Can short women wear...

Can short women wear long dresses? Can short women wear jumpsuits? Can short women wear cropped pants? Etcetera... I've heard it all! The answer to all of these questions is YES. Let's break it down...

ME w/my fav jumpsuit and fav converse

Can short women wear long dresses? Absolutely we can, and it can be extraordinarily flattering if done right. We even can be perceived as taller, if that is your goal. It's all about the fit.

• Waistline! The fit should accentuate your best assets. Generally, long dresses on petite women look the most flattering when the mid-section is pulled in, creating an A-line in the flow below. My personal favorite tip for long and midi dresses on petite women are wrap dresses... because when you purchase them, they can be sinched to whatever your waistline is, and thus creating that A-line flow with a flattering waist. If I'm ordering a long or midi dress I generally go with a wrap dress because I know that even if it's a little big for me, I usually won't have to return it because no matter what I can make my waistline show through.

• Tailoring is key! FIND A GOOD AND RELIABLE TAILOR IN YOUR AREA. Yelp it, and once you find someone who listens to you and does a good job, stick with them and they will be your key to a closet of clothes that are flattering on you. No matter what, if you are 5 feet or under and going to wear a long dress for a wedding, red carpet, etc. you're GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE IT TAILORED.

These rules apply with jumpsuits as well. Absolutely yes petite women can wear jumpsuits. It's just a matter of where to find them and how to accentuate your best features. With jumpsuits, sometimes you may not need a tailor if you buy a cropped/capri bottom and they will end up looking like classy waders hitting right at the ankle (instead of how the jumpsuit was intended). Another tip I like to do with my jumpsuits is: when I'm looking to buy a new jumpsuit, I usually look for the arm straps to be adjustable, and if it would look good belted. I like to add a belt to a lot of my jumpsuits so that I can accentuate my waistline without going to a tailor.

Those are the two most important things to be aware of when buying or wearing a long or midi dress. Below are a few other elements to consider...

Wearing clothing designed for petite women can make a significant difference in how you look and feel. Here are a few reasons why it's essential to consider petite sizing:

1. Proper Fit: Petite-sized clothing is tailored to fit the shorter proportions of petite women, eliminating the need for costly alterations.

2. Enhanced Silhouette: Well-fitted petite clothing can help elongate your legs and create a more balanced, flattering appearance.

3. Comfort: Petite sizing ensures that clothing isn't too long, preventing tripping hazards and awkward bunching.

4. Confidence: When you feel comfortable and confident in what you're wearing, it shows in your posture and overall demeanor.

Embrace Your Petite Stature

Being petite is a unique and beautiful characteristic. Here are some tips for embracing your petite stature with style and confidence:

1. Tailored Clothing: Invest in clothing that fits your proportions perfectly or consider getting items professionally tailored.

2. Monochromatic Outfits: Wearing a single color from head to toe can create the illusion of added height.

3. Vertical Lines: Opt for clothing with vertical patterns or seams to draw the eye upward.

4. Heels: If you're comfortable wearing them, heels can add a few inches to your height and provide an elegant look.

5. Confidence: Confidence is key! Rock your petite stature with pride, and remember that style is about expressing yourself.

In conclusion, petite height for women is typically considered to be 5'4" or shorter, taking into account proportions and not just overall height. Understanding and embracing your petite stature can lead to a more confident and stylish you. So, whether you're shopping for petite-sized clothing or experimenting with fashion tips to enhance your appearance, remember that it's all about feeling your best in what you wear.

Stay tuned for tips on my favorite brands to buy from when buying long dresses, midi dresses and jumpsuits!