If you have flipped through fashion magazines or been out shopping lately, you will find that denim is the hottest thing going for Fall.  This is definitely a “sign of the times” because a denim jean is the most versatile item you can own.  Dress it up.  Dress it down.  I’m especially thrilled to finally find a great selection of denim being offered in petite sizes.  Last week, roughly half of the Petite Department at the local Nordstrom featured denim jeans and updated tops.  Listed below are a few tips to help you shop for jeans that will flatter your petite proportions. 

For the Pear Shaped Petite: 

Boot cut or flared leg jeans in a darker shade of denim will balance fuller hips with narrow shoulders.  “Relaxed Fit” jeans offer a roomier cut in the hips and thighs.

 For the Inverted Pear Shaped Petite:

Skinny or straight leg jeans often flatter petite women who are “busty” on top but slimmer in the hips and rear end. 

 For the Hourglass Shaped Petite:

Jeans that fit the hips are usually huge in the waist.  Styles with a low rise or a curved waistband are more likely to fit both areas.

 For the Circular Shaped Petite:

To flatten and control a fuller middle section, look for jeans that feature a hidden Lycra tummy panel.

Whenever I am asked for my number one fashion tip for petite women, my answer is always the same.  Shop for clothing silhouettes with strong vertical lines.  Vertical lines and patterns are every petite woman’s friend because they draw the eye in an up and down motion, creating the illusion of height.  As an added bonus, vertical lines also have a slimming effect.  Once you start shopping with verticals in mind, you will find that vertical options are absolutely endless.
The more obvious choices include striped patterns especially pinstripes, vertical pleating, zip front closures, and wrap tops or dresses.  More subtle examples of flattering vertical lines include ribbed knits, cable patterns, princess seaming, athletic wear with racing stripes, and tops embellished with embroidery or beading that paints a vertical line on the petite figure.