I’m 5’ 3”, Here’s How I Style Dad Shirts | Tips for Petites
I always appreciate a trend I can embrace without needing to invest in new clothes and luckily there’s no shortage of oversized men’s shirts hanging in my closet. If that’s not the case for you there’s no shame in raiding your boyfriend’s, husband’s, or dad’s wardrobe in order to pull off this style. After all, sharing is caring.
If that’s not an option either, then your local second-hand shop or preloved website should be teeming with viable options to let you sustainably tackle this trend.
The fun thing about this trend is that there are a variety of ways to style these oversized shirts.
Some of my favorite ways to wear dad shirts are tucked into baggy jeans, knotted at your natural waist and paired with skinny jeans, worn over cut-off jean shorts with the upper-half buttoned, or unbuttoned over a bathing suit or bra top. And they all these styling ideas will work whether you’re 4’11” or 5′ 9″.
Keep reading to see how I’ve styled a few of these methods below.
Logo Dad Shirt + Skinny Jeans + Gingham Mules
Being able to pull off these Soprano-style shirts is all in the styling. The oversized fit can feel a bit intimidating for someone with a petite frame, like myself, but there are many tricks to overcome this fact.
The first tip is to knot the shirt at your waist to tame the length. Rolling the sleeves once or twice also helps to make your arms look better and to make sure the shirt sleeves hit your arms at a more flattering location.
Use a tighter fitting piece on your bottom half (such as skinny jeans) to help keep your figure visible.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
MULES | Matt & Nat (current styles by Matt & Nat)
PURSE | Stella McCartney (current styles by Stella McCartney)
Hawaiian Print Dad Shirt + Baggy Ankle-Cropped Jeans + Mules
This shirt packs a double punch, what with it being a dad shirt in a Hawaiian print. Hawaiian shirts are a classic example of a dad shirt.
While I paired it with ankle-cropped wide-leg jeans, I could also picture it with Bermuda shorts and either loafers or heels.
The only trick here is to casually tuck in your shirt and style with relaxed-fit bleach-wash jeans for a look that screams summer. There’s also something ultra-flattering about jeans that hit just above the ankle.
Swap the mules for high-heeled thong sandals for a look that’s ready for a summer party. You could also wear this shirt unbuttoned over your swimsuit if you’re headed to the beach.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
MULES | Matt & Nat (current styles by Matt & Nat)
PURSE | Stella McCartney (current styles by Stella McCartney)
Striped Dad Shirt + Dark Wash Jeans + Gingham Mules + Camel Saddlebag Purse
To style this striped shirt (another epitomized dad shirt print) I paired it with dark denim. The look exudes retro vibes and uses a little print clash action to keep it interesting.
Use patterned accessories to provide some visual excitement without worrying about them needing to be matchy-matchy. The result is a cool laid-back outfit with a fashionable edge.
This shirt would also look great worn unbuttoned over a bikini or bra top for an even more casual outfit.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
MULES | Matt & Nat (current styles by Matt & Nat)
PURSE | Stella McCartney (current styles by Stella McCartney)
Final Thoughts
All of these looks are easygoing styles that are perfect for summertime. They’re so comfortable and airy with their oversized fit that this style should be a strong contender for your summer holiday packing list; whether staycation or otherwise.
And if you’re looking for more vacation outfit inspiration check out my Easy Breezy Summer Holiday Outfit Ideas post.
For more styling hacks for petites check out my other posts for short girls on:
Looking for more summer styling inspiration? Check out my other posts on How to Style Green Clothing for Summer; Summer Shorts Styles Here to Stay; Timeless Skirt Lengths for Summer; Track Jacket Summer Style Ideas; Trending Dress Styles for Summer; How to Wear Pink for Summer; and Black & White Outfits for Summer.
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As always, happy styling!
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to leave a kind comment! 💛
Michelle Rothenburger
Michelle Rothenburger is a vegan fashion blogger whose work has been featured in such publications as Marie Claire, InStyle, Woman & Home, and Vilda. Find out more by reading Michelle’s full story (from bullied to fashion influencer) and feel free to send her a personal message.
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