NOTE: In order to provide readers of my Blog with the most clothing options to choose from, I try out more styles than I’m personally able to buy and keep. I do my best to note which items I have personally bought. Please be aware that items with a “Buy” rating may not be ones I personally own. The “Buy” rating indicates that the clothing item passes my standards for garment fit. Additionally, there are “affiliate links” (i.e. a link with a special tracking code) in this blog post. If you purchase something via “affiliate links” on my blog, I may earn commission.
I have long admired the chic, minimalist aesthetic of Modern Citizen! About two years ago I stumbled upon their pop-up shop in NYC and finally got to check them out in person. While they do not carry petite sizes, I did have some luck with the few pieces I tried on (but didn’t end up purchasing anything). It’s been some time since then, so I decided to order from their website and write a full review. Additionally, my goal was to try more categories than I did last time. So I included skirt and dresses in my round up this time!
MY MEASUREMENTS
Bust = 34.5’’ or 87.6 centimeters
Waist = 28’’ or 71.1 centimeters
Stomach = 31’’ or 78.7 centimeters
Hip = 40’’ or 101.6 centimeters
Thigh = 22’’ or 55.9 centimeters
Calf = 12.25’’ or 31.1 centimeters
Inseam = 27’’ or 68.6 centimeters
Bicep = 9.5’’ or 24.1 centimeters
*all measurements in centimeters are approximate and are rounded to the nearest tenth
Modern Citizen Jude Top – Multiple Sizes (Size Small pictured first)
What I loved…
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Style – This top is so chic! It’s very versatile and pairs back nicely to jeans or pants!
What could have been better…
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Slightly sheer – I found that the white color way top is a bit see through and thin. Therefore, my preference would be to get this top in either the blue or black. Additionally, I noticed they seem to have a similar long sleeve version.
SIZING NOTE: I ordered the top in both a Small and Medium. Typically I wear a size Small in tops for most brands, however on the Modern Citizen size chart my measurements fell into the Medium category so I ordered a size Medium as well. My recommendation is to buy the size that corresponds with your measurements on their size chart. While I felt that the Small was more form fitting which I liked, the length of the top was very short! The Small top barely covered the waistband of my high rise jeans. Usually when I purchase crop tops from regular/missy brands they cover more of my jean’s waistband. The only drawback to the Medium was that it was slightly big in the bust area, however it was not a deal breaker.
Garment measurements (Small):
HPS to Hem = 17.25’’ or 43.8 centimeters
Bottom opening = 28.25’’ or 71.8 centimeters
Center back = 16.25’’ or 41.3 centimeters
Waist = 31.5’’ or 80 centimeters
Bust = 32.75’’ or 83.2 centimeters
Garment measurements (Medium):
HPS to Hem = 18.25’’ or 46.4 centimeters
Bottom opening = 29.25’’ or 74.3 centimeters
Center back = 17.25’’ or 43.8 centimeters
Waist = 32.75’’ or 83.2 centimeters
Bust = 34.75’’ or 88.3 centimeters
Verdict: Buy! (Select your size according to the size chart and try a different color than white if you are worried about sheerness.)
Modern Citizen Drew Ribbed Mock-Neck Sweater – Size Small
What I loved…
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Petite-friendly length – When I was shopping for petite-friendly styles on their website, I focused on finding cropped styles because I figured they’d be more likely to fit me.
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Super soft – I love the material — it’s so comfy you forget you are wearing it! For reference, I consider this a lightweight sweater.
What could have been better…
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Sleeves slightly long – The sleeves were too long for me so I folded the excess fabric underneath that way they were the right length! Additionally, since the sleeves were longer on me then intended I felt like the overall design of the sweater kind of got lost.
Garment measurements:
HPS to Hem = 18.625’’ or 47.3 centimeters
Sleeve length = 30.5’’ or 77.5 centimeters
Bottom opening = 32.5’’ or 82.6 centimeters
Center back = 18.125’’ or 46 centimeters
Verdict: Don’t buy, shop around.
Modern Citizen Nomi Faux Leather Mini Skirt – Size Medium
What I loved…
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Petite-friendly length – I picked out this skirt because it seemed promising from a length perspective (ending at the model’s mid thigh on the website).
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A-line style – This is one of my go-to skirt silhouettes since I’m pear-shaped. In general, I find A-line items fit well because the design’s waist and hip proportions are more similar to that of individuals with pear or curve body proportions.
What could have been better…
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Not true to size – Based on their size chart, I am a Medium (maybe even large). However, this skirt definitely runs big. Looking at the images on the website, the skirt should have sat closer to my natural waist. Since this skirt was too big for me, it sat much lower — at my stomach.
Garment measurements:
Waist = 32.5’’ or 82.6 centimeters
Hip = 40’’ or 101.6 centimeters
Center front = 16.375’’ or 41.3 centimeters
Verdict: Try sizing down!
Modern Citizen Robyn Tapered-Leg Pant – Size Medium
What I loved…
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No waist gap – These pants have an elastic waistband so they fit me well. There was no waist gap here!
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Comfortable – They are a great mix of style and comfort!
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Petite-friendly length – While these are not a true petite size, I did find the length was relatively short girl friendly since they are intended to be ankle length.
What could have been better…
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Fabric – I do like the fabric because it’s very soft (reminds me of flannel). However, they definitely seem prone to attracting lint!
Garment measurements:
Waist = 28.75’’ or 73 centimeters
Hip = 38’’ or 96.5 centimeters
Front rise = 13.5’’ or 31.4 centimeters
Back rise = 16.375’’ or 41.3 centimeters
Thigh = 26.5’’ or 67.3 centimeters
Calf = 14.75’’ or 37.5 centimeters
Inseam = 26.5’’ or 67.3 centimeters
Verdict: Buy! (I’m giving them a buy rating since they are a decent off the rack fit for pants. However for me, they are a no due to the fabric attracting lint).
Modern Citizen Reita Ribbed Sweater Dress – Size Medium
What I loved…
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Super comfy – Similar to the Drew sweater, this dress is very soft and comfortable!
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Chic – I love the silhouette of this dress! It’s very timeless and elegant.
What could have been better…
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Too big in the waist area – I’ve encountered this fit issue with form-fitting dresses before. Since I’m pear-shaped, brands don’t tend to design with my body shape in mind. Therefore, when trying on more form fitting styles, often the waist area is too big since my proportions differ from that of the fit model they use. My waist is likely smaller than the fit model’s so it results in the dress being slightly large. For me this was a deal breaker, however I’m definitely a fan of the style!
Garment measurements:
HPS to hem = 45.5’’ or 115.6 centimeters
Bust = 33’’ or 83.8 centimeters
Waist = 28’’ or 71.1 centimeters
Hip = 32’’ or 81.3 centimeters
Bottom opening = 35’’ or 88.9 centimeters
Sleeve length = 17.625’’ or 44.8 centimeters
Center back = 44.375” or 112.7 centimeters
Verdict: Don’t buy!
While I did find certain pieces to be petite-friendly, I’d like to see them add dedicated petite sizes in the future — especially in dresses and sweaters. Additionally, they are still very limited in offering plus sizes — only offering up to 1X. Lastly, I appreciate that their pieces are a nice quality.
