Hold off on the trainers—this is the shoe trend favored by petite girls that pairs perfectly with leggings this season.
At 5'4", I'm almost ready to label myself a petite dresser. Even though I can comfortably shop both petite and regular sizes, my friends who are under 5'3" often seek my advice on styling. Their most common question? How to make their legs appear longer in leggings. While choosing a cropped silhouette is one option, there are several well-known shoe styles that can help elongate the legs when that choice isn't feasible. Last weekend, I shared an image of Nicola Coughlan in our group chat that highlighted a petite-approved styling trick: wearing full-length leggings with court heels.
In the UK, Nicola paired her black leggings with high court heels, moving away from the usual trainers and loafers. This formal shoe style not only looks effortlessly chic with relaxed leggings but also helps to elongate her silhouette—demonstrating that sleek heels can elevate the leg line for petite women. Completing her outfit with a khaki-waisted funnel-neck jacket, square tortoiseshell sunglasses, and a Mulberry Scotchgrain bucket bag (£695), it’s clear this off-duty look will be a favorite among both petite and non-petite fashion lovers this season. As we anticipate warmer weather in London, it serves as a great transitional outfit.
Below, I’ve curated a selection of the best leggings and court heels available right now, perfect for recreating Nicola’s chic, petite-approved style.
Shop Leggings and Court Heels:
H&M offers some of the finest activewear on the high street.
The gold buckle detail is easily recognizable.
This dark grey provides a refreshing alternative to black.
YSL
P.a.r.i.s. Slingback Pumps
These top my luxury wishlist.
Leset
Rio Jersey Stirrup Leggings
I can never say no to stirrup leggings.
ZARA
Leather High-Heel Shoes
No one would suspect these are from the high street.
A pair that’s worth the investment for years to come.
MANGO
Asymmetrical Patent Leather Court Shoes
The luxurious burgundy color and the unique silhouette make these court heels stand out.
Wolford
Wow Perfect Leggings
These leggings have received editors' approval.
The sleekest heels I've seen in a long time.
Lululemon
Align™ Super-High-Rise Pant 28"
This espresso color is just as versatile as black.
M&S
Leather Stiletto Heel Pointed Court Shoes
The styling options are endless.
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Hold off on the trainers—this is the shoe trend favored by petite girls that pairs perfectly with leggings this season.
Nicola Coughlan recently paired her timeless black leggings with the heels that I always suggest to my friends who are 5'3" and shorter.