Someone once asked me whether I wanted my readers to embrace being petite or to give them tips on looking taller, and I said both! Like a the curvy confident ladies of the world, who are proud of their shape they dress in the most flattering way possible, which usually makes them look slimmer. That doesn’t mean that they don’t love their shape.
Add volume to your “do” at the crown.
I know some think flat shoes are practical and a must have. To each her own but, personally I don’t think you need to result to flats, for a few reasons. Firstly, they aren’t better for your feet; you’re much better off with a slight heel or wedge that supports your arch. I’m not just talking about vanity, although they will make all your ASSets look better. I spoke to an expert at a “comfort first” shoe store, who confirmed this. I love it when you don’t have to give up something you love for reasons of age or health! Saying that, you need to “invest” in quality shoes with a heel height of 3 inches or less (for the comfort factor).
(p.s – this dress is about 2 inches too short, but I love it!)
Your clothes should enhance your shape, not camouflage it. For all petites’, no matter what your shape the most important tailoring is done at the waist. Whether it’s a jacket, coat, or dress shirt; it should come in at your natural waist (just below your rib cage). Your whole wardrobe doesn’t need to be tailored, there are some exceptions, including swingy, A-line tunics and dresses. If you can’t find key pieces that fit you properly bring them to the tailor (asap) or when in a pinch neatly create two folds (vertically) in the centre back of the shirt, jacket or coat and secure with a pretty brooch. If you do it right, it will be personally tailored
Simply put, it makes your legs look longer. Who doesn’t want that? In the summer it’s about nude or gold shoes with bare legs and in the Fall & Winter it’s about opaque tights with matching shoes or boots.
Like our mothers said, stand up straight! Your whole body will look trimmer and longer. Plus, you’ll look like you’re the most confident, pulled together woman on the street.
Christa;
You certainly have so many great ideas for us petites, to show our special style.
Jean
Great advice! Thanks!
Do you have any suggestions for great tailors? I live in Toronto
My tailor in TO is Gentle Beau at the corner of Yonge & Erskine Ave.