I kicked off my Petite Training Camp today with Dillard’s, a new concept for team building and style coaching.  So I am now waiting for a delayed flight at the New Orleans airport and playing “Petite Fashion Police,’ my own little version of “What Not to Wear.”  Here are my sightings:

 THE GOOD

Sometimes simple is best.  The most chic petite look spotted was a 50ish blonde in black capri pants, a black tank, a boldly striped black and white jacket that was slightly fitted at the waist, and black ballet flats.  Her hair was pulled back in a low ponytail and dazzling pearl drop earrings dangled just below her earlobes.  Here is a woman after my own heart because she is following 4 of my top 10 petite tips:

1. Wear vertical lines or patterns.
2. Wear unbroken lines of color on the body.
3. Match your shoes with your hemline.
4. Choose accessories that flatter rather than overpower. 

THE BAD

The petite lady wearing the black twinset with animal print pants initially looked quite stylish.  Then I saw it – a HUGE jaguar pin on her left shoulder.  It was actually about the size of a teacup Chihuahua.  One very large accessorizing mistake threw her entire look off balance.  Maybe she is a devoted Jacksonville Jaguars fan, but she is also a shining example to petite women that you need to keep proportion in mind at all times.

 THE UGLY

The biggest “fashion victim” of the day was a young Asian girl probably around 4’10” wearing an oversized tie-dyed tee shirt with jeans tucked into thigh high black leather boots, and accessorized with a skinny Missoni-inspired scarf that literally hung down below her knees.  She honestly looked like she was playing dress up in someone else’s clothing.  Warning to all petite women:  Thigh high boots are a guaranteed way to make your legs look shorter.