10 Fashion Blunders Stylish Petites Steer Clear Of
Standing at just over 5 feet tall since eighth grade, shopping frustrations plagued my teens years. EMPLARY arti Though petite sections existed, clothes rarely flattered my figure. billowing shirts made me look boxy while most pants drowned my legs. Mastering fashion for shorter frames requires ignoring standard size charts and learning what specifically works for OUR proportions.
Through endless trials testing tailored tricks aimed at diminutive divas like us, I can definitively advise you on common petite fashion faux pas to avoid, so you ultimately showcase your beautiful shape confidently!
1. Hiding Your Figure in Overly Baggy Clothes
Dressing to flatter your figure starts with accurate fit. However, many petite girls hide inside oversized shirts and dresses assuming a slimming effect. But in reality, billowing fabric just makes us disappear, looking sloppy.
While precise tailoring matters most for vertically challenged ladies, relax about sizes. The number means nothing! Instead focus on how clothes fit on YOUR frame specifically. Pieces shouldn’t pinch, pull or overwhelm your lines. You want smoothing fabrics gently skimming your shape.
Opt for fitted shirts in soft fabrics with slight stretch. And don’t drown dresses in an attempt to avoid exposing thighs or behind. Flaunt those lovely lady lumps, honey!
2. Trying to Wear the Same Trends As Taller Girls
Scan Instagram and you’ll inevitably see attention-grabbing outfits touting what’s hot this season. But just because super long flannels or maxi dresses look fierce on 6 foot models doesn’t mean we pint-sized babes can pull them off exactly the same. This causes awkward bunching and exposed skin slipping out of ill-fitting pieces not made for tiny torsos.
Rather than frantically hunt down petite versions of catwalk trends that likely don’t exist, refocus. Which elements of seasonal styles actually work for your stature?
Maybe it’s incorporating the vibrant colors or patterns instead of silhouettes. Adapt trends to flatter YOUR proportionate perfection vs forcing cuts catering to taller bodies.
3. Pairing Long Maxi Skirts with High Heels
Continuing with length challenges, ankle sweeping maxi dresses and skirts certainly feel breezy for summer. But the long hemlines also trip us petite gals up!
Attempting to don gorgeous floor-length maxis with heels generally backfires. The boost in height causes excess material to drag and bunch awkwardly around legs when walking. Suddenly that goddess glow morphs into tripping hazard!
When wearing longer skirts, opt for flat sandals instead. And if you love sky high platforms, go for midi lengths hitting middle of calf or slightly above ankles. That way height gets added gracefully with no exasperating extra yardage.
4. Drowning in an Overly Long Coat or Jacket
Certain pieces like dresses and pants come sized specifically for slight figures. But often outerwear either ignores or only considers general “short” options within normal sizing.
That means coats and jackets not made for petite bodies overwhelm us. Extra long styles completely hide petite frames in fabric, making you look wider rather than stylish and slim.
When buying coats, look for size charts with specifications like “best for women 5’3 and under.” Depending on your height variations, the optimal jacket length will typically hit around high hip bone, not knees!
For blazers, adjust sleeve length too so they don’t extend past wrists and overly cover hands. Proportion matters most for vertically challenged ladies!
5. Not Considering Your Actual Body Type
Beyond height, correctly dressing petite frames also factors in your unique body type. Are you straight as a board like Twiggy with zero curves? Or boasting voluptuous Kibbe curves despite diminutive status?
Hourglass figures should accentuate small waists. Ruler bodies do well with illusion shaping creating fake waist definition. Rectangular and diamond body types rock easy shift shapes rather than overly fussy details.
Determine YOUR specific build, then leverage that insight choosing styles expertly showcasing your personal assets.
6. Skipping Tailoring and Alterations
Finding properly precision fitted pieces for petite pixies remains essential. But rare unicorn brands catering to tiny ladies only provide so many options.
Beware thinking typical stores offering “petite” labels fully solve sleeve, torso and pants length challenges. Often their size chart interpretations still don’t account for shorter limb proportions.
Make tailor contacts your new BFFs! Expert adjustments provide perfect personalized fits. Don’t hesitate getting pieces finely tuned just for your size. It makes even inexpensive fast fashion discoveries resemble expensive couture!
7. Letting Straps or Bags Hit Mid Frame
Cross body bags and purses with longer straps beautifully complete casual looks. But wearing bags hitting around hip or tummy level throws petite figures further out of alignment visually.
That busy horizontal line chops you in half proportion-wise. Instead keep straps sitting near top and bottom of your compact frame. This continues the streamlined effect for a lengthened leggy illusion!
Same rule applies to embellished belts. Thicker styles should fall along natural waist, not hover mid-section drawing the eyes to your belly zone. Streamlined equals lengthened in petite fashion formulas!
8. Pairing Ankle Straps with Petite Legs
Speaking of vertically illusioned length, shoe choices also factor for those with shorter legs. Certain footwear cuts already limited stature.
Avoid chunky thick platform styles overwhelming slim legs with visual bulk. Shave height going lower rather than dramatically higher heels instead.
Rethink slender versus wide straps too. Thin crisscrossed ankle straps continue that leg line smoothly. Versus thick bootie straps chopping at the ankle joint emphasizing already reduced leg length.
9. Over styling Looks Due to Uncertainty
Petite-specific style guides constantly emphasize keeping looks streamlined. But having options finally catering to OUR size often leads to overzealous piling on of fierce pieces screaming “Finally clothes that fit!”
Before maxing out a look with loud patterns, heavy jewels AND embellished shoes, remember finesse allows pieces to shine. Choose one fabulous focal point per outfit especially with dresses or separates like graphic patterned blouses.
Intricate styles appear deliberately overdone on taller girls. But on petite babes, less truly proves more.
10. Not Having a Trustworthy Tailor on Speed Dial!
If that cute crop top still looks slightly too long after shopping the petite section, don’t just deal. Or relent by letting dragging pants overwhelm your fabulous heels. No! Call immediate reinforcements.
Finding an exceptional tailor in your area transforms every piece you purchase into a custom couture creation modified just for your fabulous shorter self.
Ask trusted petite friends for recommendations, call high end formal boutiques for their tailor contacts, check reviews on seamstress shops. Once you get properly set up with someone competent, keep their number handy to perfect new pieces instantly for your frame!
We petite divas can dress with all the knock out style of catwalk icons. Using adjustments tailored to YOUR specific height and shape reveals how runway trendsetting pieces shine even brighter on OUR phenomenal shorter frames!
Stay confident embracing your beautifully petite self! With the right fit tricks, those looks earn double takes for all the right reasons.