I don't really ask for much. I'm not asking for 5-9. I'd even take 5'5. But at 5'3 and nearing 40 I think my chances of adding a few inches are over. Actually, aren't I suppose to start shrinking at some point?
That's why I better figure out the best way to make myself appear taller than I am. There are many advantages to that. I will not only look taller, I can look leaner and my posture may be better too.
Here are a few general tips I've learned. There are many more specific tips based on your exact silhouette (shorter legs, short -waisted, etc...) but these are great general rules to follow. I will have more about specific figures in later entries. If those of you who are petite follow these few tips I promise you people will swear you are 2 inches taller than you are (which gets me to 5'5, yeah!)
You must start with a great tailor!!! See previous blog for more information on tailoring.
1. Pants. You need to keep them as long as possible without having them drag on the ground. They should also be straight-leg. If there's too much of a boot-cut it could make you look shorter. Wide-leg can be OK but you have to promise to only do it with heels, and wedges would be best. I find the best petite jeans at Ann Taylor Loft. Banana Republic also has a great petite selection, but some stores have a very small selection. You will have to go on-line to check them out. Joes Jeans have just come out with a shorter jean selection as well. I love these jeans. You can find them at major department stores like Nordstroms, Macy's and specialty jean boutiques. If you need to have your pants tailored you will need the original hem on the jean. Otherwise you will look like your jeans have been hemmed and that can look bad. For those of you who love capris (which I'm not a fan of, especially for petites) the best look for you will be at ankle length and a straight-leg cut. FYI, as a fellow petite woman, I rarely buy petite pants. At 5'3 I can get a regular pant tailored and not loose too much of the look of the leg if I'm having them tailored for heels.
2. Skirt length. The best overall length for most people is at the knee or a couple of inches above the knee. Look at the bend in your knee and go up an inch or two. This will elongate your legs. If your skirts are too short and you are over 35 you will look ridiculous. Mini-skirts are for the young. We've had our time and it has passed. Let them go.
3. Shoes. This may be as important as the right pant. If you are wearing a square or very round-toe shoe get rid of them! They will immediately make you look shorter. A pointy-toe shoe will elongate the leg thus making you appear taller. Ballet flats are big now, petites should focus on a less rounded-toe and you'll do fine. I always feel better in heels, but as a stay-at-home mom of two little ones I would look very foolish running around the park in my platforms. So, I always look for a cute ballet flat or pointy-toed casual shoe.
Did I mention a good tailor : ). I'm not kidding! Super, super important!!!