Petite Style

Jen does jeans

2010-05-05T14:29:00.000-04:00

Jennifer Aniston looks amazing in jeans, from sophisticated to girl next door, she gets it right every time!

This classic coat looks sophisticated with rolled up jeans and boots. The narrow fit and light weight fabric of the jacket maintains a strong vertical line which is further emphasised by the narrow rolled up skinny jeans. Wider jeans would have upset the balance and proportion on her almost petite size frame (5'4 3/4in).

Source

Channel the look

* Minimal jewellery

* Scarves

* Pair jeans with leather belts in tan, brown or black

* Stock up on basic black, white and grey to mix and match with jeans

* Stock up on jeans; long ones, skinny ones, scruffy boyfriend ones

* Roll hems for this season's look

* For those of us going into winter, killer boots with jeans

What to wear reminders

2010-04-28T14:22:00.000-04:00

If you find yourself only wearing 20% of the clothing in your closet, then try this solution: When you see an inspiring picture of an outfit in a magazine or online, then cut it out or Snagit and paste it on the inside of your closet door. This really helps for those times when you are getting dressed in a hurry. It acts as a reminder to wear some of the pieces lurking at the back of your closet and to wear what you already have in different ways. These are just some of the pictures I'm using as reminders this week.

Glamour

I'm using the picture above to remind me to mix prints and also to try wearing a belted shirt over my summer dresses. The blazer over top reminds me of a forgotten blazer I have tucked away in the back of my closet. I also like how the blazer tones the look down and adds much needed warmth for early spring days.

Glamour

This picture here serves as a reminder to wear my navy blazer over a particular summer dress I had almost forgotten about. I usually wear the dress on warm summer days with sandals but with boots and the blazer, as in this picture above, I will get some use out of it in spring too.

Glamour

Okay, here I'm reminding myself to buy that cute pink scarf I've been wanting for a while. I love it with the denim here. I have a warm skin tone so the pink will need a yellow undertone to work for me.

Glamour

This serves as a reminder to wear flimsy textures with my denim. I like the idea of dressing my denim up for daytime sometimes too.

Glamour

Little reminders here. Layered necklaces, cuff bracelets and belted cardi under the jacket. Love those shoes!

Glamour

I love the killer shoes with these black capri's. Here I'm reminding myself to reach for my nude heels instead of my trusty black pumps with my capri's.

Every one of these pictures is reminding me to wear an item of clothing I already have but in a different way. This helps to keep my look current and inspire me on those "I've got nothing to wear" days. My shopping becomes more focused on building different looks with items I already have.

Jacket update

2010-04-20T10:44:00.000-04:00

Keeping one's style current can be as simple as changing how we wear what we already have. Update your look with these little tricks this spring.

Source

Mix it up by wearing a dressy jacket in a casual way. Denim shirts are very trendy this season and layering a denim shirt under a jacket as in the picture above is very "Spring 2010". The look is all about the bottom layer being longer than the jacket and scrunching the sleeves so the under layer peaks out. Petites will need to keep their denim shirts cut close to the body to avoid unnecessary bulk. The open, unbuttoned look adds visual length to Petites and being perfect opposites on the colour wheel the blue and coral tones offset one another so well and is particularly flattering on this model's warm skin tone.

Source

This fun nautical look is a classic and chances are you already have a black or navy jacket in your closet. Here the look is updated by scrunching the jacket sleeves up and exposing the sleeve underneath to its fullest. This look is particularly good for Petites in that the jacket length is at high hip level thereby creating the visual illusion of longer legs. Black and white or navy and white looks amazing on those with cool (pink) skin tones. If you are unsure of your skin tone compare the colour of the inside of your wrist against the wrists of a couple of friends next time you are in a group. Look for predominant yellow undertones versus predominant pink undertones in the skin. Yellow = warm and pink = cool.

Source

Here again, playing with proportions as in short over long is a very current way of wearing jackets. This black jacket with the waterfall frill detail and scrunched sleeves would look equally gorgeous over a sparkly mini dress for evenings. See my Trend Watch post for an example of Jennifer Aniston's interpretation.

Source

Military jackets are big news this season and always stylish Kate Moss does it so well here with denim skinny's. Showcasing the tips we've already discussed, Kate wears 3/4 jacket sleeves revealing long sleeves underneath and mixes proportions by wearing the jacket shorter than the top underneath. This look, as you can see, works equally well with a trendy military style jacket or a classic style jacket which you may have lurking at the back of your closet.

Jacket tips for Petites

Wear short jackets over long tops. Play with proportions
Scrunch sleeves up and leave sleeves underneath long or rolled over jacket sleeve
Wear jacket and under layer open - this creates the visual illusion of being taller
Fabrics must be light weight with limited texture or your Petite frame will be overwhelmed
Keep under layers close to the body - avoid bulk

Now its time to go shopping in your closet for suits which haven't seen daylight for a while. Bring out the jackets you thought you could only wear with matching bottoms and wear them. Have fun!

Trend Watch

2010-04-13T21:40:00.005-04:00

There are some weird and wonderful trends out there, some of which I admire from a distance and others I totally love and bookmark for my own style.

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I love Jennifer Aniston in this menswear inspired tuxedo blazer. This is a great "go to" cover-up for evenings instead of a wrap.

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Ali Carter looks fabulous in her draped skirt, but it's the white jacket here that I'm lusting after. This is a must, must have for summer and this is the one I'm after! The single button just under the bust and the length at high hip level will be super versatile and leg lengthening on my petite frame.

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Vanessa Hudgens does this relaxed button front style so well. I for one am oh-so-happy to see narrower belts again. I don't often wear baggy-on-top clothing but this will be fun for summer.

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Do you remember when mixing denims was a total no-no! Well, now it's all about mixing it up and wearing it from head to toe. This picture of Christina Hendricks is a perfect example of how I would love to wear it. Dark jeans, close fitting light denim shirt with high hip exposed and nude shoes. Lovely!

Petite Fashion Myth - update

2010-04-09T22:48:00.011-04:00

Short women can't wear long dresses

"There's nothing like the presence of a floor-sweeping gown, so why should diminutive darlings have to miss out? A long column dress can actually lengthen your figure, especially in a solid colour with a cropped jacket, and worn with the right pair of heels - wedges for day, platforms for night - it's a flattering silhouette regardless of height." Flare

Source

Nicole Richie at 5'1" tall looks amazing in long dresses.

So, it's confirmed then... "short women can't wear long dresses" definitely is a fashion myth.

Spring Dress Fever

2010-04-03T23:48:00.000-04:00

I'm so impressed with Dress Barn's spring dresses I just had to share. Did you know they also have a new Petite Collection? I didn't... what a nice surprise!

Their sizes run 4-16 and 14-24. Check their website here for more information. I love this cute dress for summer. My legs are not my best feature but I've recently discovered the perfect length for me, the thinnest part just under my knee, and there you go!... I'm wearing dresses again. This coral colour is perfect if you have a warm skin tone.

This belted dress looks fabulous on! I tried the size 4 and found the lower hip just a little too snug for my "M" shape (hour glass shape) so, for a size 4 Petite with a straighter body shape, it would be perfect (check MyShape if you aren't sure of your shape). The length once again on my 5'1" frame was perfect, just a little under the knee. The warm orange/pink/brown tones will suit those with warm skin tones.

Another cute dress, so lovely with the green cardi, and we all know cardi's are really big this season.

I adore this dress. I tried a replica in pale blue at Macy's. It looks great on and this one at Dress Barn is a third of the price. I love how these two styles (above and below) are so forgiving on the hip area.

Okay, it's confirmed! I officially have dress fever... or is it Spring fever? mmmm...

Spring shopping at Macy's

2010-04-02T15:38:00.000-04:00

I went shopping this week for spring clothes to celebrate the warmer weather we've been experiencing here in Canada. My first port-of-call was Macy's. A little bird had whispered in my ear about the Macy's International Savings Card for international travellers valid for 30 days at any Macy's entitling one to 10% off throughout the store. I was absolutely amazed to get an extra 10% off on items already marked down by up to 60%. This card is available at the gift wrapping department - photo i.d. is required. Thank you Macy's I put it to good use!

Macy's

I'm a size 4 dress and this size 4 dress fits like a glove. I will have the straps shortened by 1cm to lift the armholes slightly. The length is perfect, at the narrowest point just below my knee.

According to MyShape I am an "M" which is an hour glass shape, although I dont have the classic very narrow waist. I can attest to the fact that this dress is very flattering on an "M" shape. Macy's have more of these styles, so, if you are a size 4 Petite approximately 5'1" tall you can shop online at Macy's for these with confidence.

I've been looking for a medium heel sandal for everyday use and these are extremely comfortable. I don't have the thinnest ankles in town but because the ankle strap is placed quite low, I feel I can get away with it. I wear a size 6 and this shoe fits well. I would have preferred the colour in a lighter nude shade, but chose comfort over colour this time. I'm wondering whether it would be possible to lighten this tan colour somehow. Any suggestions?

These cute little white Sketchers are a staple item in every Petite girl's wardrobe, me thinks. Once again, size 6 ran true to size and very comfortable.

Macy's

I bought this cute top in both white and coral. They will be easy-to-wear basics to wear with jeans this spring. I have a warm skin tone, and the coral is a great colour for "Springs" with green eyes. Sorry I don't have a picture of it in the coral colour to show you, however, if you click here you will be able to see it. If you have a cool skin tone, then stay with the white colour.

At $18.00 you can't go wrong. The styling is great if, like me, you need to hide a little winter padding. It will look great topped with a jacket worn at high hip level.

I could only find a Petite SM which fits me well enough. Although a Petite XS would have been better. It fits exactly like the one in the picture. There is a little extra space across the chest at the lace yoke, so, I'm hoping it will shrink just a wee but, if it doesn't, it will be just fine.

Happy Easter shopping!

#1 Petite Misconception

2010-03-23T13:50:00.000-04:00

Petite in the clothing industry does not mean thin, it ... means short ;-)

Source: Sarah Jessica Parker 5'4" via Petite Resource

The #1 misconception surrounding the words "Petite Woman" is that we are tiny, thin women with waif-like bodies. The reality is that only 8% of all petite women weigh 100lbs (45kg) or less.

"Petite refers to an all over proportioning of the body from head-to-toe, not left to right. A petite woman can have the same bust and hip measurements as someone much taller but is challenged to find clothing that fits because of her shorter body frame". Kim Williams Dahlman of Bella Petite

These models are realistic examples of the average Petite body

Source: V-magazine

Being short (5'4" and under) means that we Petites are always aiming to look taller. And when we are a little heavier than our ideal weight we also want to minimise our weight, visually. Its all about accentuating the positives and de-emphasizing the negatives.

Source: Lane Bryant

It's a fact that my body weight fluctuates by approx. 11lbs (5kg) at different times of the year namely at Christmas and during winter. I've just come to the realisation that I need different size clothing in my wardrobe. Yes, really! In the past I would just tough-it-out until I had lost the extra weight. This is definitely not good for the soul. Toughing-it-out-times are when I lose confidence and generally do not feel good about myself. So, no more! I am going to concede that my body actually changes from time to time and take the right action to make sure I stay feeling good.

Better choices

To stay feeling good I realise I will need to be vigilant against impulse shopping and choose clothes and colours that highlight my positives and camouflage my not-so-perfect areas.

Source: JC Penney

... and I'm going to be a good girl and persist in the Petite Departments because I may just save a little money on alterations!

Source: Neiman Marcus Petites

Petite jackets are cut shorter

Source: Neiman Marcus

Petite arm lengths are shorter and armholes are cut higher

Source: Lane Bryant
Petite dresses and skirts are cut shorter

Source: Lane Bryant
Petite trousers are shorter in the rise and in the leg

I will let you know how I progress. I'd love to hear about your experiences with Petite Sizing, so please leave a comment if you have a moment.

Mixing Patterns and Prints

2010-03-20T01:14:00.000-04:00

Mixing patterns and prints is a hot trend for Spring 2010.

Source: Vogue

Source: Focus on Style

And here are some mixed patterns and prints available in Neiman Marcus for Spring 2010.

Source: Neiman Marcus

How to mix patterns and prints

Keep it to maximum two different patterns or prints
Repeat at least one colour in both
Or keep the background colour the same
Using a solid colour as a third garment will help to tone it down

Petites

Keep patterns and prints in proportion to your height and shape. Smaller patterns and prints will look better.

There will be an abundance of patterns and prints in stores in the coming months. I've decided to give mixed patterns and prints a bash. I'll be stretching my comfort zone because I'm a no pattern kinda girl. In previous blogs I've mentioned how I'm a Natural Girl because I prefer relaxed, easy-to-wear clothing in block colours, so its going to be interesting to see whether I can pull it off.

What do you think of this new trend? Are you going to give it a try or will you sit this one out?

Petite Fit

2010-03-11T08:28:00.000-05:00

Know your measurements and save shopping time

Petite women are classified in the clothing industry as being 5'3" (159cm) short, or less. Women sized clothing is designed for women 5'5" (164cm) tall. So, it is little wonder we Petites have such difficulty shopping for clothing... the clothing is designed for longer torsos, longer arms and longer legs.

Source: Ann Taylor Loft
Most stores have their size charts on line.
Its an interesting exercise to compare personal sizes to theirs.

Your measurements
Having a full set of my personal body measurements with me when I shop really is quite helpful. I know, it's a bit of a drag doing the measurement exercise, but it really is quite helpful in the long run. It helps me to...

Understand my body shape.
It saves time in the dressing room.
When I need to I can shop on the run, and try on at home when I have more time as well as the right underwear and shoes to be really sure that it will work for me.

These are the measurements I keep in my purse.

Shoulder to Shouder: From the edge of one shoulder to the edge of the other shoulder for shopping for jackets and shirts.

Bust: From under your arms, around the fullest part of your bust.

Waist: At your navel. Low Waist: 1" down from your navel.

Hip: 4" (10cm) from your natural waist. Low hip: 8" (20cm) from your natural waist.

Thigh: At its widest point.

Rise: Measure from the natural waist down through the crotch, holding the tape a little loose, through the legs and up to the waistband at the back. Repeat for the Low waist.

Inner trouser seam: from the inside of the crotch to the floor.

Source: Lane Bryant
Alter hemlines to the narrowest part of the leg.

Tip:

Sizes vary between brands and stores - I don't bother to try and find my size, having my measurements with me I save time by immediately enlisting the help of the sales person. She knows the layout and sizing structure of her store, and with my exact sizes on hand she can reach for my right size and fit much quicker than I can. This usually means the right size the first time.

Source: Lane Bryant
This is a great style for Petite Plus sizes - the V neck adds length.
The length of this top is perfect - 1" inch longer would have needed tailoring.

Tip:

I keep a small tape measure in my handbag for the days when I'm shopping in a hurry. A few quick measurements means I can pay for the item and be out of there in just a few minutes. Remember to check the return policy of the store beforehand in case you decide not to keep it.

Source: JC Penny
Petites look taller in hemlines as close to the floor as possible.

The perfect fit

As a Petite I shop in the Womens, Misses and Petites Departments and almost always will have to stop by the tailor to have one of my purchases tweaked in some way. It's a misconception that ready-to-wear actually is ready to wear. In fact, an affordable perfict fit right off the rack is almost impossible and great tailoring is a must to ensure my clothes fit well.

Tip:

Remember if a garment was designed for a taller women it may include large prints, horizontal stripes and stitching which were meant to flatter the taller figure. Tailoring this garment will give a better fit but the print or styling details could still be wrong for the Petite frame, so keep this in mind before committing.

Source: Nordstrom
Large prints may overwhelm short Petites - keep an eye on proportions at all times.

Good fit means clothing that skims the body without pulling or bulging and correct proportions in lengths and patterns. It takes a little extra effort to focus on the details and do what is required but the payoff is looking and feeling great in your clothes.

Thanks for dropping by today!

Trendy Trench

2010-03-08T11:25:00.000-05:00

The Trench says, "I'm stylish as well as efficient - don't mess with me" - Daily Telegraph UK

Trench coats are here to stay baby! ... true fashion classics, they seem to reappear in some form almost every season. A good candidate for the Petite Investment Category in your closet. Petites of all ages and body shapes can wear them if you follow some simple guidelines.

Source: Banana Republic

The contrasting belt is the centre of attraction and says "effortlessly stylish".
The colors are a trendy color combination for the season.
The "V" neck blouse elongates the neck and gives Petites instant length.
The light, skin tone color of the shoes elongates the legs.
Pushed up sleeves give Petites more visual length.
The look is effortlessly stylish - not a single matching color in sight and yet they all blend together very well.

Source: Banana Republic

I love the smaller lapels on this jacket. They are the ideal size for Petites with smaller busts and shoulders.
Once again, the contrasting belt updates the classic Trench look.
Petites take special note of how all 3 Trench coats are worn open, unbuttoned, because it adds length to the Petite silhouette.
The shorter Trench is most flattering on Petites.

Source: Banana Republic

The lightweight scarf in this picture is perfectly proportioned for Petites.
The shoes in a light tone and low rise adds length to the ankles.
Here again, the length of this Trench is perfect for Petites.

TIPS:

Large collars and lapels can easily overwhelm the Petite frame. The Trench in the first picture has larger lapels and and collar and this style is better suited to those with bigger busts. The smaller lapels and colars in the 2nd and 3rd pictures are better suited to Petites with smaller busts and shoulders.
The length of the Trench in the first picture is a little too long for Petites who are shorter than approx. 5'1" but if the cut and the fabric are not bulky you could perhaps get away with it.
The flower accessory in the 2nd picture is fairly large but it works in this instance because it has been pinned well away from the face.
Oversized bags look best hanging at hip length, no lower. Remember to keep the size in proportion to your body.

Well, that's it from me on the subject of Trench Coats for now. I hope you enjoyed this post.