Spring has sprung, and it's time for an H&M try-on! H&M isn't specifically for petites but I often find pieces that fit. Combined with budget friendly prices, I keep coming back for more. Here are a few items and how they look on my 4'11" frame:
Linen Blend Fitted Collarless Blazer in size 2
Linen Blend Fitted Collarless Blazer in size 2
First up, a light blue textured blazer with gathered sleeves. I love the color for spring/summer, and the subtle single fastener at the front keeps the style sleek. The longer hem length might look fun contrasted with tailored shorts. The sleeve length isn't quite right for me, though. It's made to be three quarters but ends up an awkward in between on my arm length. Could work for someone a few inches shorter or taller than me!
Striped Off The Shoulder Blouse in size 2
Striped Off The Shoulder Blouse in size 2
This blouse has an eye catching mix of turquoise and white vertical stripes with tiny roses printed on top. The hem length is quite good for petites and it drapes well even with a looser cut. The thinner material is airy and light for warm summer weather, and the cold shoulder design makes it trendy while still offering some coverage. Once again, it's the sleeves that make this top not quite work for me, this time way too long. Maybe they'll come out with a shorter sleeve or cami version as H&M frequently remixes their styles!
Tie Front Floral Blouse in size 2
Tie Front Floral Blouse in size 2
Another floral print - this one sings spring to me with it's fresh white mini flowers and saturated green base. The button front and knot tie hem adds some character so it's more than a run-of-the-mill flower top. It's a nice piece for a casual office environment or a brunch outing. Same deal with the too-long sleeves, though!
V-Neck Striped Shirt in size 2
V-Neck Striped Shirt in size 2
An object printed on top of a pattern seems to be on trend lately - the red cherry print on top of thin vertical blue stripes gives this professional shirt a fun edge and it's subtlety keeps it from looking too young. This one was all around too big on me, though. I improved the fit by tucking in the hem and cuffing the sleeves, but it's still a lot of extra material. I like the style overall but I wouldn't call this one petite friendly.
Short Sleeve Jersey Top in size XS
Short Sleeve Jersey Top in size XS
I went ultra simple for the last one - a solid colored, cornflower blue, fitted round neck tee. It's the perfect wardrobe staple! It has a great shape skimming but not too tight fit, the neckline falls in the right place, and the shoulder width and overall hem length also line up just where I'd like them. This one went home with me! So easy to throw on with almost anything.
All in all, be wary of long sleeve styles at H&M. I found the torso, shoulder width, and overall hem lengths typically petite-friendly, so you may have the best luck by trying short sleeve or sleeveless styles. The colors of each style seem differ in store and online, so check both places if you find a cut you like but not quite the right tone. I didn't try on any dresses this time, but that's because I'm already a fan of their mini styles! Check out my previous review of the jersey mini dress + straw hat, still available in many colors and patterns.