Let me start by once again dispelling the myth that petite means tiny.  Actually, only 8% of all petite women weigh 100 pounds or less.  Reality is that petites come in all shapes and sizes.  Approximately half of all petites are pear shaped, wearing one size on top and a size or two bigger on the bottom.  If you want to instantly look a size smaller, flatten a tummy, or smooth out bulges and ripples, bodyshapers are a “must have” for your petite wardrobe.

I wear a size 6P top, 8P bottom and I swear by my Spanx seamless shapers (pictured below).  Other major labels specializing in control shapewear includ Wacoals, Jockey, Playtex, Bali, Warners, Hanes, and Body Slimmers by Nancy Ganz.  Bodyshapers have become a Hollywood red carpet essential and acceptable to women of all ages and sizes, even those with a perfectly toned body who just want to show it off.  Control ranges from light to extra firm.  Recent innovations include new lightweight fabrics that still provide great control and smoothing functions.  Trust me, today’s styles are a far cry from the girdles worn by our mothers and grandmothers.   

If you want to look and feel fantastic all over, it begins with what’s hiding underneath.  Invest in a good bodyshaper.  They truly are a girl’s best friend. 

Available at www.spanx.com and major department stores

The weather is freezing across the country, even in Florida where I live.  But I feel pretty confident saying that only in Florida do residents wear sweaters and flip-flops when it is 30 degrees outside. 

This uniquely Florida fashion statement is something that I will never get used to.  Why would any reasonably intelligent person expose their naked feet in sub-freezing temperatures?  Yet everywhere I go, I see women wearing cashmere sweaters or sweatshirts on top only to look down and see flip-flops or exercise sandals on the feet.  I urge my fellow petite Floridians to invest in boots and opaque tights this time of year.  Not only will these cold weather essentials keep you warm, they create long unbroken lines of color that will stretch short legs.

Common sense dictates that no matter how many layers of clothing you wear on the top half of your body, you will still be cold if your toes are frozen. 

Tis the season for holiday parties and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to look fabulous.  Want to know how to put together a dressy petite wardrobe that is stylish, versatile, and affordable?  When the occasion calls for dressing up, stretch your clothing budget by using the same mix and match strategies that work so well for career and casual clothes.

The first step is to invest in quality basics.  Topping that list should be the Little Black Dress, the best dressy basic you can possibly own.  The Little Black Dress never goes out of style and looks great on all petite shapes and sizes.  Go for a classic style that can serve as a canvas for self-expression.  The same Little Black Dress that you wear to a cocktail party with pearls and pumps looks just as good with chunky metal chains and suede boots for an office dinner. 

 You also need to invest in a really great pair of black pants in a dressy fabric like silk, velvet, rayon faille, or lightweight wool crepe.  Choose a cut that flatters your petite figure shape. 

 Next, start collecting blouses, tops, and sweaters that change the look of your holiday basics.  Start with a glittering sequin tank or metallic cardigan this year, and add new pieces each holiday season.  Endless possibilities include a feminine lace blouse, ruffled tuxedo shirt, colorful silk tunic, lingerie-inspired bustier, jewel-studded sweater, or beaded jacket. 

 “Must have” accessories for a dressy wardrobe include a basic black pump, strappy sandals, a glitzy clutch or handbag, and pearls, diamonds, or dazzling gemstones (real or faux). 

The formula is simple.  Invest in quality basics like a Little Black Dress and dressy black pants that you can wear for seasons to come.  Each year, add new petite tops and well-chosen accessories to give those basics new life.  You will never complain that you “don’t have a thing to wear” again because of all the dressy options hanging right there in your closet.  Save time, money, and celebrate the holidays in perfect petite style!!!