It can be difficult for petite women to find clothing that fits well and looks good. At just under 5'2" tall, I know this first hand.
Here are a few fashion tips that I have learned along the way:
1.Try v-neck or scoop-neck tops.
Anything with an open necks looks much better on me and makes me appear taller. Turtlenecks are my enemy. I never want to be too revealing, so a nice camisole underneath is often a good idea.2. Stay away from horizontal lines.
If they are very thin lines and you are stick thin you may be able to get away with it. They look fine on 6', 110 pound models but not on your average-sized 5' woman. Wear clothing with vertical lines, even if it's just a few lines in the seams.3. Stay away from large patterns.
Anything with a big print, like large flowers, will take over your small frame. People won't see you, they'll only see the pattern on what you're wearing.4. Don't wear anything too bulky.
You will get lost in the material if you wear something with a lot of extra bulk to it.5. Stay away from long skirts.
They make your legs, and you, look shorter. Skirts that fall at the knee or just above are best.
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6. Shop in the petites section.
It took me a long time to learn this lesson. I thought I could get away with buying tops from the woman's section, but I couldn't. Once I started buying shirts made for petite women, I realized how much better they actually fit. Clothes that fit a lot better, look a lot better. I seem to have good luck at the petites department of Ann Taylor Loft and Macy's.7. Shoes with a pointed toe are more lengthening that ones with rounded or square toes.
Also, wedges can be great for those that want some height but not the difficulty of walking in high heels. I have a cute pair of wedge sandals that I just love for the spring and summer.8. Avoid belts, especially wide ones, that cut your body into two sections.
The point here is to elongate. Breaking the line of your body will make you look shorter.9. Go monochromatic.
I have heard and read almost everywhere that wearing the same color on the top and bottom makes you appear taller.10. Opt for the straight-legged, or slightly flared, pants.
I'd stay away from anything too tapered or with too much flare at the bottom.
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What additional fashion tips do you have for petite women?
I found a way to wear long skirts - really high heeled boots or shoes. :D
I'm a little taller than 5 ft 3" and I definitely follow all the tips you've posted here. I can't think of anything else to add though!
Since I am so short it would be really awesome to be able to wear really high-heeled shoes, but alas, I cannot walk in them. I look like a complete dork about ready to fall on my face at every step.
Now SOMEONE needs to come out with a LONG department.. I'm so jealous that petites get their entire own line of clothing, yet for people like me with super long arms and long legs, theres NOTHING. .. so i walk around with sweaters that i ALWAYS have to roll up so they dont look silly, and high waters.. NO ONE wants high waters.
Thanks for the comment, Lindsay!
I agree with you 100%. It really is strange that there is a petites section and not a tall section. Are there really that many more short women than tall so it's worthwhile to have a petites section, but not a tall? I wouldn't think so.
I was pretty annoyed just before Christmas when I found this great jacket but there was no Petite version. It was really nice and on sale... and the sleeves went all the way down to my fingertips so it just looked silly. Grr!
And you are right, NO ONE wants high waters (or at least they shouldn't!)