The word petite encompasses a lot of different figures when it comes to ladies’ fashion. You can be petite and still have an average length of leg. You can have a large bust and slim hips, or the other way around. There are an array of different appearances in women who are classed as petite. There are some general tips that can be useful to all petite women though.
We are going to take you through some of these tips. Let’s take a look at some of the points you might want to take into account.
Do not be afraid of trying children’s clothes
Most women are used to the idea that clothing sizes vary from shop to shop and range to range. This is why it’s more important to pay attention to the measurements of an item than to its quoted size. You may even find that you can get just the item you are looking for for the children’s section. You should never be afraid to check this out. There are some cool designs available and you may even be able to save money if you decide to purchase children’s clothing instead of women’s.
Be careful with hangers and not just clothing
This tip is not to do with the clothing itself; it’s all about the hangers you keep your clothes on. Standard clothes hangers are made for standard clothing so they can often cause petite sized garments to go out of shape. Obviously, you do not want this to happen so it’s worth checking out some petite sized hangers online.
Keep tights and shoes the same colour
If you want to make your legs appear longer one of the best tricks to use is to make sure your tights and shoes are a similar shade. You could consider opting for black, or for a tan/brown look.
Layer tops for a longer body look
If your issue is more having a short torso than the short legs we have a tip for you. Buy yourself a crop top and then pair it with a T-shirt that feels longer. Doing this helps to make your torso appear longer than it actually is.
Stick with the vertical
A general rule, if you are petite, is to keep clear of anything horizontal. A pattern that consists of horizontal lines is only going to make you look shorter and wider. You should stick with vertical stripes and other flattering design features such as vertical pleats. Try a dress shirt (check what is a dress shirt) with verticle strips/design to look taller. Long-waisted pants and short tops would also work.
Keep your patterns small
You may be checking out the Miss Selfridge online store and see a dress you love, that has a big, bold floral pattern on it. This may look great when you see it on your computer screen, but it’s unlikely to look as good on you. Large patterns tend to overwhelm a petite frame. If you want to move away from a plain design, it’s best to choose a small pattern.
Keep away from high waisted skirts
Choosing a skirt with a high waistline is not a good idea if you are a petite woman. High waisted skirts cut across the vertical line of your body. This helps to make you appear short and wide which is not the effect you are hoping for.
The same applies for trousers
The same applies for trousers as for skirts; you should always avoid a high waist. If you are shopping for a new pair of trousers you should also keep clear of any wide legged designs.
Heels are good
If you want to add the illusion of height, then the heels are always a good idea. This does not mean that you have to wear stilettos wherever you go. The most important thing is that you avoid clunky heels. You also need to make sure that you are comfortable walking in the shoes you choose. Teetering around on heels that are way too high for you to handle is never a good look.
Use accessories to your advantage
It’s not just your clothing you need to pay attention to, if you are petite. The accessories you choose are just as important when it comes to creating the right look. It’s not a good idea to wear a belt around your waist; if you want to lengthen the appearance of your body you should wear it under your bust or further down on your hips. Many ladies like chunky jewellery but this can be a little overwhelming if you have only got a small body frame. Go for trendy bracelets like the kind Rastaclat (learn here) has made available online. When it comes to bags, small purses and clutch bags are a better option for anyone who is petite.
Hopefully, our list of tips will be helpful the next time you are shopping at stores like beautyspin.co.uk. You should have a better idea of the designs and patterns that are likely to flatter your petite frame.