Matalan Petite Review – Papaya April Ankle Grazer Jeans
I don’t shop on the High Street much, but I was browsing (monstera covered) homewares when I happened upon the petite collection at Matalan (which had launched five years ago apparently!). The range is limited, as with most petite collections, but there’s enough to provide a petite gal with a good few options for Summer.
Available in sizes 6-18, I tried on a few things in a 6 and the proportions were on the large side for me personally. However, there were a couple of pieces which were great.
I loved this green Paisley Shirt Dress which had a strong 70’s vibe. There are buttons all the way down the centre, on the cuffs of the cropped sleeves and a pull through belt. It’s a cool midi length, but it would be too long for me without heels. They aim for 5’3″ and under, so it would probably be great for the top end of that height range if you only wear flats. Add some tortoiseshell earrings and a scarf in your hair for boho chic, a comfortable heel for a great office look or flat sandals and a wicker bag for a shopping day. Or you know, if you’re trying it on in a changing room, the barefoot look works too….
The best buy I found were the April Embroidered Ankle Grazer Jeans which have the most amazing embroidery panel and pom pom trim! (you know I’m all about the pom poms). They’re a skinny fit style with pockets and were actually a really good length (22 inch inside leg – slightly cropped, above the ankle) and fit (no bagging around the waist, the waist was actually in the right place, no extra length in the crotch area which usually happens with standard sizing on petite gals).
At £18 they’re an utter bargain too. Limited sizes are left online but they had plenty in my store so it may be worth calling ahead to see if yours has them.
I paired my new jeans with the Collectif Ronda top which continued the pom pom theme and added more colour to what would make a perfect summer bbq outfit. It was such an easy to wear outfit and will be perfect for mooching around in the sunshine too.
I’ll keep my eye on Matalan from now on – I like to support companies which are trying to provide us with a targeted range; that way it’ll encourage others to do so (the same with collections aimed at tall people, too). We need more like this to jump on board and think about torso sizes, waistbands, leg length etc. We are small in stature and in number, but we’re still a target market prime for the taking. Fingers crossed for more petite lines in the future!
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For reference, I’m 33:24:33 and a standard size 6 in most shops. I’m 4’11” and wearing 4 inch heels in the main photos.
Also wearing:
Belt: Lisa belt in blue from Collectif (I had to add a couple of holes to make it fit)
Shoes: Lorena by Lulu Hun
Hairflowers: Lucina by Miss Bella’s Blooms
Bangles: Mix of Splendette, Bow & Crossbones and Vivien of Holloway