As most know from reading my blog, I have always been petite and am only 5’2′ tall. I have always had an issue finding clothing even before having kids (now I have been trying to get in shape also with the Slim by the Summer ladies) to suit my petite frame. However I have learned some of the rules over the years by trial and error, but in case you too are petite and was wondering what kind of clothes best suit your body type, please read on, because today I have a wonderful guest post from Isabella of Cosmetic Surgery Guru that I think you will enjoy and benefit from. So without further ado, please enjoy!!
If you are petite (i.e. you are 5 foot 3 inches or less in height), you might find it trickier than your taller friends to find clothes that fit you perfectly and make you look and feel fabulous. The key is to know what to wear and what to avoid when you are petite, as some things can make you appear taller and slimmer whilst others can make you look short and stumpy.
Follow these style tips for petite ladies:
Tip # 1: Dress in the Same Colour from Top to Toe.
It might not be very imaginative, but matching your dress to your tights and your tights to your shoes can make you look a lot longer and leaner in your frame. Dark colours are the most slimming, so give navy, black, deep green or charcoal grey a try.
Tip # 2: Wear Tailored and Properly Fitting Clothes.
If you wear loose clothing, it is likely to swamp your figure and make you look bulkier. Instead, you should be showing off that figure in clothes that fit you like a glove, ensuring you nip in that waist if you have a large bust or have had breast augmentation.
Tip # 3: Remember That V-necks and Vertical Lines Are Your Best Friends.
V-necklines automatically draw the eye down your body, giving the illusion of length and height. Vertical lines, particularly thin ones like pinstripes do the same, with the added benefit of being very slimming.
Tip # 4: Throw on a Pair of Heels.
There is no getting away from it – if you are petite, you will probably need to wear high heels. This is because like you’d put on a padded bra if you had a small chest, heels give you an instant boost in the height department.
Tip # 5: Avoid Over-Sized Accessories.
You might have your eye on the latest hot new handbag, but if it’s enormous and you are petite, you should avoid it. Large, bulky accessories will only make you look smaller by comparison.
Tip # 6: Go for Straight Leg Trousers.
The way to make your legs look longer when you are petite (in addition to heels) is to wear straight leg trousers and jeans rather than bootcut or flared styles.
Tip # 7: Wear Slim Belts.
A belt is the handiest accessory in the world when it comes to balancing out a top-heavy frame, whether it’s natural or aided by breast enhancement. Belting the waist helps to bring it in and create a gorgeous hourglass shape. If you are petite, however, you should keep your belts skinny, as wider belts will only cut your figure in half.
The above was a guest sponsored post written specially for my readers by Isabella, who is a passionate beauty and fashion blogger that writes about beauty treatments, tips and current trends, too. For more tips or beauty advice, please visit Bella at Cosmetic Guru Surgery and Twitter, as well.
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Robin Rue says
First off, I need that Coach wristlet.
Secondly, I, too, am 5'2", so I love all of these tips. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Janine Huldie says
I know that wristlet is adorable and I was so happy that Bella could share these here, because I am also 5'2" and could so use all the help I can get!! 🙂
Michelle Nahom says
Great tips! I too am petite and it can be frustrating finding clothes that look good on me!!
Janine Huldie says
Oh so happy that Bella could help you, Michelle and I know what you mean, because at 5'2" I have been more than frustrated over the years with finding clothes to fit properly.
Dani Ryan says
Awesome tips!!!
Janine Huldie says
Glad you enjoyed Dani and hope it helped a bit!! 🙂
WhenCrazyMeetsExhaus says
I needed these tips today! I'm heading to a baby shower on Saturday and had no idea what to wear. I usually wear dark on the bottom to lengthen and slim, but want to pair something bright on the top. Apparently that's wrong, wrong, wrong! Here's what I really need, though: I'm petite, too (5'2 on a good day), but I'm not a size 2. What about for those of us with short frames and a little junk in our trunks? 😉
Janine Huldie says
Stephanie, I too have always had a bit more in the hips and thigh area. Just my genetic build, even though I am a size 2-4 right now, still have my issues with the way that part of me looks, so I can relate. Hopefully, Bella can elaborate on this, as she checks in today 🙂
The Dose of Reality says
Great tips! As someone who is short, I totally needed to read this!
Janine Huldie says
So glad that Bella could help and also nice to know I am not alone in this petite world, too!! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Oh I hope it helps her out Kelly and if one of my girls end up taller then me, I may be saying the same reverse, but will know it will be due to Kevin, who is 6'2"!! 🙂
Bill says
Nope….does not apply to me at all. 🙂 Still, here I am. Why? Because Janine wrote it. 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks Bill. Really, just a huge thank you!! 🙂 🙂
ttoombs08 says
Janine, my mom (adopted) was 4'11" and she had the WORST time trying to find clothes (not in the kids department). Almost everything she bought had to be taken to the tailor to be fitted. By the time I was a teen, I was a good couple of inches taller than her and never had to worry about her "borrowing" my clothes. 🙂 Great info and I bet she would have loved this when she was alive.
Janine Huldie says
Terrye, my mom is also 4'11' and I ended up with a few more inches coming in at 5'2" (I think in part due to my dad, who is 6 ft. tall). But she, too has always had issues clothes shopping. I think she will enjoy this one, when she reads it later. Thanks a bunch Terrye and just happy Bella's post can help others, too 🙂
Cyndi says
I like Eva's dress up there, lol. What fun tips! I'm almost 5'4" but find a lot of these tips useful. Thanks for sharing this guest post, Janine. 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Cyndi. Happy to share and do hope Bella's tips can help you!! Hope you too are having a wonderful day!! 🙂
Lanaya @ Raising Rea says
I love Eva Longoria's style … she knows how to wear her curves! That is for sure. I love the pant suits too … I am not petite but V-necks are still my friends {it's the damn boobs I tell you!} LOL
Great tips from Bella!
¤´¨)
¸.•*´
(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo http://www.raising-reagan.com
Janine Huldie says
Lol, you crack me up about your boobs. Seriously, I would so switch with you any day of the week!! And I do think Bella had some great tips!! xoxo 🙂
Kera says
I'll switch boobs with you too lol!! Mine are currently uneven from nursing and I don't see them getting back to normal any time soon! TMI I know 🙂
Kera says
You would never guess Eva Longoria is petite from how she dresses herself. I love it. Thanks for sharing these tips! I'm 5'3'' so I know how it is to try to find pants that fit right. I never buy petite sizes because then they are too tight in other areas. I've found my favorite jeans to be J. Crew and Forever 21. Their sizes go by waist/inseam like men's sizes, and that works best for me. I LOVE me some skinny jeans or straight leg!
Janine Huldie says
I know Kera. I never would have guessed this, but she does dress herself perfectly for her height. I also love skinny jeans and think they look just right on me at 5'2", too 🙂 🙂
Melissa S. says
Technically, I'm 5' 1 1/4", but I tell everyone I'm 5'2". Don't ask why. Anyway, I agree with most of these tips, except I really hate belts. I know I'm plumper than most of the commenters here and I could pin Eva Longoria in 3 seconds flat, but they just don't do it for me. The hunt goes on.
Janine Huldie says
That extra 3/4 inch does help make us feel better. I know I used want so badly to say even 5'3" instead of 5'2" and can totally relate there. Sorry that these may not work for you and possibly Bella can weigh and can give you a few more.
Christy Birmingham says
These are great tips! I am petite in terms of my frame yet I am tall – it's not always easy to find the right clothes! You are helping ladies everywhere 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks Christy and so glad that this can help you out, too!! 🙂
Ruchira says
great tips, Janine.
Voted for you, as usual.
Janine Huldie says
Oh glad you enjoyed and thanks as always, Ruchira!! 🙂
Emily says
Those sound like great tips…I am the opposite of petite – I'm 5'8" so I guess I should count my blessings?
Janine Huldie says
Totally count your blessings Emily and what I wouldn't have given for years to be a few inches taller, lol!! 🙂
Sharon says
I am 5'10" so have never been petite a day in my life. My problem is I have trouble finding pants that are long enough! Visiting through More than Mommies Mixer
Janine Huldie says
Thanks for stopping by Sharon and I have the opposite and find that my pant legs can be too long and need to be hemmed if anything!!
Michelle Liew says
I truly appreciate this as like you, I am petite too. Keeping for reference, and I bought heels yesterday!!
Janine Huldie says
I am so glad this helped you too Michelle and still love my heels, when I get to wear them, too!! 🙂
gigigirl says
Great tips!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Aunt Gloria!! 🙂
lablover22 says
I love these tips. I'm 5 feet no inches. Just 5 feet. Buying clothes is not easy. Espceically since I am not a size 2. I'm only a size 6 or 8 but there is an assumption that if you are short, you are thin. That isn't always the case. I am really small on top (sadly I'd give anything for a full A cup) and have some junk in the trunk. I find that most dressing ideas are for one issue only: height, waist, top or bottom heavy. I have a hard time finding suggestions for being short, short-waisted and bottom heavy. But your ideas really seem to address multiple needs!
Thanks
Vicky http://www.thepursuitofnormal.blogspot.com
Janine Huldie says
Glad this helps Vicki and I with you on being small on top and since I have had my girls it is even worse!! That said I am a size 2, but you are right to say that when you are short it isn't completely about being skinny, because I too have curves!!
fabolous after 40 says
Dress all-in-one color out of your top for a shoes. Don’t forget to fit your tights or stockings in your outfit too. Dark colors slim, so try black, navy, charcoal, burgundy, deep green, or purple.