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September 2000 Fashion Secret
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Are You Petite? The Answer Might Surprise You!
When we think of petite women, most of us think short and tiny--with an emphasis on the "tiny." We generally agree that a petite woman's arms are shorter than a taller woman's. Beyond that, however, we're lost. Am I right?
Let's make it simple. Whether you wear a size 2 or a size 22, if you are 5'4" or under, you are considered petite. And, you may be surprised to know that more than 50% of all women are, by this definition, petite.
How is petite clothing different from regular sizes?
a.. Sleeves and pant legs are cut shorter by an inch or more
b.. Pants are shorter in the rise (the length between the waist and the crotch)
c.. Jackets, dresses and blouses are cut shorter from the neck to the waist
d.. Shoulders are generally narrower
e.. Armholes are higher
f.. Lapels are slimmer and necklines are smaller
g.. Even buttons and details are smaller
So, is it true that if you are under 5'4", you should head directly to the petite department in a store (provided there is one, but don't get me started!)? The answer is a resounding... maybe! Few women fit neatly into a straight size across the board, so it isn't always that simple — sorry!
The key is to shop where the clothing fits you. And, the only way to determine what fits is to try lots of things on. Sorry, there's no magic bullet. Of course, if you find a designer whose fit model is obviously you're twin, then you're in luck, but few of us can count on that happening.
The key to dressing well for petites is the same as for anyone else:
- create good body balance,
- insist on proper fit, and
- bring focus to your best features.
To do this, you can:
- Dress monochromatically. When you wear one color from head to toe, it creates a long vertical, unbroken line and makes you look taller.
- Experiment with color--solid colors in particular. Lighter and brighter colors often work well for you (although ultimately your natural coloring is critical in making this determination). Color makes you stand out rather than get lost in the shuffle of taller people.
- Wear shorter skirts (above the knee) tend to work better than long ones. They draw the eye upward and elongate your legs.
- Wear accessories that are proportionate to your body size and personality. Yes, personality. Big personalities come in all body sizes and this needs to be reflected in all aspects of your wardrobe. Perhaps your accessories will be shinier, have more texture or be more colorful. There are ways of expressing your personality without sacrificing balance.
What to avoid:
- Bat-winged Sleeves — formerly known as Dolman sleeves. They visually shorten the torso.
- An oversized handbag. Keep it in proportion to your body size.
- Mid-calf skirts. Generally skirts look best if they are above the knee or long (ankle-length). If you are going to wear a long skirt, pair it with a shorter jacket — if your body shape allows for this — and keep it slim. A full skirt will visually widen and shorten your body.
- Bulky fabrics. They will overwhelm you and make you appear smaller (and not in a flattering way).
- Loud prints or too much pattern. Again, you can be easily overwhelmed. Generally, a print or pattern is best worn on top with something solid on bottom. This brings focus to your face.
- Spike heels. You will look like you are walking on stilts. Choose a reasonable heel height (1-2") with a slimmer (not too clunky) heel.
- Anything too frilly for business. Because you are smaller in stature (have you ever been patted on the head... arrrgh), frills and ruffles can make you look too sweet and undermine your professional credibility.
The bottom line. Keep it simple. Less is more — especially for petite women. When in doubt, stand 5-6 feet from a full-length mirror. Close your eyes for 10 seconds. When you open your eyes, notice the first accessory that catches your attention. Remove it.
Above all, see your stature as an asset and treat yourself with the greatest respect. As my mom has always told me (she's just over 5'2"): "Good things come in small packages."
Designers to look for: * Dana Buchman * Jones New York * Liz Claiborne * DKNY * Anne Klein II * Laundry *
* SEPTEMBER 2000 FASHION SECRET ADDENDUM *
Oooops! There's one surprise I left out of this month's fashion secret:
There are many women (myself included) who sometimes benefit from the design differences offered in petite fashions. For instance, if you have a short torso and long legs or are simply short waisted (short from your neck to your waist), then you might be able to wear petite tops (lengthening the sleeves to accommodate your arms if necessary).
Or, perhaps the reverse is true — you have a long torso and short legs. Even if you are taller than 5'4," you might be short in the rise (the length from waist to crotch) and find that petite pants fit you better. Again, length could be an issue, but more often than not, there is enough hem to let them down.
So, before you resign yourself to wearing the same familiar styles for the rest of your life, take a quick inventory of your body parts and, if appropriate, consider a visit to the petite department. You just never know what surprises are in store for you!
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Sun image courtesy ArtToday.com
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