What suits petite women? Investing in high quality pieces

[humbugaboo]

I’m 5 foot 4 and slim with a small frame. Since becoming a Mom I have absolutely lost any sense of style and live in huge hoodies and leggings. I want to revamp my whole style and invest in some real high quality pieces that can be worn long term rather than cheap fast fashion type stuff. I love the effortless chic like French girl style. I have no idea what suits me or what looks best on this kind of figure. Any tips?

I'm 5'3" and have similar problems, though I've long since given up the hope of ever looking effortlessly chic. The makes that make me feel good are Whistles, Brora, Me + Em, sometimes All Saints or Ted Baker. I do buy Toast knitwear sometimes but all their "real" clothing just swamps me.
I've lost a bit of weight this year and if I hadn't muddled my way through sorting out my wardrobe I'd probably be booking a style session at John Lewis. I find that by choosing my favourite brands, keeping a colour theme running through my outfits - which is irritating because navy now suits me better than black - and wearing shoes or boots with a heel I can generally look presentable enough to get compliments.

I’m 5ft2 and slim/small and I also love the French girl look. If you’re petite I think at least part of your outfit looks better fitted to avoid like you’re a child dressing up in your parents’ clothes. This often means buying from petite ranges or getting stuff tailored to fit, although I find French brands are often more suited to a smaller frame than U.K. or scandi brands - I love Rouje, Claudie Pierlot, Maje, Sézane etc. It’s also worth thinking about whether you are a petite hourglass, inverted triangle etc as your shape will of course affect what suits you too.