I'm 5 Feet Tall, and I Built the Perfect Summer Capsule Wardrobe for Petite Travelers—Starting at $15

Travel + Leisure

2 days ago

This summer, I've challenged myself to pack lighter and more efficiently, whether I'm heading on beach weekends away or my two-week mountain vacation. How does a chronic overpacker take on such a task? Well, I found that the best way was to build a travel capsule wardrobe that includes versatile, packable pieces that work for any occasion, and so far, my packing has been more seamless and stress-free than ever.
Finding the pieces that make up the perfect summer capsule wardrobe is the hard part, and as someone five-feet-tall, I focused on petite-friendly pieces like ankle-grazing linen pants, maxi dresses, platform shoes, and other essentials that can be dressed up or down. Below, I've compiled what I believe makes up the ideal capsule wardrobe, all of which are available on Amazon. Shop my top picks from Crocs, Gap, Gloria Vanderbilt, and other petite brands at Amazon, starting at just $15.
A flowy maxi dress is the perfect transitional piece from summer to fall, and this Anrabess option balances comfort with style. It has a fitted, tank top bodice and an airy skirt, and its high neckline provides added coverage. One 5-foot-tall reviewer wrote that it's a 'great length,' and added that they 'loved it so much,' they bought a second color. Speaking of color options, you can shop the summer dress in 14 color options, including a striking hot pink and a versatile gray-blue.
My in-flight travel uniform consists of a two-piece matching set, but as a petite traveler, I need to ensure the legs won't drag on the airport floor. This comfy option from Sampeel includes a pair of cropped pants with a sleeveless mockneck top. It's made with an ultra-soft, lightweight, and drapey material that I can already imagine curling up in without overheating. One 5-foot-1 Amazon reviewer described the set as 'buttery' and wrote that the cropped pants fall 'right at the top of [their] feet.'
A pair of linen pants belongs in every summer capsule wardrobe, and I recommend petite travelers add these Willit palazzo-style bottoms to their packing list. Available in a 27-inch inseam, the airy, moisture-wicking linen-blend pants have a four-way stretch and an adjustable drawstring waistband.
If you're feet are also on the petite side, you'll want to check out the Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge Sandals, available in women's sizes 3-11. They're currently Amazon's No. 1 best-seller and have garnered thousands of perfect ratings. In addition to the inclusive sizing, the Crocs have a platform sole that's easy to walk in and can add a little height to your look. One reviewer raved that the shoes are like 'walking on clouds,' while another person wrote they 'can walk in them for hours' without feeling any 'foot fatigue.'
I spend half the summer in athletic shorts, even when I'm not on a run or working out! The comfy bottoms are one travel essential I never forget to pack, and I think this Crz Yoga pair would be a great addition to any capsule wardrobe. They feature a flattering smocked high waist with a petite 2.5-inch inseam, along with two hidden side zipper pockets.
If there's just one dress you need for vacation, it's this petite sarong-style T-shirt dress from Gap. The T-shirt dress features a wrap design with an adjustable tie waist that allows for a customizable fit. In addition to the effortlessly chic black shade, you can shop the dress in budding lilac, blue, and a black and white striped pattern.
A white t-shirt is the backbone of any summer capsule wardrobe, and over 1,000 Amazon shoppers purchased this one from Tankaneo within just the last month. The cropped style is ideal for those with a shorter torso, while the cuffed sleeves add a stylish touch to the basic. One 5-foot-2 reviewer shared that it's a 'great not-so-cropped top for petite women,' adding that it hits three inches below their navel.
Every travel wardrobe should include a pair of comfortable jeans, no matter the time of year. These Amazon shopper-loved Gloria Vanderbilt jeans are available in a petite 29-inch inseam, which one reviewer wrote is 'perfect' for petites. The bottoms are a steep 56 percent off at Amazon, so I'm not missing my opportunity to add them to my travel capsule wardrobe while they're on sale.
Getting your steps in on vacation is a given, so why not do it in style with these comfy sneakers from Reebok? The platform-style shoes are available in women's sizes ranging from 5 to 11, and come in eight colors. One traveler pointed out that they were 'very comfortable' as they 'walked miles and miles around London,' adding that they wore them 'every single day.' Right now, you can snag the trendy walking sneakers for a rare 29 percent off, bringing the price down to $64.
I love a jumpsuit for traveling, but as someone 5-feet-tall, it can be challenging to find options that won't drag on the ground. Enter: the Lenetta V-Neck Jumpsuit. While it's not explicitly made for petite sizes, this ultra-soft, lightweight jumpsuit features adjustable straps and easy-to-fold legs that help to customize its length.
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