating footwear is always the best choice in footwear. What do I mean by elongating footwear?

• Pointed-toe flats or heels
• Heeled ankle boots
• Sleek sneakers

These are the shoes that will help your feet look longer. We want to avoid a chunky or bulky shoe. This is coming from a lady who wears a size 5 shoe and is a shoe lover through and through.

How To Style A Cropped Jacket

Here are some outfit ideas for cropped jackets that work. I hope you find a new outfit formula that works for you.

Cropped Denim Jacket + Midi Dress + Sneakers

A cropped denim jacket works with so many things in our closets, but pairing it with a midi dress is a great casual-chic look. All you need is a crossbody bag and white sneakers, and you are ready to go. This type of look is great for casual weekend outings, sightseeing when on vacation, or brunch. The jacket deines your waist and balances the longer length of the dress. Here are a couple of styles of dresses that work great for this look.

Cropped Blazer + High-Waisted Trousers + Pointed-Toe Flats

A cropped blazer is a great piece to have for those days you do have to go into the office or for a meeting. You can wear it with high-waisted trousers that are comfortable for you. I would suggest a straight leg or a wide leg that is not too wide. Yes, you can wear a stylish flat that has a pointy toe. You don’t have to pull out a pair of heels to carry off this look. The cropped blazer will keep everything proportional with this look.

Cropped Tweed Jacket + Slim Jeans + Ballet Flats

A ladylike tweed is a timeless piece to have in your closet. The cropped style makes it fresh and stylish. Pairing it with a pair of fitted straight leg jeans and ballet flats is such a classic look. It is a simple, yet polished look any time of the year. This look is perfect for afternoon events or a fun trip to a museum.

Cropped Linen Jacket + High-Waisted Shorts + Espadrille Wedges

I love a cropped linen jacket for summer. My favorite one works just like a denim jacket, except that the fabric is lighter. Tommy Bahama makes it year after year in basic colors and fun, fresh colors that are trending. I am wearing it in the photo above. Pair it with a great pair of high-waisted shorts and add some espadrilles, and you have the perfect summer outfit for outdoor lunches and weekend getaways.

Cropped Denim Jacket + Maxi Skirt + Tank Top + Sandals

A cropped denim jacket paired with a maxi skirt is an easy breezey look for a trip to the farmer’s market, sightseeing, or a casual daytime date. Just remember that you will want to wear a tank top that you can tuck in or that hits at the top of the waistband. I prefer to tuck and have the tank be rather fitted.

I like the fray at the waist of this cropped jacket for a very casual look. Wearing this jacket with a maxi skirt defines your ways and balances the look from head to toe. Just add a slide sandal and your favorite crossbody bag and you are out the door. Don’t forget your sunnies!

Cropped Puffer Jacket + Leggings + Sleek Trainers

Puffer jackets are the best for keeping you cozy and stylish when the weather is chilly. I know that many petite women worry about looking bulky in a puffer. I promise that with my tips, you can find one or more that you will wear on repeat. Puffer jackets are easier to pull off than you think. The key to this casual outfit that is perfect for walks or errands is the slim leggings and trainers. Remember to keep your top simple and fitted.

Thanks, Let’s Keep In Touch

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by my post. I hope that you now have so many ideas that you want to try with your cropped jacket. Sometimes we just need a little inspiration to find a new favorite outfit combination that works for us. If you are looking for other jackets to wear during warmer months, you can check out some of my favorites lightweight spring jackets for petites.

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