Archive for the ‘Fashion Tips’ Category

May

DIFFERENCES IN REGULAR AND PETITE SIZES

I was asked in an interview recently “What is the biggest mistake most petites make?” I would have to say that it is thinking you are going to get a good fit in regular sized clothing. When you are petite, fit is everything. And when clothing budgets are tight, who wants to spend a fortune on alterations? If you are 5′4″ or shorter, you will usually get a better fit in petite sizes simply because they are designed for a shorter body frame. Petite garments are cut smaller in key areas, and the rest of the garment is proportioned to match. The differences in petite and regular sized clothing include:

Shorter hemlines (the obvious)
Shorter sleeves
Shorter lines neck-to-waist
Shorter lines waist-to-hip
Narrower shoulders
Higher armholes
Shorter rise and inseam
Raised pockets
Shortened zippers
Buttons sewn closer together
Less volume in skirts and dresses
Details scaled down including pockets, collars, lapels, belts, belt loops, and embellishments

Posted by: Kim at 3:33 pm 4 Comments » | Topic: Fashion Tips

Apr

CAN PETITE WOMEN WEAR CAPRI PANTS?

The “Capri Fashion Controversy” wages on for petite women. Shorter women truly have a love/hate relationship with capri pants. Some petite women love them, others wouldn’t be caught dead in a pair of capris. Capri pants prove to be tricky when you are short but can be flattering on the right petite figure shape. Women who are 5′4″ or under need to follow a few simple fashion rules when wearing capris. Always, always, always wear shoes in the same color of family of color as your capri pant. This pairing visually lengthens short legs. Good choice: Black shoes with black capris. Bad choice: Red shoes with black capris.

If you are really short, have heavy calves or thick ankles, capri pants may not be your best look. For those of you in the 5′2″ to 5′4″ height range with shapely legs, matching your shoes with your hemline will help you pull off the look with confidence and style.

Gap cropped denim capri pant $54.50 www.gap.com

Posted by: Kim at 5:11 pm 7 Comments » | Topic: Fashion Tips, General

Mar

BLACK AND WHITE: THE PERFECT PETITE PAIR

It is hard to beat the graphic combination of black and white. Here is why every petite woman should have black and white combinations in her wardrobe:

1. Black and white outfits are so easy to put together and always look stylish.

2. You are sure to get noticed (in a good way) in this dynamic duo.

3. Black and white is great for travel because everything mixes and matches.

4. Accessorizing is mindless. Black and white works with shoes and handbags in every color – bright, neutral, pastel, or neon.

black and white dress

There are a few tips petite women need to keep in mind to flawlessly pull off the look. First of all, keep it simple. Too many blocks of black and white on a petite figure is overwhelming. If you opt for a black and white print, don’t wear a pattern bigger than the size of your fist. Finally, remember that black conceals and white reveals. Use this unbeatable combination of color to maximize your assets and minimize your flaws. For example, a pear shaped petite can balance wide hips with narrow shoulders by pairing a solid black bottom with an eye-catching black /white pattern on top.

Posted by: Kim at 6:16 pm Comments Off | Topic: Fashion Tips, Trends

Jan

PETITES: THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING

Since we all live in boots this time of year, here are a few guidelines for wearing boots when you are 5′4″ or shorter:

1. Be sure your hemline covers the top of your boot to create a long, unbroken line of color on the leg.

2. Choose a boot in a color than blends rather than contrasts with what you are wearing. A black boot with black pants is way more flattering on a petite woman than a red boot with black pants.

3. Wear boots with opaque hose or ribbed tights in the same color as your skirt or dress to elongate short legs.

boots

Posted by: Kim at 3:30 pm Comments Off | Topic: Fashion Tips