Summer Shorts for Petites

We all want to show off our legs, especially if they are shapely and well toned.  Wearing the right style will go a long way to flattering your Spring and Summer look.  Choosing shorts can prove a contest in itself for petite women.  It’s important to remember shorts should be fitted, not overly loose, have clean details and a classic style.  Wearing an outfit all within the same color wheel will also give you a long, lean silhouette.  Topping off your entire look with wedgies or a heel will pay tribute to your legs and create an illusion of lengthening the leg.

Women who are short always wonder about wearing a Capri style pant during the warm months as well.  This style can prove tricky but also flattering on the right figure shape.  Always wear shoes the same color of your pant.  If you’re shorter than 5’2” have heavy calves or thick ankles, this style is not a good choice for you.  If you have shapely legs and over 5”2”, make sure you match your shoes with your hemline color to pull off the look with class.

Cuffed shorts ~ this is also a very fashionable style for petite women. Cuffed shorts will make your legs appear longer and are very stylish. Just make sure that the cuffed shorts aren't too tight. They should be loose from your skin so you can move around in them comfortably.

Bermuda shorts  ~ are a definite no as they fall below the knee and will make you look stumpier.

mid-thigh

Above Knee to Mid-thigh  ~ are the most complimentary lengths for petites because they help to elongate your look beautifully. 

Short shorts ~  will make you look even shorter and inappropriate if your butt cheeks are exposed. So, think about the message you are sending as well.   However, if you have a flawless figure and in great shape, you’re one of the luckier few to pull them off.

Cargo ~ stay away.  Stay far, far away.

Holiday Shoe Styles That Flatter Petites

     We can compliment our appearance by choosing the right styles to make it possible.  Sadly though, some of the styles we may love might not be flattering for our petite feet.  

We loved Converses when we were younger and probably yes, the little girl in us still love them now, but when it comes to flattering our petite legs ... well ... maybe not
** wink **wink

Because we're short, gladiator sandals and shoes with ankle straps, ankle cuffs, ties around the ankle, heavy heels, very chunky wedges, or square toes are taboo.


Although wearing high heels is the easiest way to look taller, higher isn't always better when it comes to heels. Wearing heels that are too high will call attention to the wearer, but not in a good way. Never wear heels that are so high that you feel off-balance.

Classic pumps will make legs appear longer, slimmer, and shapelier too, so they're an excellent choice for short women. If the pumps have a pointed toe, all the better because pointed toes elongate and make petites look taller.  A V-shaped vamp can also help add to a longer look. Keep the heel height and width proportionate to your size. If you're a plus-size petite, select heels that don't look too delicate or fragile. They don't need to be chunky, just shapely and well proportioned.

Shoes with peep toes are a good choice because they tend to elongate the foot and thus make you look taller. Wearing peep toes is also a great way to show off a pretty pedicure. Peep toes work well for short women whether they're on pumps, slingbacks, kitten heels, or flats.

Slingback sandals and slides are another great choice for petites because they look light on the feet and don't add a heavy or clunky element to an ensemble. Slingback sandals are ideal for summer accessorizing. Select a heel height that you can comfortably wear. Straps on the slingbacks shouldn't be too wide. Narrower straps look better and are more in proportion for petites. If the straps extend along the top of the foot to form a V or along the sides of the foot, that type of design is a plus because it will tend to elongate and make you look taller.


Ballet flats are just the ticket for loafing about, shopping, or even for the office if you work in a casual environment. No, they won't add to your height, but you can select styles with pointed toes, a V-shaped vamp, or peep toes to help give you a longer look.

The above styles can be purchased at Cinderella Of Boston.

Holiday Camouflage And Discipline

The holiday season is here and with turkey day behind us, we’ve probably got a little additional padding in the trunk or thicker handlebars at the waistline because of all that wonderful food we enjoyed.

Because we’re Petite, extra pounds are noticed easier and they pack on in those places that simply can be unattractive.  There is nothing worse than feeling as if bright red arrows are flashing like blinding beacons straight at our butts, thighs and waistline.

Obviously the best way to avoid the added poundage is watching what you eat, keeping the portions small and if you must indulge then get your butt on that treadmill the very next day and walk it off.  We are human.  The holiday season is a time to celebrate with friends and family and enjoy in the festivities.  Should we abstain?  No.  Eat, drink and be merry … yes but just don’t go to extremes.

If you have added on a few extra pounds make sure you to avoid any prints and patters that will overwhelm your shape.  We are vertically challenged to begin with and large prints will not only make us look shorter, but they will also add more pounds to the inches. 

Tight, clingy fabrics will have you looking as though you’ve grown out of your sister's hand-me-downs.  Be appropriate, conscious and wise as to what you place on your body.  If you have to take it to the next size believe me you’ll look better.  Don’t let your insecurity about wearing a larger size; prove the catalyst to make you look even worse. 

Big accessories and wearing too many colors can overpower those added pounds as well.  Even though you want to wear bright red to your Christmas party, think about going dark.    One of the easiest ways to instantly look thinner is to wear flattering colors. Everyone knows that black is the most flattering color, which is why every woman should have the perfect little black dress. Black never fails to make you look slim and elegant. Darker shades of colors like blue, purple and brown can also help to hide flaws and create a slimming illusion.

But if you’re bored with black and want to wear more exciting colors, just keep this tip in mind: Bright colors draw attention to whichever area they’re worn on, so don’t wear a bright shirt if you’re trying to hide a big belly or large chest, and stay away from bright pants if you have a big bottom and wide hips.

Another rule for wearing flattering colors is to not pair a light top with dark pants if you’re on the shorter side. Doing so will visually cut the body in half, making you appear short and squat. If you want to accentuate your height or add a couple inches to your petite frame, wear monochromatic colors (tones of one color) from top to bottom. This helps to create a visual vertical line that lengthens out the body, as well as hides flaws.

Are You A Triangle Body Shape - - Oh My !!

When you stand 5'4" tall and you have narrow shoulders, a small bust and wider hips and thighs ... being a TRIANGLE body type can be challenging to say the least. Believe it or not, it is the most common body shape and the most feminine one of all ... so say the experts. With that being said, I guess those who are triangles are in pretty good company.  Celebrities who share the same body type as you are Rachel Ray, Lucy Liu and Kelly Clarkson.

Triangle shaped women have more of a challenge when they are short so it is important to bring together flattering styles that will make you longer and leaner.  Take for example the black cocktail dress worn by Lucy Liu.

* black - a solid dark color.
* a V-neckline.
* cap sleeves, which make shoulders look wider.
* high heels (although it would be better to lose the straps on the shoes).
* soft fabric that drapes softly over her figure.

Your biggest challenge is balancing your figure because your bottom half is generally wider and you don't want to have it look heavier.  You have to try and create the illusion of an hour glass shape by drawing attention above the waist.  Avoid anything that overly emphasizes your hips and thighs like a gathered skirt, ruffles and pleats.

Play up your face, bust, neckline, and shoulders, and create some waist definition by calling attention to your slimmest areas from under the bust to your waistline. Wearing a sleeve that makes the shoulders appear broader also is a good technique and will make your figure look more like an hourglass shape.


Strategy Strive for balance so that your figure appears more like the ideal hourglass figure. Look for tops that will make you appear bigger on top while maintaining the look of a defined waistline. At the same time, look for style details that will help you look taller.

Necklines Many neckline styles will work well for petites who have triangle shaped figures. V-necklines and U-necklines are good because they add height. Also, try branching out with a scooped neckline or a sweetheart neckline, both of which will help made your shoulders appear broader.

Waistline Make sure that any top you select gives you the appearance of a defined waistline. This may either be at your natural waistline or under the bust with an empire style top.

Sleeves Short cap sleeves, flutter sleeves, or puff sleeves also widen your shoulder line to balance your hips.

Lines Surplice styles, princess seams, and vertical or chevron stripes all add to the illusion of height, so they are also desirable.

What to Avoid Avoid tops that are too long and end of the widest part of your hips. Also avoid shapeless styles with no waistline and tight sleeveless tops that emphasize a small bust. As a petite woman, be a bit careful with fussy details. Although one ruffle along a seam line will help balance your top with your hips, numerous ruffles or too dainty details may give you the appearance of a little girl. If you're a petite plus size, such frilly details will also seem out of proportion to your size.

Are You A Rectangle Body Shape?

What's a rectangle body shape?  Quite frankly, you're one of the lucky ones to have such a balanced figure type. And, you can be any size because it's the shape that determines the rectangle figure type. Women who have rectangle shaped figures don't have a defined waistline, but they do have an equally balanced top and bottom.

Petites have more of a challenge, however, in dressing because they are short. So, you'll want to combine flattering styles that will make you look longer and leaner.

In this photo, Kristi Yamaguchi wears a long pink gown with a diagonal stripe that helps create the illusion of more shape and maintains her already balanced shape without over-emphasizing either bust or hips.

Trapeze Dress

When dressing to flatter your rectangle shaped figure, your main challenges will be to maintain the figure balance that you already have and create the illusion of a defined waistline so that you look like you have more of an hourglass figure. Avoid styles, such as shifts or what is known as a trapeze dress that will hide your shape.


 BUT, if you wear extra-small sizes, such as 00P or 0P, you  can get away with these styles because of your tiny size. If you're a size 6 or above, you're better off sticking with the strategy of creating that hourglass illusion though.

Avoid styles that will over-emphasize your bust or hips. For example, if you wear a gathered skirt, your hips will look bigger and make you look bottom-heavy. If you wear a style such as an off-the-shoulder top, you may find that you appear top-heavy.  Your other big challenge will be to create the illusion of a defined waistline. Placing emphasis on the waist or midriff area in such a way that you appear to have a defined waistline will make your figure look more shapely.

Look for tops that create the illusion of a defined waistline. That may mean either an empire waistline that has a band under the bust or a top that has a band at the natural waistline. Tops with self-belts or other belted tops can work well too as long as the belt does not fall below the natural waistline.  Although styling of the top is key, you can also use color contrast to bring out the waistline definition. When the waistline band is a darker color, the definition created is more pronounced and desirable. Dark colors recede, which makes the area covered by the dark color look smaller. Tops with curved-seamline, side panels in dark colors that contrast against the color of the front can also create the illusion of a waistline. These types of tops can be difficult to find, but if you sew, you should be able to find or design a workable pattern for such a top.

Avoid tops that have too much sleeve or detail unless you balance your look with details that add hip interest too. Otherwise, your naturally balanced figure can appear unbalanced.

 If you have a rectangle shaped figure, pick jackets that define the waistline and don't upset your already balanced shape with too much detail. Belted jackets, which can be cinched at the waist, work well whether they're self-belts or separate belts. Another feature to look for in a jacket is a focal point at the waistline, such as a noticeable belt buckle. This draws the eye inward toward the focal point, making your waistline seem smaller.  Contoured seamlines that curve inward at the waistline can also help make a waistline that really isn't there. Like-wise, a chevron pattern draws the eye inward and helps give shape to the figure.

Avoid jackets that are longer than top-of-the-hip length. Also stay away from boxy shapes, such as Chanel-type cardigan styles, because they simply repeat the rectangle shape that you want to look curvier.
Anything that has a flattering V-neckline, which makes petites look taller, a self-belt to define the waistline, and a belt buckle that draws the eye inward to further define the waist. Pockets should be balanced above and below the waistline, so they make the figure appear neither top-heavy nor bottom-heavy.

Great Sweater Tips For Petites

Sweaters are a basic for every woman's wardrobe. Petites will look better in their sweaters if they select them to fit and flatter their short figures. Here are some factors for short women to keep in mind when sweater shopping:

• Buy your sweaters in the petites department because they will fit much better than a regular size sweater, which will be too long.

Boat Neck



Mock Turtle

• Select sweaters with a flattering neckline, such as a universally flattering v-neckline.  Short women who have a wide bottom may opt for a boatneck, which helps give the illusion of broader shoulders. Avoid big cowls and turtlenecks, and instead choose a mock-neck, which is less bulky.

• Choose knits that aren't bulky. Bulky sweaters can make short women look bigger, so a sleeker, smoother sweater knit fabric works better. Look for flattering and proportional details, such as surplice styling, waistline emphasis, and small, rather than huge, ruffles.

• Select comfortable fabric. Scratchy wool knits irritate delicate skin, so if you choose a wool sweater, try it on to make sure that it isn't scratchy. Cotton and silk as well as blends with a bit of lycra are normally comfortable. If you want luxury, soft cashmere is a good choice.

• Wear well fitting foundation garments under sweaters to shape and smooth the figure. 

How V-Necks Compliment A Short Frame

Wearing a top or dress with a V-neckline is a great way for short women to look thinner and taller than we truly are. Here are five fabulous short celebrities who each style their V-necklines differently, and they all look fantastic.

 Ugly Betty star America Ferrara looks thinner in her V-neck top with vertical trim detail below the V. Wearing vertical lines in combination with the V-neck emphasizes the longer look even more. For her look, find garments with vertical lines extending from the neckline.

Eva Longoria Parker looks glamorous in her V-neck cocktail dress. Notice the ruffle detail surrounding the neckline that adds a bit of emphasis to the V-line.  For her V-neck look, find garments that frame the neckline with short, ruffled lace or other embellishments that don't overcome the style.

Here's another great way to emphasize the V-neckline. Rachael Ray wears a pendant necklace, which repeats the V-line and serves as a focal point of her look. Well proportioned for Rachael, the pendant is neither too big nor too small.  For Rachael's V-neck look, wear a
pendant necklace that provides a focal point centered above the V.

Gorgeous! Reese Witherspoon's V-neckline emphasizes a lovely decolletage with just the right amount of cleavage appropriate for special occasion dressing. She simply looks pretty  without being overexposed.  For Reese's V-neck look, choose a dress with a medium V-neckline, neither too deep nor too shallow, and make sure you have the right bra, which gives a nice uplift without peeping out of the neckline.

Wearing a knit dress with a V-neckline, Renee Zellweger styles it with a little collar around the back of her neck. Her knit dress drapes smoothly over her body.  For Renee's V-neck look, pick out a knit top or dress with a little collar surrounding the back of the neckline, and make sure to wear a smoothing bra or shaper under it.

Jackets Tips To Complement Your Figure

Jackets belong in every petite woman's wardrobe because a jacket is a go-to garment for both work and weekend wear. Wearing a jacket is also a great way to hide midriff and tummy bulges. To get the maximum style boost from a jacket, petites should look for the jacket features that work best for short women.

 - Choose single-breasted jackets, rather than double-breasted jackets. Petites don't need extra bulk in their clothing.

- Pick a classic jacket with a V-neckline. Classically styled jackets that form a v-neckline when buttoned flatter petites because they make us look taller.

 - Buy fitted or semi-fitted jackets to create flattering, shapely lines. Petites can get lost in loose-fitted or oversized jackets.

- Make sure jackets fit in the bust. You should be able to button a jacket without any gaping or pulling across the bust line.

- Wear shorter jackets that end at the high hip and flatter most petites by creating the illusion of longer legs.

 - Wear jackets with long sleeves or at least three quarter length sleeves. Short-sleeved jackets are fairly useless.

 - Select jackets made of smooth, rather than thick, bulky fabric in order to create a longer, leaner line.


- Create the illusion of a slimmer and taller line by wearing jackets with vertical lines and seaming .

- Avoid patch pockets, no matter where they're placed on jackets, to maintain the sleekest line.

- Maximize wearability and create a leaner, taller look by selecting jackets in solid colors without embellishment. If you love prints, you can always wear a print blouse, dress, or skirt with your jacket. Jackets with subtle neutral designs, such as Glen plaid or pinstripes, will also work for petites.

Eye Glass Frames That Compliment Your Face

If choosing the right frames to suit your facial shape is proving to be a frustrating science and you simply have no clue about what to choose ... not to worry.

This dilemma strikes individuals nearly every time a purchase needs to be made so, consider yourself in great company. Many women find themselves standing before a store counter mirror trying on one pair after another until they just give up.

Sadly, a large number will mindlessly stockpile pairs the same way they do lipstick tubes and makeup compacts. Think of the money you can save if you only knew how to analyze your facial shape and match it up with the right style to enhance your overall look.

First, lets determine how to do that. Stand before a mirror and pull your hair back off your forehead and away from your face. Use the diagram below to determine which facial shape comes close to resembling your own.

ROUND - No round frames for you. You need to minimize the fullness with angular frames such as rectangle/octagon which will create an illusion that thins your face. Use classic patterns and darker colors. However, make sure most of the color is on the upper rim or temple area.

SQUARE - Oval and round shapes will soften your hard angles. No square and angular shapes, however. Glasses that frame out beyond your face and wrap around to your ears will look best on you if, you have a very strong square jawline.

HEART - Stay away from super-sized lenses, high sides, wide tops and large heavy rims. You are a great candidate for a classic pair of aviators.

OVAL/OBLONG/LONG - The sky is the limit! If you're petite, stick to rimless, delicate frames. Otherwise, you can sport just about anything from bold styles to impressive shapes.

The Perfect Dress Style For Your Shape

We all know how absolutely fab-u-lous the little black dress is. Not only has it outlived numerous trends through the decades but, it  works splendidly for any body shape and budget.

You may be someone who has had a bad experience purchasing dresses, bringing them home and realizing they do not flatter your shape at all.  It's happened to us all.

Not to worry ladies … here are some great examples to help you with your own personal dilemma. Black is complimentary, hides the flaws and absolutely stunning and chic when combined with the right accessories and heels.

Busty Figures - V-Neck, Halter & Scoop Neck shown below are what you need as well as a button down option not shown. You want to stay away from ruffles, puckering & shirring detail that runs across t he bust line and high empire waists.




Full Curvy Figures - Need to minimize but, don't hide. Again V-Neck, Scoop & Square Necklines will compliment your chest area. Belted dresses to accentuate your waistline and Wrap Dresses will adjust to your curves.





Pear Shapes - Small bust line with voluptuous hips bottom and thighs. Empire, scoop, square neck and diagonal cuts will compliment a small bust line. Stay away from a fitted bottom. Shirting should flair and the material should not be clingy.






Petite frame with Curvy Bottom - Need to elongate your body because you are short to begin with. Princess shape, belted, wrapped styles will compliment your curves. Again stay away from flimsy and thin fabrics that will cling to your curves.



Article compliments of The Girlz Korner.