Where do you buy cool work clothes for really short people?

[BBlackberryStone]

I got a gorgeous pair of cigarette trousers from Next for an interview a couple of years ago, and I've never ever been able to find a pair that fit me quite like it. They skim just above the ankle where they're meant to, and with a loose blazer look actually quite smart and cool.

I worked out yesterday why they fit. Because they're 3/4 length on normal height people

I've always done the leggings/tights/shift dress combo but I finish my PhD in a few months and I'm going to be applying for jobs in actual offices with non-academics. I need to look smart every day not just for conferences and the odd lecture. I can't wear one pair of trousers every day! And the last skirt I bought went down past my knees, and not in a trendy way, it looked like my old school uniform. I'm 5''1 and about a size 10. I'm 25, I look like a child and everyone else my age seems to look like bloody Topshop models. What am I doing wrong? Help me!

Lots of high street and online stores have a petite range. In fact, far more have a petite range than have a tall range. A lot more can be found by googling petite clothing UK.

Topshop
ASOS
River Island
Dorothy Perkins
Next
Banana Republic
Boohoo
Wallis
Missguided
Boden
New Look
Oasis

Debenhams, House of Fraser and John Lewis all do too.

Look beyond petite ranges would be my advice (the JL, Debs, Wallis ones can be a bit middle aged and I find the size 8 too big).

Mango, Warehouse and Zara are great for work trousers that fit narrower hips and shorter bodies. Get the length altered at a dry cleaners. They're also good for smaller shirts and blazers (eg their size 8 is much smaller than Reiss/Whistles or similar).

Dresses can be tricky if they have a defined waist as its unlikely to sit at your waist but A-line/looser styles can be belted. Again Zara/Mango can be good for these.

I like Top Shop, DPs etc for casual clothes but find the work clothes either a bit too trendy/revealing/poor quality. Banana republic lovely but £££.

They aren't cool, but M&S do extra short length trousers in their petite range. I'm 5ft and the length is right (normal petite is usually 1-2 inches too long). Worth looking in case there's something you find acceptable.