In my 20’s I always gravitated toward very fitted pieces with waist definition, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve found that more relaxed cuts and longer lengths can actually look more timeless. Being petite, the difference between something looking deliberately relaxed versus ill-fitting can be in the details. For instance, for a coat like this I want to make sure the shoulders fit as well as the sleeve length, and usually find it worth it to get coat sleeves hemmed if needed (less concerned with sweaters, since I usually push the sleeves up). And if I’m wearing a looser or longer piece, I try to balance it out by keeping the rest of my outfit sleek.
I know it’s hard to see these Stuart Weitzman boots (several color options) clearly in my photos, but this style is very petite friendly and at a great sale price. I love that they go just a bit over my knees instead of almost mid thigh height like many other OTK boots, and with nice and narrow-fitting calves that stretch. The rounded square toe shape is timeless and the lower block heel is easy for me to walk in around the city.
Cashmere Turtleneck Dress
I’ve shared this cashmere dress a few times before in a different color (oatmeal is a versatile taupe – see it on me). As mentioned before, it’s a lightweight sweater dress with a straight cut fit. An XS skims my figure with no defined waist, and the length when unbelted hits me at the knee. For a thicker weight option I’d recommend this Banana Republic dress (see it on me) in a cotton blend. To wear any sweater dress with tights, I add a slip to prevent the knits from clinging against the tights. I just saw BR came out with an adjustable strap slip in petite, regular & tall sizing in tons of colors and am excited to try it!
Wool Blend Coat
As many of my coats are above the knee, I was looking for longer options and this wool-blend coat (with free shipping & returns!) has been on my radar. I uploaded a video of the fit into the LTK app but the video can only be played within the app, so you can follow me there to view it. The sleeve length of a regular xs surprisingly works on me, but note that coat length & sleeve length may increase as sizes go up. It feels true to size, so if you typically wear xxs then this would be a looser fit.
Hi Jean. I ordered this coat in an XS camel and the color is beautiful!! However, the XS feels like an oversized coat. Did you have any alterations done? Sleeve length was great but there was definitely a lot of room inside the coat.
Hi Jean, after reading your post I ordered the same coat in size xs. The fit and color are very nice, but the coat is very itchy at the arms. I wonder if I receive a defective one. Thanks.
I love coats like this!
Hi Jean!
I love the shape of this coat and have actually been on the hunt for an affordable camel-coloured one! Could you please comment on the warmth of the coat? I’m on the fence about buying this because I need something that can stand up to harsher winters and would love your thoughts on how it does in snowy weather!
Thanks! 🙂
Hi Annabelle! It’s a mid weight coat, similar to most of my other tailored looking coats (not as warm as puffers). If you’re in a harsh winter setting you would definitely need to layer a sweater or something!
How is the length on the dress?
Thank you!
The dress is about 2 inches longer on me than pictured in this post, since my belting it brings the length up a little bit!
Hi Jean!
I’ve been following you on Instagram and your blog for a while now😊 first time leaving a message here. Thanks for always sharing quality content!
I remember at some point you shared about ways of hanging your ikea curtains. I can’t find it on your blog or Instagram anymore. Which ikea brand were the curtains? Hilja or Ritva? Thanks!
Hi Jean, love those sunnies! Would you mind sharing what brand and style? Many thanks!
Thank you Diana, they are one of my most worn pairs these days! They’re from Amazon and are linked just below the first photo in the post.
Hi Jean,
What a lovely and classic outfit! I have been looking for a reasonably prized camel coat. This one looks great! I am 5 foot 3 and usually wear XXS but this one seems to work great in XS. Keep the work clothes posts coming! I teach a virtual class but I still, have to go to work every day. There are plenty of us out there who have to leave our homes to work. I love how you put a lot of details about sizing and fit into your posts.
Thank you so much, Petra – I appreciate it!
Hi Jean,
If I’m typically a 1/2 size smaller than you in your regular shoe size, do you recommend that I purchase a size 5 in the SW Gillian? Most of the my SW boots are in the size 4.5. Does the toe area run narrow? I think my feet are medium in width. Please advise. Thank you! Also, I absolutely adore that camel Mango coat, but alas, it’s in wool, and I’m allergic. If you ever come across a classic camel coat in the future that is not made of wool, could you make a mention of it? I don’t own any camel colored coats because I cannot find out that looks like wool but is not made out of wool. Thank you so much!
Hi KC – I am usually in between a size 5 and 5.5 and got the 5.5 in these but I wouldn’t say for sure that they run small. I don’t feel that the toe runs narrow compared to their other styles (like the previous Highland) but I know a lot of ppl in general find SW as a brand to run narrow in the foot. They definitely do run narrower than other brands in the though I know that wasn’t the aspect you were asking about! And yes I’ll keep an eye out for similar non wool coats going forward!
Jean, you did a fantastic job styling this coat! Would you be open to including recommendations from sustainable fashion brands in your posts? I’m working on incorporating timeless pieces into my wardrobe, and I’m extremely selective about the carbon footprint of items I purchase. It would be great to be able to support you by purchasing through blog links, while also meeting my personal goal of only buying items from brands whose ethos I support. Thanks!
Hi Nan – thank you for the thoughtful note. I am always open and looking to discover new brands like you describe that offer more tailored, petite friendly styles like these. I especially have a hard time finding ones that offer coats or blazers for petite ladies. Please feel free to share any of your recommendations! Also I’m not sure if you’ve checked out Quince in this post but from what I’ve read, they are a brand making a lot of efforts towards the right direction.
Try Boden, a UK retailer (www.bodenusa.com). Prices are a bit higher, but the quality is excellent (365 day guarantee). Shipping and returns are free to the US with a pretty low minimum (I think it’s $75 and oftentimes they give you an extra 15% off). They have a whole section on their website related to sustainability. For me the biggest takeaway is that items are machine washable (even dresses and sweaters) and well made. There is a reason their kids stuff is sought out in consignment stores (super cute and stands up to wear). I have a 20 month old boy, so I know what kids clothes go through : )
In terms of aesthetic, I think Jean’s style is a bit more sleek (Angelia Jolie comes to mind), whereas Boden trends more gamine Euro-preppy, but they do a lot of classic pieces. I have a red trench I bought over 5 years ago that I still love, and it’s a good solid piece (not flimsy). I would like to see more petite shirt and sweater options, but they have a great selection of petite trousers, blazers, and dresses. Finally, it’s clear that they really think through their designs, adjusting details to make items more practical and flattering (think dresses with slightly higher waistlines to flatter or slightly balloon sleeve dresses to make the waist appear narrower.
I promise I have no financial stake in them! I’m just really impressed with my experience with them, as are a lot of my mom friends and other style bloggers (like youlookfab.com). Hope that helps!
Jean I adore you and buy so many of your recommendations. However….where are people wearing dress clothes like this right now? Please keep your pics relevant.
Hi Jamie – I appreciate your opinion and your concern! I did a poll on IG and while some of us are able to work from home, there are many who still need to go into an office right now -at least part time- and have requested outfit ideas aside from just loungewear. Many of us are wearing sweater dresses at home too, plus a camel coat is always one of the top items that readers are hunting for year after year so I found it to be relevant. It’s the type of coat you can dress down by throwing on over joggers or leggings and a sweatshirt as well.
Hi Jean,
I’m always on the lookout for a classic camel coat that doesn’t overwhelm my petite frame. I’m usually a XXSP but am going to give the Mango XS a try because I like how the shoulders fit you.
I’ve also had my eye on the SW Gillian boot for a while. I’m usually 5.5 in shoes but thinking I should probably order a 6 in this style. Some reviewers mentioned they had an issue with the pull on style(that it was difficult to get on and off). How is your experience with this? I want to get as much info as possible because they are an investment purchase 🙂
In response to the other comment I would like to say that I appreciate all your posts. I feel that during the pandemic you have done many posts featuring leisure wear/WFH outfit ideas. Please do not stop doing your dressier posts too. As a very petite woman I’m always searching for quality, classic pieces that I can add to my wardrobe,
Btw love some of your recipe posts too! Keep up the great work!
Hi Jean,
I forgot to ask in my previous comment if there is a particular product you would recommend to protect your SW suede boots.
Thanks again!
Hi Kathy – thanks so much, I appreciate hearing that! Regarding the coat, it fits to my liking but my body is different now postpartum so I did note that it fits true to size and may be roomy on someone who is usually xxs. IF you do try it please let me know what you think and how it fit if you’re usually an xxsp!
Regarding the boots, I’m going to post some videos on Instagram stories today (will be viewable for 24 hours) if that helps you gauge the fit. THe sizing is hard to say unfortunately – I’m in between sizes always so I woudn’t say they definitely run small, but I did go with the bigger of my two half sizes so I could fit winter socks.
I don’t have any issue getting them on and off at all (will include a video on stories today) but SW stretch boots like this tend to be a favorite for women with narrow calves because they do run slim. For reference my calves are about 12.5″ wide in circumference and I love the fit of these boots. For a spray, I got lazy this time around but usually spray my boots first with Applecare or Cadilllac spray and then reapply every winter!
Thank you for sharing Jean! I’ve been hunting for a good camel coat to fit my petite frame for almost a year now. I’ve definitely been on the Mango site eyeing their coats but worried they would be too large. Would you say you have a lot of room in the coat too? (Could be good for layering but I also want some fit to keep cold air out.)
Hi Maya, for fit reference I’m guessing I’m about 100lb, 5 feet tall and this coat has room to layer but is not too large. I included the measurements so you can compared to your existing coats but keep in mind because the material is medium-thick and there is a lining, that the fit inside will be smaller than the external measurements!
Thanks so much Jean! Love how thorough you are in all of your reviews and recommendations. Also appreciated the video you posted on LTK 🙂