The cool, stylish UK store, Monsoon now has a petite range, but I'm sure British petite ladies who are "in the know" would have learned about this a long time ago. Selection is slim (for example, there are only two trouser styles available in petites, and most of the dresses are plain in colour), but it is similar to outfits available in "regular" sizes and is cut to fit women 5'3" or shorter and sizes range from 8-18 UK (sizes 4-14 US). Trouser inseam (or as the British call it, "inside leg") is 29", which is one inch shorter than many stores on the other side of the Atlantic. What I do find it interesting that according to their size chart, REGULAR sizes start at a UK 6, but petites start at an 8. Ummm, aren't shorter women more likely to be smaller-framed? I realize that size 6 isn't available with ALL Monsoon items and that petite clothes are slightly narrower, but a petite 8 is still wider than a regular 6. Hmmm...something to think about here.
Anyway, these outfits look wonderful, and is a welcome change, as the clothes don't look too formal officey (though the clothes ARE work-appropriate), too granny OR too young (did you hear that, TopShop?) . Let's hope that other stores will follow suit and launch petite ranges!
