Calling all shorties: Is there life after Topshop?

[DiamondsAndRust]

I know this topic has probably been done to death, but I think I've reached a bit of a crossroads style-wise and could really do with some input.

Basically, I need to know what a thirtysomething short-arse should be wearing nowadays! I'm by no means a fashionista, but I've always liked clothes and shopping. However, now I've reached the ripe old age of 33, I'm getting increasingly confused and feel I've lost my style groove a bit. Main problem is, I'm only 5ft 3 and while fairly slim (size 8-10, small-busted, short but slim legs and a slight tummy, which I'm dealing with by way of the gym) I'm finding that some of the styles that used to suit me now make me look squat and square.

So, first off, where should I be looking for petite-friendly clothes? Used to be a massive Topshop fan, mainly because their clothes suited my small frame, but I'm increasingly fed up with synthetic fabrics and poor quality, plus most of their stuff now feels a bit on the young side. Most of the shops I do now find myself gravitating to (Cos, & Other Stories, Zara) seem to make clothes for tall, rake-like people. Plus I'm on a fairly tight budget, so can't afford places like Comptoir de Cotonniers etc. Any well-kept secrets I should know about?

Secondly, what styles (other than the short dress and leggings/opaques thing, which I've done to death) work well for shorter people? I'd love to achieve more of a classic, sophisticated look, but I always seem to end up looking cutesy or studenty. Trousers in particular are a nightmare - don't think I've bought any for about a decade as nothing fits properly! Skinny jeans have always worked for me, but I understand that these are now a bit passé, and the newly trendy boyfriend jeans make me look about 12 and decidedly chunky-thighed.

If anyone can offer me any sage advice or point me in the direction of a helpful previous thread that would be wonderful!

[minipie]

I'm 5'3 too - just too tall for petite ranges (mostly) but too small for normal!

Mango often very good (much better proportions than Zara)

Dorothy Perkins is good iirc

Reiss fitted dresses often fit me well (good for occasions)

White Stuff not bad but avoid the smocky things which make short people look pregnant

Jigsaw but avoid the droopy/shapeless stuff (which is quite a lot of it)

Gap is still often my best bet for trousers, not perfect but not bad.

I don't think skinny jeans are passe (can't do the accent) in real life. maybe in fashion mags but in real life everyone is still wearing them. Lucky you for being able to wear them... I am short AND with chunky legs!

[Rumplestiltskinismyname]

Second white stuff. I'm slightly curvier than your size but same height. Also... Currently loving whistles. Bit pricey but have some lovely pieces.

[Gowaygoway]

Boden bistro crop trousers in petite. I'm 5'2" and these fit perfectly. Look great with flats and low ish heels.

[minipie]

Ooh yes, I got a couple of dresses from Me & Em recently which fit perfectly. Pricey though but they have v good sales if you can be patient.

[5madthings]

I am your height and the next sexy skinny for high walast jeans are good in their petit range, they hold in tummy/ muffin top.

I have some sorts from fat face and a lot to white stuff tops.

Also a nice blazer from h&m and some jumpers from h&m.

[AmberNectarine]

Uniqlo do free alterations on any trousers over about £20 which has been really useful for me in the past.

[sherazade]

30 here, size 4-6. 5 ft tall. Still adore topshop. Have recently ventured onto gap online petite section, banana republic petite and Boden petite Cant fault the cut quality and styling of those brands !