Petite women are usually referred to as cute, sweet, tiny etc. As endearing as these words are, being a short woman does have its set of challenges, especially when it comes to choosing the right clothes and accessories to wear on a day to day basis.
A lot of people actually think that being petite means being able to wear anything – after all, you’re small bodywise and short, that means you can wear anything…right??Well, not always.
There are actually a few style of clothes and shoes that looks unflattering to a petite woman. If you’re wondering what these petite styling DON’Ts are…..read below
1. Avoid Horizontal Stripes
You may weigh just a little, and want to have a bulkier look by wearing horizontal stripes but the sad truth is, they will only make you look shorter. Horizontal stripes force the eye side to side, which will make you seem wider.
If you want to wear stripes, opt for vertical stripes or less obvious fabric details like pinstripes. They’re not too obvious to the eye from afar, but they add a subtle lengthening effect to your body that will absolutely make you look taller.
2. Avoid Thick Belts
Though a thick belt on your natural waist can create that hourglass figure, it actually cuts your body in half. This is especially true if your top and belt are both in different colors. If you really want to wear a wide belt, opt for a similar color to your top so it somehow blends together.
Skinny belts are great for your torso, which add style to your ensemble without making you shorter. Opt for a similar color to your top, too, so it doesn’t cut off your body.
3. Avoid Batwing Sleeves
Batwing sleeves are ultra comfy but they won’t solve any of your petite problems. They’re too roomy and wide that they can swallow up your figure. You need clothes that will skim your body and make you look good – not hide it.
Choose clothes with sleeves that highlight your frame but not too tight or too big. Wear clothes that are true to your size and those that accentuate your assets rather than hide them.
4. Avoid Oversized Accessories
Jewelry and other accessories can add style to an otherwise dull outfit but never wear oversized bags or jewelry. You might need to bring a large tote to work but it can make you look extremely short.
Petite styling is not just limited to clothes per se, every single detail about your look should be considered and that includes your shoes and accessories.
5. Avoid Big, Bold Prints
You might be attracted to a beautiful black and white geometric print dress on the runway but the truth is, it just doesn’t work for small frames. Big, bold prints may look good on a 5’10” model but the print will only overwhelm your body.
Choose smaller prints that actually fill out your body such as small florals that will make you look fuller but without making you seem shorter than you are.
6. Avoid Oversized Layering
Yes, it’s cold but don’t pile on oversized clothes one after the other. Do not wear a turtleneck top with a shirt and then cover it all up with a double breasted trenchcoat…..the horror!!. You’ll look like a walking closet if you do this outfit. The same goes for ruffles and A-line dresses with excess fabric.
Your tiny frame will not hold up well with too many clothes on your body. If you need to layer, wear a well-fitted shirt under a V-neck sweater, and then put on a slim jacket. You can layer, but don’t choose baggy or boxy silhouettes that are comfortable but overwhelm your small frame.
Yes, ruffles are so feminine and dainty but too much can make you look like a little girl who’s drowning in her dress. Petite styling means choosing clothes that look good on you – not just clothes that look good period.
Complicated details such as too much beadwork or a big bow will swallow your body up – and you’d want to wear something that can highlight your face and body and not the dress.
Karah Adu
