All body shapes have specific clothes that flatter them. There isn’t one item that flatters everyone, at least not that I’ve found. It’s up to each of us to discover what our body likes to wear.

In order to find clothes that will flatter you, the fashion industry has used language to “help” the buyer move closer to finding their ideal fit…words like petite, plus-size, missy, extra tall, or women’s sizing. We’ve heard most of these terms, plus more, for most of our lives.

Not everyone loves these terms. A “petite” person may hate that word…or love it. A “curvy” person may rebel against the term plus-size…or love it. Maybe you prefer a different language system for fashion sizing but the goal remains the same: you want clothes that fit and flatter.

Given that not all the terms are universally loved, let’s work with what we have right now. Here are some tips to help shorter women (5’4″ or less, often referred to as ‘petite’) work with clothes that will help you feel balanced, proportional, and happy with the way you look.

1. If you have a fuller bustline, empire waists can feel great. You can even create an empire waist where one didn’t exist when you wear a maxi dress and belt it just under your bustline.

   

2. Wear a fuller skirt with a hemline that’s higher in the front than the back and then add a fitted top or fitted blouse. This high-low length on the skirt adds interest. Where a straight line can be static, a curved line has movement. Highlighting part of your body with a closer fitting piece and letting another part of the body enjoy more volume is figure flattering. All tight or all loose may be less flattering.

3. Sometimes petite sizing is not right for you even if you’re under 5’4”. You may be long in the torso or broader in the shoulders and non-petite sizes could be a better fit.

4. Taller people will be looking down at you from above if you’re petite. You might want to make adjustments to the amount of cleavage you reveal, as the view will be different from above.

5. Don’t let long billowy sleeves take over your frame. Roll them up to the elbow to manage the volume or have them altered. Always alter sleeve length on jackets. You don’t want clothes to overwhelm you.

6. If your slim trousers or jeans are bunching at the ankle, they are weighing your look down. Either roll up a narrow jean or be sure to hem a narrow trouser so it shows your ankles. Wearing a pump with an ankle pant is great. It’s wonderful to expose some skin.

   

7. When you’re wearing knee-length or shorter skirts, keep the color of your tights the same as your booties.

8. Wear a cropped jean jacket over a midi or maxi dress and don’t forget the hat and sunglasses, which will bring attention up to your face. Creating different lines in an outfit keeps the eye moving around your whole outfit. A well put together outfit puts attention on your personality, which goes way beyond shape.

Do you have some tips you’d like to pass on? I’m happy to share them. Thanks for reading!

Adena