I haven't done much decorating lately, because I've been shopping for new pieces to update my Spring/Summer wardrobe.
I recently bought white jeans and capris and today, I found this linen shirt at Belk...on clearance. Yay!
Don't you love seeing what they're wearing?
They always find the cutest clothes!
I sometimes find shopping for clothing a challenge... I'm just under 5' 2" and wear a PM or PL, and lots of times the choices, in the stores, are limited.
So, I thought I'd share a few tips for choosing petite clothing.
I worked for 20 years in ready-to-wear, (better sportswear, swim, suits, coats...you name it) at a large department store, and over the years, I've tried lots of styles, and in the process, learned a few tricks for dressing my short, chunky figure.
You may know most of these tips, but just in case...here goes:
1. The most important thing to remember is proportion.
It's the same as in decorating...usually, a small room looks better with small scale furniture.
2. When choosing a floral or geometric patterned garment, choose one where the "flower", or design is no larger than the palm of your hand...remember proportion.
Here's an example of the print in my new shirt..not a great example, but I don't wear many floral prints, and this is what I had.
Next...
3. Yes! Petites can wear horizontal stripes! Here's the trick:
This tricks the eye and doesn't "read" as horizontal.
(Actually, these tops look better on me, than on the hanger...but you get the idea about the stripes.)
I always turn up the cuffs on my long sleeve shirts and denim jackets.
"Zhoozh" those sleeves!
If you love scarves, look for ones that aren't bulky.
I love the new ones that are out now, and finally found one the right size. Here it is full length so you can see the size better.
5. Simplicity in style is a good thing...and V or scoop neck tops are usually more flattering than boat necks...again that horizontal thing.
6. Wear shoes the same color as your pants or maxi dress, for a longer looking leg.
If you're wearing a short dress...any color, consider shoes that are close to your skin color...
...again the illusion of longer legs.
Celebrities have done this for ever.
Of course, everyone has styles that work for them, but usually these tips work for anyone...petite or not.
If y'all have any style tips, I'd love to hear them.
xo Babs
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9 comments:
I'm small too and appreciated your tips. One that I have picked up is to fool the eye, as you have done, by wearing one continuous colour under a contrasting jacket or same colour pants and jacket with a contrasting Tshirt.
Yep! Great tips for someone like me, 5'2. lol! I'm really good at keeping one color, no big prints or wild colors, which call attention to my 'hight!'
Hugs,
FABBY
PS: Love nude shoes.
These are great tips, Babs, and very few did I know...especially the stripes and rolling the sleeves up a bit. I have only worried about choosing petite sizes when buying jeans or pants since I'm only 5'2. My upper body is larger than my lower body...wide shoulders and big boobs! Then my rear and and legs are small. It's hard to make things look in proportion. If tops are too tight, it exaggerates my upper body...if they are loose, I look like a body cut in half! Any suggestions?
Jane x
Thanks so much for the shout out and the great style tips. Babs. I love the outfits you put together.
Excellent tips Babs! I'll try to remember the one about the floral print and the palm of your hand. I'm 5'4" and always find that jackets are too long for my arms. Rolling them back is almost always a must and it looks cute. I always loved stripes but being a plus size gal these days I try to avoid them. Your tips make a lot of sense!
While I'm not petite in height (I'm 5'5), I appreciate learning tips about how to dress for your size. I definitely agree with the last one regarding shoes. That would probably explain why I don't wear bright shoe colors. I don't want people to see my feet before my outfit! You have some pretty outfits picked out.
Excellent tips, Babs. I've never heard the one about the design should be no larger than the palm of ones' hand. I wear a lot of stripes, and pick the ones that are narrow. Guess I must have realized the difference in how they make me look. '-)
I typically roll up my sleeves because I don't like the line falling across my middle, and even though I'm 5'6", I typically wear shoes to match my pants. Gave up wearing dresses some time ago.
Thanks for sharing the tips. Fun post!
What a fun post Babs! I am 5 4", well I think I've shrunk a little, but I have two sisters that are just 5 ft. Shopping is a challenge for them. I don't have nearly the problem, although I do have short legs. I loved all of your tips and the new shirt is fabulous! I can see it paired with red for a bit of a nautical look. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
I am petite too. I am 5' 1" (boy do I hold onto that one inch lol). I wear a size 2. I agree with you, proportion is everything and I look for that because otherwise I am swimming in my clothes. I love that denim jacket and scarf. I would wear it in a heartbeat!
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
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