In the past fews days I’ve received a few emails from readers who want to know how to dress to their particular body type.
It’s actually a great point- what looks good on one person does not always look good on another.
That is why it is so important to know your body type- and to find ways to flaunt what you got and work with what you don’t!
So today’s outfit is geared toward all you petite women!
By the way, being petite is defined by height not weight! If you are under 5’4″ you are petite!
The number one way for a short gal to look taller is to dress in all one color. Look at the picture on the right compared to the one on the left. Which one makes me look taller?
The one on the left does! The uninterrupted black creates a long vertical line- which makes me look tall.
It’s hard to tell where my legs end and my middle begins. It also helps that I have on wedge heels (which is a must if you are tiny and want to look tall). To add one more vertical line I’ve added a necklace. This helps draw the eye up and down (rather than side to side).
For another great example of dressing in all one color, check out this fabulous outfit from 100 Inspirations!
On the right I have on the same exact pants, but I’ve paired them with flats and a cream tank. The cream and the black are pretty together, but it breaks up the look- literally cutting me in half (or thirds actually) making me look shorter.
Here are 9 more tips for Petite women:
1. First and foremost- shop in the Petite section of the store. These items are cut and for women with shorter legs.
6. Try a maxi dress with a cropped cardigan or jacket. Wear with wedge heels. Pencil skirts (that end right at the knee) will also look great.
Awesome post, Megan. Thanks for sharing your tips for the “under 5ft 4in” crowd.
Thanks to you for posing the question!
It got me thinking…
Thanks for thinking of us petite gals. I am 5’2″ and I have to shop in the petite sections, and even then, most are too long or too big. Also, most petite sections in stores in my area have mostly matronly-style clothes. I may be 46, but I don’t want to dress in elastic/polyester. Where do you suggest I look for an age-appropriate look?
Loft, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy, even J Crew (http://www.jcrew.com/womens_special_sizes/petite.jsp?iNextCategory=-1) all have petite sections that carry clothes that are stylish! Be careful in the larger department stores- those petite sections do tend to cater to an older woman and you are correct- you could look very matronly.
I think that is one of the misconception of many people like me hehe. i thought petite is
because of weight. thanks for the tips!
I’m 5 3 but rarely wear heels ….are there any options for us petite girls who prefer flats?
I hear ya, I don’t love wearing heels either- and for a mom they aren’t the most practical thing. If you have to wear them, go for a wedge- much more stable and comfy than a stiletto. But, if you’re like me and just so much more comfy in flats- go for a ballet shoe and just keep in mind the other tips (no cropped pants, beware of wide leg jeans, no skirts that end mid calf and so on…). Good luck and thanks for writing!