Whenever a brand launches a new petites collection, it’s a cause for a little celebration in my book! Express introduced their petites line in January, which I had been eagerly anticipating. The brand had surfaced back on my radar in recent years with some great denim offerings in “short” inseams (I’ve never gotten as much rave feedback from you guys on an item as I did with these jeans!), versatile basics, and several pieces in elegant, dressier styles. If you look beyond the edgier styling of the models online, a lot of their pieces can be worked into a classic and age-appropriate wardrobe.
Before partnering with Express petites on a post, I wanted to try on a wide range of their new items including bottoms, jackets, tops and dresses.
Currently, sizing for Express petites ranges from 0 – 12p, and XS – XLP. XSP is best suited for those who usually wear a 0 to 2p. For smaller-framed ladies who typically need xxs or 00 petite, I was told this size is not yet produced (with the exception of one skirt) but might be introduced down the road.
Everyone’s proportions are unique, but I found the petite dresses and tops to work well for someone my height, whereas the pants and denim may be better suited for someone with longer legs. As you can see above, this lace dress in 0P is pretty petite-friendly with smaller armholes, a higher waistline, and a length that hits above my knees. To give you an idea of how their 0P runs, this dress measures 13″ across the waist and 15″ across the armpits. The petite denim and pants I tried on are a few inches long on me with inseams ranging from 28″ for ankle-cut jeans, to 30″ for long pants. At 5′ tall, I know that I’m on the shorter end of the petite range so this isn’t unexpected.
Here’s a few pieces in particular that I wanted to point out from new petites collection:
– High waisted pleated midi skirt – The one style that was available in xxsp! If you’re looking for a classic black pleated skirt that is lightweight and lined, this one fit me nicely. You can dress it up for work or down for everyday wear. The waistband is elasticized and stretchy, sitting higher at my natural waist, and the length was closer to knee-length on me instead of midi.
– Cutaway blazer jacket – I first tried this on in a regular size xxs, and the overall fit was very petite-friendly even in regular sizing. My only adjustment needed on xxs regular was to slim the sleeves, an alteration that I get on many of my blazers due to personal preference. If you can snag your size in petites, the proportions are shrunken down even further for a more cropped blazer (a length great for pairing with dresses and high-waisted skirts).
– Classic trench coat – I’ve mentioned this one a few times before, but it’s a piece that I really hope they’ll offer in a full range of petite sizes. The XSP I received is 1 size up from what I usually wear, so it’s slightly wide in the arms and torso for me, and the belt loops fall an inch below my waist. The quality is very good in my opinion (especially for outerwear at this price point) with a full lining and a medium-weight outer material that feels water-resistant. One reviewer found it to be too stiff, but the material is actually what I like the most. It travels nicely, is wrinkle-resistant, and feels comparable to the fabric in some high-end trench coats.
As Express expands their petites collection, I’m hopefully that they’ll add xxs/00p for the customers who need it, along with more wardrobe staple styles like the aforementioned trench coat and blazer! I made sure to communicate that, along with the wishful suggestion in general of more stock in smaller sizes (which always seem to sell out first). Although I know inventory is ultimately driven by demand and sales data, I always appreciate it when a brand listens with open ears to customer feedback!
If you’ve tried on or own anything from Express petites, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Thank you to Express for partnering on this post.
What shoes are you wearing?
Thank you for your helpful response, especially about the feel of the liquid lipstick option! I'll have to check these out! I'm Korean and pretty close to your skin tone so I'm hopeful at least one of these will work for me.
Thanks again!
Wonderful, thanks Jean! 🙂
Hi Jean,
I'm commenting because perhaps Express may see this. I'm really glad they've decided to finally launch a petite line. That solves the issues of being inconvenience with taking slacks in to get it altered and save on the cost of alteration as Express items are a bit overpriced for my wallet. Now with other stores like H&M; opening up in almost every city and H&M; having reasonable prices, Express may continue to have competition in the market. That's one of the reasons why I stopped shopping at Express. The main issue that I have with Express and even H&M; is that they cater towards thin, very slender women who have full busts, which isn't the case for 90% of thin petite women. Very few petite and skinny women are busty so finding a nice blouse from Express has always been a problem for me. That is something Express may have to consider, don't you think? Or do you think they've corrected this issue with their petite line? Also, although I'm petite, unfortunately for me, I have fuller arms and thighs plus wider hips (genetic issues, I know) so it's hard for me to even find clothes that fit well. Their jeans and slacks aren't made for girls with hips, which is one of the reasons why I have moved on to Loft and Banana Republic. I do miss the trendy and edgier look that Express provides. I just wish they would design their pants to fit a wider range of body types. But I'll have to stop in to check out their petite line. With that said, do you know if all Express stores are now carrying petite or are they still in trial and error phase with only select stores? Also, will the Express Outlet stores carry petite as well? If you know, please share. By the way, as always, you look great in that dress and I love the trench coat!!!
Hi Judy – if you're 5'1" I would still recommend the petite (if your size is in stock). I'm only an inch shorter and think the regular might still be too low-cut on you!
Hi there – congrats on your upcoming ceremony! I think a pink lace dress might be a little too "cocktail party" or sultry for that, if you know what I mean. I would go with something a little more professional like you mentioned. You can still try a knee-length fit and flare (Banana Republic or AT / LOFT has several choices!) style instead of a more formal sheath, to be less boring!
I specifically look for 7/8 length leggings which work great as full length on me (I'm 5" 1'). Even better if they are cuffed at the end which typically means a tighter fit.
Check out Lorna Jane Active – They are an Australian brand many people find are comparable to Lululemon in quality. I've never tried Lulu so I can't compare personally but LJ 7/8s are my go-to for yoga and pilates.
Thanks for the reply Jean – no I've never bought from them before so this is great insight for someone like me who can't check them out in-store. I am approx 5" 1' and a little fuller than you in figure so the regular might end up working out for me – I will be trying the portofino to start 🙂 Thanks!
Hi Jean, do you think this dress is appropriate for a dental school white coat ceremony? I love the style and color so much but I'm concerning if I should wear a more like working/ business formal dress, which might be kind of boring?
Such a lovely dress!