Style Tips
Petites still often feel they’re the forgotten shape in a lot of stores.
So I’m speaking to 5’3″ or under in the UK fashion world to ladies of all shapes and sizes.
You may be slender, curvy, plus-size, top-heavy, long body with shorter legs or a short body with longer legs,, my tips are therefore only a guide only.
One rule that I have heard is KISS (Keep It Simple Shorty)
Today, I just wanted to give you a helping hand with what I believe works
SKIRTS:
A classic look that suits any occasion is the pencil skirt that tapers and hugs your figure.
Look at anything that is going to elongate your figure such as a vertical lines, stripes, narrow pleats, buttons or piping down the front of your skirt.
Slit detail will flatter your length.
Short lengths lie on your knees or higher of course.
Straight long length skirts ending at ankle level.
Match your hosiery with your skirt for a longer vision.
Matching up shades can be frustrating so no problem team with nude instead.
When wearing boots choose a skirt that falls below the top of your boot to keep the unbroken vertical line.
TOP AND BLOUSE
A v-neck or scooped neck will immediately create the illusion of height.
Neither tight or baggy.
Think of wearing a camisole underneath, there’s such a variety now for you to choose from if you don’t like to show too much cleavage.
Get slim and look at vertical lines.
Panels can define a great figure shape too.
The fit is important where the sleeve seam sits, you don’t want any overhanging for a droopy look.
All one colour for tops and bottoms is an option to elongate your body and is safe for you but add some colour in scarves/statement jewellery.
Experiment with lots of shades too for top and bottom – why should you lose out?
There’s so many ways for you to enjoy the stunning shades and styles.
Three-quarter length sleeves are best.
Wrap-over styles are great to accentuate your waist.
DRESSES
Select prints that will proportion your figure well.
No loose fitting.
Light-weight materials and styles that skim over your petite figure.
Nothing bulky.
TROUSER SUITS
Professional pinstripe is wonderful to enhance your vertical line.
JEANS
Most difficult purchase but general rule is 27″-28″ petite and 29″ (74 cm) for a short leg.
Try on before you buy.
‘Straight’ – clean lines.
For curvy ladies then a ‘kick-flare’.
‘Cropped’ with heels only.
‘Bootcut’ flatters most figures.
‘Boyfriend’ – No loose fit that are wide legs…so unflattering.
‘Skinny’ for tucking into boots but not a good idea for short legs but again where a pair of heels and a totally different look and will exaggerate larger hips and thighs.
FOOTWEAR
With regard to footwear keep away from a strap that covers your ankle shortening your leg length and then you have to think about ankle boots. You want to show more of your foot in a delicate rather than chunky way.
ACCESSORIES
Clean simple lines.
Thin belts in same or contrasting colour.
The belt should go round the smallest part of your waist.
Scarves and brooches add great detail to something plain top and bottom, also drawing the eye upwards.
Ear-rings add great detail for people’s eye.
Stretch out your leg length with same colour hosiery.
Nothing too bulky for your frame.