So many of you have written to me asking about sophisticated looking options for petites. 

Frankly, it's a real drag for special sizes in general. I can't figure out if there seems to be less range because the mass demand isn't there or if for cost cutting measures manufacturers stop producing special sizes altogether. 

Your best bet is online shopping. For a more sophisticated look seek out the right fit but also designs that reference and tweak ideas from top European and American designers. And then it's a case of cherry picking the best from the brands available. Some of the best looking petite pieces I've seen are available on line at J.Crew. Their designs often pick up on ideas straight from the runway from houses like Lanvin. Their translations look modern: ruffles done in a wearable way or groovy takes on outerwear in unexpected fabrics. Try them to add in a blouse for a hit of color and currency. For pants,the Favorite Fit offers the highest rise and in fabrics like super 120 wools for the kind of basic that can anchor your look in black and navy and neutrals alike. Tailored suit jackets are also clean lined and versatile and the fit is reliable.  

Talbot's stores ( as well as on-line) offer current looking petite pants with a very reliable fit. My mother-in-law ( who is tiny) swears by them. Since Talbot's has undergone a change in design direction they are now including pieces in every collection that offer updated shapes and proportions. Ann Taylor while still trying to work out their new design direction also includes a bigger selection of petites both in store and on-line. My experience with the fit for pants, jeans, jackets has been good. Banana Republic and Gap ( for jeans) are alway worth a look.

Scour department store websites. Bloomingdales offers petites in their private label Sutton Studio along with a pretty good selection from lines like Lauren Ralph Lauren. Nordstrom too. 

For discount buys, Simply Vera Vera Wang at Kohl's offers select styles in petites. A note about this line: I have never been wowed by the quality but the references are taken right from Vera Wang Collection as well as from her mid-priced line Lavendar. Cherry picking the odd coat, cardigan or skirt can work (and right now it's all on sale).