Tailoring Tricks: small but mighty power suits from Hobbs, Reiss and Co.

Why petite tailoring matters

A blazer that swamps your shoulders or trousers pooling around your feet kills confidence faster than a surprise 8 a.m. Zoom call. At 5 ft 3 in and under, the key is scaled-down structure: narrower lapels, raised waist seams and cropped hems that hit the ankle (not the floor). Below, four petite-specific pieces that nail those proportions – plus tips to style them into office-ready, pitch-perfect power suits.

1. LK Bennett “Aimee” Petite Double-Breasted Jacket – Desert Rose

A dusty-pink twist on the classic blazer. Cut from Portuguese twill with metal crest buttons for boardroom polish, the double-breasted silhouette has been redrafted so the waist nips in at the right spot on a shorter torso. Pair with ivory trousers for a tonal look or throw over jeans on casual Fridays.

A woman wearing a pink tailored double-breasted jacket with gold buttons, matching pink pants, and nude heels, standing against a plain background.

Aimee Petite Desert Rose Twill Double Breasted Tailored Jacket

LK Bennett

£299

This tailored jacket is crafted from luxurious Portuguese fabric in a desert rose hue. It features a double-breasted design with metal crest buttons, specifically tailored for those 5'3" and under. The jacket offers versatile styling options, suitable for both office and casual weekend wear, adding an element of sophistication to any outfit.

2. Hobbs Petite “Mirabel” Linen Jacket – Summer Red

Proof linen can mean business. The single-breasted Mirabel sits at 62.5 cm from shoulder to hem – that’s hip-skimming on petites, not drowning. Fully lined so it holds its shape, yet light enough for stuffy commutes. The punchy red lifts black, navy or ecru tailoring in one move.

A woman wearing a beige linen jacket with a collar, single-breasted button closure, and long sleeves, paired with matching beige linen trousers.

Petite Mirabel Linen Jacket

Hobbs

£119

<ul> <li>Product Code: 0124-4950-9094L04</li> <li>Fabric Composition: 100% Flax / Linen</li> <li>Length: SNP to hem 62.5cm / 24.6 inches</li> <li>Lining: Body Lining 100% Polyester</li> <li>Care: Dry Clean</li> <li>Neckline: Collar</li> <li>Fastening Type: Single Breast</li> <li>Model is 175cm/5'9'' and is wearing a size UK 8</li> </ul>

3. LK Bennett “Amore” Petite Pinstripe Jacket – Cream & Black

The power pinstripe gets a warm-weather upgrade in cream-and-ivory linen blend. Faux horn buttons add heritage charm, while the cropped sleeve length is engineered to show a sliver of shirt cuff – an instant tailoring trick for looking sharp (and taller).

A woman wearing a cream and black pinstripe tailored jacket with a double-breasted style and faux horn buttons, paired with matching cream and black pinstripe trousers.

Amore Petite Cream & Black Linen Blend Pinstripe Tailored Jacket

LK Bennett

£261

This tailored jacket is crafted from a linen blend in cream and ivory hues, featuring a double-breasted design with faux mock horn buttons. It offers a sophisticated look suitable for workwear, easily transitioning from office to evening events.

4. Reiss Petite Wool-Blend Flared Trousers – Black

Meet the foundation of every capsule suit. Mid-rise, pressed crease and a subtle flare that elongates the leg without swamping petite proportions. The wool-mix fabric breathes through long days and keeps its crisp line after multiple wears.

A woman wearing black tailored flared trousers with a white shirt and black blazer, holding a black clutch, and wearing sunglasses.

Petite Wool-Blend Tailored Flared Suit Trousers in Black

Reiss

£150

Upgrade your workwear options with the Haisley, blended with premium wool yarns for a soft and comfortable wear. They re engineered in a flared silhouette, a flattering style for the figure. Tuck in a white blouse underneath the coordinating blazer for a monochrome office edit. Mid-rise. Belt loops. Zip fly and hook fastening. Slip pockets to each hip. Pressed creases. Buttoned jetted pockets to reverse. Flared leg.

How to build the suit

The modern monochrome – Team the Reiss flares with the Amore pinstripe jacket and a black silk cami. Add white trainers for commute, swap to pointed courts for the meeting.
Power pastels – Style the Aimee desert-rose blazer over ivory cigarette trousers (or the Reiss flares if you like contrast). Finish with nude loafers and a chunky gold chain.
Summer boardroom – Pair the Mirabel linen jacket with matching linen shorts or culottes, white tee tucked, leather mules on foot. Breezy but boss.
After-hours edge – Throw the Aimee blazer over a slip dress, then belt it to define the waist. Add ankle boots and you’re pub-ready by 6:05.

Tailoring tweaks worth trying

Sleeve flash – Aim for cuffs to stop at the wrist bone; a 1 cm shirt reveal lengthens arms visually.
Waist nip – If a jacket feels boxy, move the button 1 cm inwards – a five-minute fix any dry-cleaner can handle.
Invisible hem tape – For last-minute trouser length tweaks, keep double-sided hem tape in your desk drawer.

Master these tricks and you’ll stride into any room looking like the promotion’s already yours – no shoulder-pad theatrics required.