WHAT IS IN YOUR CLOSET?

WHAT IS IN YOUR CLOSET? 

Petite in Style

     I stand 5 feet and 2 inches tall, a short woman especially by American standards.  “Petite” decidedly sounds much more attractive and “pixie” immediately conjures up in most of us images of Audrey Hepburn. 

     Most of my life I have been acutely aware of my height; I need stepladders throughout the house and I need help in the grocery store when trying to get that one item on the top shelf.  High heel shoes are no help for me because my feet are also small and most shoe sizes for women in the United States start at size 6.  I am not used to wearing high heels and on the rare occasion I do, I find it difficult to walk efficiently in them.  And sorry, regardless of what the fashion industry will have you believe, most platform shoes look like orthopedic shoes.

     The following tips and observations have worked for me.  I am by no means a style expert and I apologize if my remarks will offend anyone.  Over the years I have developed a style that not only works for me, but that others have liked.  I hope it will work for you too and perhaps you too will get quite a few compliments as well.

DO NOT EVER LIST

Wear horizontal stripes; they make you look smaller and fatter. However, if you must have that nautical top, choose a very thin stripe.

Wear highly contrasting colors except for the classic combinations; navy/white, black/white, light beige/brown.

Wear too much jewelry.  I find that most women do.  Just stick to one ring, a pretty watch, one bracelet, one necklace and earrings.  This is a max for me and I only wear this on “special occasions”.

Wear your fingernails too long.

Wear a big head of hair.  If you are blessed with curls and lots of hair, tame it!

Overemphasize your boobs; on a petite woman it looks especially out of proportion.

ALWAYS DO LIST

Walk with super posture.  Practice good posture with daily exercises.  Walk up and down the stairs balancing a book on your head.

Watch your weight within reason.  Any extra on a petite will make her look shorter.

Whatever you do and wherever you go always look well groomed.  While torn jeans and tees might be fashionable, they look ridiculous on shorter women.

Wear make-up especially lipstick, but aim for a “natural” look rather than a “made-up” one.

Always wear clothes that fit well and that feel good to you.

Keep the volume down.  Oversized or baggy anything is not for you.  Although with the right outfit a big occasional accessory like a big belt can be fun.

COLORS

     Which colors look particularly flattering on you?  Know your color spectrum and stick to it.  That said and regardless what some experts say, no one tall or short, overweight or slim should ever wear “canary yellow”, “Kelly green”, “Pepto-Bismol pink” or “true purple”, these colors make your skin look sickly.  As far as other screaming colors, petites are better off when wearing them sparingly.

Black or Navy Blue Outfits

They are classics and will make you look taller and thinner.  Emphasize this by wearing the same color tights or stockings.

Monochromatic Outfits

All components do not have to be in the exact same color, which is rather boring.  On the contrary, play with contrasts and textures, but play wisely.  Put your outfit together first and see how it works.  For example an outfit that works well for me consists of a chocolate brown tight skirt worn with a rust color sweater, chocolate brown textured tights, light brown ankle boots and a multi earth tones colored scarf.

Shape Cutter Colors

Don’t wear contrasting colors that cut you in half; no to the red sweater worn over black pants, yes to the black pants with a black sweater, thin red belt and cute red flats.

Suits

Most suits in one color, whether traditional or pant suits, are a good choice.

Coordinates

They are great choices and are more versatile than suits.  Dressy or casual, coordinates can look very sophisticated when put together with flair.

FORM AND TEXTURE

Length

Unless it is an evening gown or formal skirt, don’t wear clothes that are maxi long or super short.  Forget shorts unless you are on a resort and no one should wear Bermuda shorts, they look unflattering on women. The more flattering length for petites is just below the knee or mid-calf.  And contrary to what some experts say, I find narrow ankle pants or even capris worn with flats very appealing.  Play with contrasting lengths; try a short skirt with a long fitted tunique or a tightly fitted short jacket with a mid-calf pencil skirt.  Try a long fitted evening gown with a boléro jacket.  I adore ¾ length sleeves; I find them extremely feminine and particularly flattering on petites.

Shapes

Shape is somewhat of a challenge.  In general a narrow fit works better unless you are overweight.  Be careful with flared shapes; for example a flared skirt worn with a flared jacked or peplum jersey does not flatter your petite frame.  It will make you look shorter.  Remember you want to elongate not widen!  A long open fluttery asymmetrical cardigan is not for you unless you wear it with the same color leggings.  A petite needs to be careful how she layers; too much layering will cut you up too much making you look shorter.

Textures and Patterns

Stay away from big textures and patterns.  Herringbones, Glen plaids, plaids and hounds tooth all work well when small.  The same is true with prints.  Contrasting textures can be playful and sophisticated; for instance textured tights worn with a textured fabric is very chic when it works.  I love mohair and fur but wear it sparingly because of my small frame.

DEFIANCE

     After you read all the suggested guidelines, challenge them a little.  Go ahead be a little daring, put on those power over sized shades, wear that hat or that oversized belt, drape that Pashmina over your shoulders, but do it wisely!

     Finally celebrate the pixie by emphasizing the “gamine” style.  Only petites can do it.  It looks ridiculous on tall women.  So, take advantage.  Go for the impish even somewhat tomboyish look of disarming candor.  Strap on the girlish mary-janes , wear the colorful flats or the patent leather oxfords.  Get that sailor style dress and smile.  Remember Audrey Hepburn and her adorable pixie haircut?

And finally, don’t be a victim of the fashion tyranny, don’t imitate others.  Find instead your own color, style and flagrance and stick to it.

     Watch for more articles from WHAT IS IN YOUR CLOSET?

March 2013