The average American women is 5'4", which is considered petite! However, in the world of fashion, it can be overwhelming to figure out what looks good when you are vertically challenged. Here are few things to keep in mind.
Keep ruffles to a minimum
Petites are already used to being labeled as "cute" so we don't want anything that adds to that definition. While feminine and sweet items are a-okay (think bows, cardigans, Lilly Pulitzer prints), we want to keep the frilly extras to a minimum.
One embellished item is fine (say a bow on a pair of shoes), but stop there! The key with any great outfit is balance.
Stick with knee-length
While there are lots of stylists, blogs and articles that say long gowns, dresses or skirts help elongate the body, every time a petite woman puts on a knee-length dress, it. just. seems. right.
Since they don't have much height, ie, super long legs, I say, show them off and keep things just above the knee. This is critical for skirts, dresses and shorts. And, if you want to go a little shorter, please do! (If you're concerned about something being too short, be sure to balance the shorter hemline with flatter shoes or a more covered up neckline.)
Pointy toe shoes always work
Yes! They do! This is because they help continue the line of the leg, which makes petites look taller.
Rounded toe is fine, but again, it can fall under the "sweet" or "cute" category. That will never happen with pointy toe flats or heels.
Avoid extreme platforms and ankle strap shoes
Not only do extreme platforms now look a bit dated, but on a petite, the proportion is waaay off. She looks like she might fall over!
Ankle strap shoes, yeah, you guessed it, they chop up the line of the leg and that's a big no-no when you are trying to create a seamless look.
Proportion
Proportion is a biggie - why? Because aside from fit, it's everything. Proportion relates to how long things are, but it also relates to the size of an item.
Petites should keep prints, lapels and belts in proportion to their body. This means no super wide belts (I advise my clients to stick with anything under 2") and to make sure that prints are no bigger than their fist.
When you're tall, you have the height to pull off wider lapels, oversized collars, super wide legs and more. However, when it comes to jewelry, all bets are off!
Seriously, think of Coco Chanel and her multi strands of pearls! I think a petite woman can totally wear a cocktail ring, statement necklace or a fabulous cuff. Just look at my 5'3" mom with some of her big, fun jewelry here and here. :)
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