I was asked by a reader who is petite but has long legs for tips on dressing. Now more often than not, petite (5’4″/162cm or under) women are petite because their legs are proportionally short. But not all petite’s have short legs so some advice needs to be altered to dress well for the long…
A lovely reader wrote to me with this fashion issue: “My height and build, which is petite, is my main challenge when it comes to shopping for clothes. Most especially trousers. I’ve bought crop trousers, however, the fit isn’t that good. Tops with V-necks or cro crossover dresses are a problem as the V comes too low.…
Petite and Stylish: Why the Problem Isn’t You—It’s the Pants You’ve done your part. You’ve browsed every petite section, tried every cut of trousers, and experimented with tops that are supposed to “flatter.” Still, nothing fits quite right. And if you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “Is it just my body?” this is…
Finding Clothes When You’re Not Manufacturing Standard Sizes It doesn’t matter what your height or size, you can still be stylish. Learning a bit about what works for you and how to put outfits together all that really helps no matter what your height and weight. When you’re petite, finding the right clothes can be…
Reader question: “Now the problem I have is I am just 5 feet and with very petite delicate features I have been told that I’m ultra petite by a good friend, so the clothes I’m drawn to can look as if they’re drowning me. The other thing is that I’m now 64 but again have…
I’ve been asked to give the busty, voluptuous petite woman some tips on what to wear. Keep it simple, the shorter you are the more simple your clothes need to be, avoid lots of frills and flounces, details and pockets, they will all overwhelm your smaller frame. Keep your outfits as free of detail as…
Just because you’re petite doesn’t mean you can break your style rules. You just have to do it in a knowledgeable way. You can read up lots of rules (which are of course just guidelines) here on the blog. Some of the petite style rules that I find matter the most are: Scale – don’t…
The more I’ve worked with petite women (under 5’4″ tall) I’ve found that there are some elements that make a huge difference to how they appear. Scale Keep garments simple and uncluttered and small to medium in scale. Large patterns will swamp your frame, big collars will make you look smaller. Keep the scale…
Imogen, what do you suggest for petite and skinny girls. As you may have guessed, I’m really tiny, and am tired of people thinking that I am still in college, while I have been working for over 6 years. Any advice on how to look more professional and less small would be great. Thanks a…
Petite and curvy can be a little tricky to dress, so how do you take the X shape rules and then make them work for a petite height so that nothing overwhelms? And of course, your style also needs to relate to your personality too – this is part of the style puzzle that can…
Deja Pseu of Une Femme d’un Certain Age asked for help. She is petite, and in her words: “I think the biggest issue is dressing my 5’1″ body, especially finding petite (short) styles that work for my shape and are flattering. I have broad shoulders, big bust (34DD) short-waisted. Currently size 10 US/14UK. I’ve settled…
Do you ever feel limited by your age or height when it comes to fashion? Age and height are just numbers, not fashion sentences. While the fashion industry might skew towards the younger and taller demographic, there’s no rule stating that age dictates your style choices. So, let’s banish the notion that you’re confined to…
Hi I have recently discovered your website and finally subscribed to the email. I wonder if you can help with a stripes related question please? I read conflicting information about petites and stripes. I haven’t found an answer on your website but if I have missed it please point me in the right direction. I…
The other day I received an email pleading with me to help with dressing the petite and busty figure. This body shape can easily look disproportionate and unbalanced as the scale of the bust is large, but the scale of the overall body is small and petite. Too much fabric will overwhelm you, keep garments…
Imogen would you do a post, with illustrations, for golden mean proportions on petites for casual styles and for skirts and dress ensembles? I know you have done casual capsules, but I need more guidance. Firstly, I just want to stress that you shouldn’t get obsessed with following the golden meanexactly! It’s certainly harder for…
Maria has left a new comment on your post “13 Ways to Wear a Pashmina or Long Rectangular Scarf“: I LOVE scarves and know dozens of ways to tie them, but I believe they’re a little too much for my petite frame. Is there any way to wear one without looking neckless, bulky, and…
In This Video 0.08 I’m 5 foot tall. Even where there are petite ranges, the ‘petite’ element seems only to apply to width, and not height as well. I know I’m well under the average, but I find it difficult to believe that a size 8/10 is likely to be for the same height person…
I have a question about palazzo pants. I am an A/X and have long, narrow torso and very short legs (and I am not tall either, 5’4′); I know flare pants are recommended for my figure type, but I was wondering if the billowy palazzo style would be too much and make me look even…
Never Short on Style Wouldn’t You Love to Know How To Dress To Look Taller? Are you tired of being overlooked because of your small size? Do your clothes seem to wear you instead of you wearing them? If you’re sick of feeling overwhelmed by your clothes and you’re interested in learning how to dress…
In This Video 0.08 I’m retired, have a large bust and am petite plus have lymphedema so need compression stockings – I find it hard to find attractive clothes that work for me It’s a struggle to find items I like. 5.05 I am a petite O and recently bought a summery print skirt that…
Following on from the post on What to Wear when you’re Petite and Busty, here are some ideas on the formal end of the spectrum. From wedding dress to formal occasion styles. Should you be thinking about a cocktail type dress, just look for the same kinds of styles but that end just above the…
