Discover the Perfect Fit with Australian Fashion Icon Rachel Watts
We’ve spent years listening closely to our customers—women who love our signature silhouettes and luxurious fabrications but find themselves constantly altering garments to achieve the right fit. Our petite customers, in particular, shared a common frustration: the expectation of costly tailoring or the painful compromise of sacrificing design details just to make something wearable.
The OnceWas Petite Collection is our answer to that. Every piece is thoughtfully reimagined and re-proportioned from the ground up: shorter sleeve lengths, shortened bodices, tailored pant rises and inseams, and skirt lengths that fall just right. The size range stays true to our core offering (sizes 0–5), but every detail has been carefully recalibrated to celebrate petite frames and proportions.
Recently, Australian TV personality, mother of 2, and longtime OnceWas muse Rachel Watts joined our Director and Head Designer, Belinda Abbott, for an exclusive styling session in our studio. Standing at 4’11” (about 150cm), Rachel perfectly embodies the spirit of our petite range — women who want fashion that fits right off the rack.
Rachel Watts: A Muse Who Truly Gets It
“I’m 4’11”, so finding clothes that truly fit without endless alterations has always been a challenge,” Rachel Watts shared during her visit to our studio. “For years, my wardrobe was filled with beautiful pieces that required hemming, sleeve shortening, or waist adjustments before I could wear them. Sometimes I’d just wear platforms to compensate, but by day’s end, my feet were sore and I felt uncomfortable.”
Rachel is wearing the Petite Marielle Linen Viscose Dress in Country Tapestry and the Petite Blaire Leather Herringbone Stitch Jacket in Black.
Rachel’s reaction to our petite cuts was immediate and heartfelt: “Trying on the Petite Collection felt like a revelation. Finally, I didn’t have to think about alterations or settle for imperfect fits. The sleeves ended exactly where they should, pants skimmed my ankles without dragging, and bodices hugged my frame beautifully. Wearing the leather wrap skirt and the bow suede black pants was like discovering wardrobe essentials tailored just for me. They fit perfectly without losing the design’s sophistication or silhouette—which is so rare. I feel confident, comfortable, and stylish all at once. This collection truly is a game changer for petite women who want elegance without compromise.”
Rachel is wearing the Petite Harper Viscose Dobby Skirt in Dahlia Fields, Petite Kinlsey Crinkle Cotton Silk Lace Blouse and the Petite Nova Leather Curved Hem Jacket in Moss.
Perfect Fit, No Compromise
One standout piece Rachel modelled was our petite wool blend coat, shortened in all the right places to retain shape, detail, and movement. “The sleeves actually fit me!” she exclaimed. “Usually, I have to chop them off, which means losing beautiful cuff detailing—or paying a fortune to adjust it. This coat fits perfectly, moves with me, and keeps me warm without bulk. That kind of thoughtful design makes me excited to invest in pieces I can wear season after season.”
Rachel is wearing the Petite Sutton Wool Blend Double Breasted Coat in Oat, Petite Astrid Cotton Silk Shirt in Country Tapestry and the Petite Sylvan Leather Curved Panel Jogger in Black.
For us, Rachel’s feedback is everything. Our petite pieces aren’t just “shorter” — they’re thoughtfully tailored to celebrate petite proportions, without sacrificing craftsmanship or design integrity.
Belinda Abbott: Designer’s Vision
“Designing the Petite Collection was a deeply personal journey,” says Belinda Abbott, director and head designer of OnceWas. “I believe great design should empower every woman, regardless of height or size. When I heard from our petite customers about their struggles with fit and constant alterations, I knew we had to create something exceptional.”
Belinda continues, “We didn’t just shorten lengths; we rethought every element—from pant rises to shoulder width and bodice shaping. It’s about respecting each woman’s unique frame while maintaining the timeless elegance OnceWas is known for. Seeing Rachel try on the pieces and instantly connect with them was a beautiful affirmation. This collection is just the beginning. We’re committed to evolving it with ongoing feedback, so every petite woman can find clothes truly made for her.”
Styling Tips from Rachel & Belinda
Rachel shares, “One trick I’ve learned is to balance proportions: pairing a fitted blouse with a high-waisted skirt elongates the legs and highlights the waist. Also, playing with textures like leather and suede adds dimension without overwhelming a petite frame.”
Belinda adds, “When styling petite silhouettes, layering lightweight pieces helps maintain movement and avoids bulk. Choosing quality fabrics with natural drape ensures garments flatter every curve and last season after season — which ties back to our commitment to sustainability and timeless design.”
Left to right: Rachel is wearing the Petite Sylvan Leather Jogger in Moss styled with the Petite Knox Cotton Silk Shirt in Dahlia Fields, Petite Oaklyn Chevron Stripe Ponte Blazer in Bluestone Stripe and the Petite Kinlsey Crinkle Cotton Silk Lace Blouse.
Style and Substance for All Sizes
As Rachel styled each look, from dressy to casual, we talked about the reality petite women face: differing torso lengths, leg proportions, and shoulder widths that vary even within a petite category. Our goal isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution — but a collection that evolves with input from women like Rachel and our loyal customers.
We want petite women to feel seen, celebrated, and to enjoy style without compromise — to wear OnceWas designs exactly as they were envisioned.
Left to right: Rachel is wearing the Petite Carmen Viscose Linen Maxi Dress in Azalea Fields, Wren Lace Cotton Slub Shirt in Azalea Fields and Petite Clementine Linen Viscose Shirt Dress in Azalea Fields.
Left to right: Rachel is wearing the Petite Espada Cotton Silk Blouse in Mariposa Nero , Petite Montoya Leather Straight Leg Pant in Onyx, Petite Espada Linen Viscose Maxi Dress in Mariposa Nero and the Petite Espada Linen Viscose Maxi Dress in Mariposa Nero.
Ready to Discover Your Perfect Petite Fit?
Explore the OnceWas Petite Collection today and experience clothing designed thoughtfully just for your proportions. Whether you’re after tailored coats, elegant skirts, or everyday essentials, our petite pieces offer impeccable fit without compromise.
Shop the Petite Collection now and embrace timeless style made to fit you beautifully. Explore the collection at our fortnightly Styling Studio, shop online at our eBoutique, or discover OnceWas at select stockists nationwide.
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