Some of my best friends are petite. I think they’re cute as a button. I want to tickle them until they squeal and sometimes I do. But when they whine about how it’s so hard to find pants that fit or tell me a shopping trip ended in tears, I just look at them. Really? You’re so small it’s hard to find clothes? That’s just not the same as being so large you can’t wear low-rise jeans without a muffin top.
But my tiny friends laugh and point out that just because Spanx are not a wardrobe staple for them, does not mean the grass isn’t greener on the other side. But I’m skeptical. I don’t think it’s the same as curly haired girls wishing their hair was straight. Small people don’t want to be big boned. They don’t wish their shoes were a size nine instead of an adorable seven-and-a-half.
Women with petite bodies have to dress and style themselves differently than their average-sized counterparts. It can be especially challenging for petites to find clothes that fit well without taking them to be altered. As long as a garment fits the widest part of you, don’t worry. The rest can be taken in by someone who knows what they’re doing. When you’re small, a pristine fit is critical. To save money, learn how to hem pants at home, but definitly find a tailor you can trust. Shape your clothes to your body.
Kat Griffin started writing in May of 2007 when she was still a litigator at a Wall Street law firm. Corporette is a fashion and lifestyle blog for female lawyers, bankers, MBAs, consultants, and other overachieving chicks who need to look professional at the office, but want to be fashionable at the same time. The site has become so successful, she’s now able to focus on it full time.
“Make sure you don’t wear clothes that overwhelm you,” she told The Grindstone. “Think Mary-Kate Olsen with her maxi skirts and large sweaters, and then do the opposite.”
It’s true. Sometimes even long hair can overwhelm a petite frame. It’s also a good rule of thumb to avoid bold and large prints. Instead, opt for smaller patterns that give a more proportional style.
“A mistake I’ve seen a lot of petite women make is to focus on ‘adding height’ by wearing ridiculously tall shoes–but failing to learn to walk in them.” Griffin explained. “People will accept you if you’re short, but if you’re clomping around the office, it will make a bad impression.”
You’re cute and little, but don’t make the mistake of wearing stilettos to work and tripping all over the place. Here are 5 wardrobe staples a petite lady can rock in her office.
(Photo: The Good Wife, CBS)
