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:
- Wear vertical lines or patterns.
- Wear unbroken lines of color on the body.
- Match your shoes with your hemline.
- 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.
