I have recently subscribed to your blog, and am really loving all the neat finds and trends you post about. However, I have one problem... so much of the fashion seems geared toward tall people! I'm all of 5'1 and am wondering what would look good on a short person (that does not make them look shorter, or stocky) -- such as boot(ie)s, tunics, etc. I would really appreciate some style tips! —Claudia
I am so glad you asked this question, because it gives me the opportunity to share some styling secrets specifically geared toward short fashionistas (ladies 5'4" and under).
So here's the secret: There is no secret! In fact, there are no rules, as far as I'm concerned, when it comes to what short women can or can not wear. Height is important but
dressing for your body shape and
wearing clothes that fit are the keys to finding fashions that flatter.
But don't take my word for it. Let's take a look at some short fashion muses who defy the rules and own their style--and their height:
First up, the lovely blogger over at
Budget Chic proves style can be fierce at any height. Guess how tall she is—go ahead, guess! You'll never believe that Ms. Chic is exactly 5-feet tall. I had been reading her blog for months under the assumption she was at least 5'8" until I read her "About" page. Choosing just three outfits to feature here was tough, so definitely check out her blog (
http://fdiary.wordpress.com/) to see more great looks, but I feel these looks demonstrate a couple key techniques.
First, in the picture on the left, Budget Chic dispels the myths that short women can't wear 1) cropped pants, 2) oversized accessories or 3) ankle boots. By finding the proper cut and fit of both her jacket and pants, she makes this outfit work for her height and body type. The slits in the booties help elongate her legs and prevents them from looking cut off from the rest of the ensemble. The giant flower pin adds real interest and personality to the look. Very Carrie Bradshaw, don't you think? It's no surprise that Sarah Jessica Parker is one of Budget Chic's personal fashion muses (who happens to be short herself!).
In the middle look, Budget Chic rocks one of her wardrobe staples, the pencil skirt. Slimming, feminine, and classic, a pencil skirt that hits just below the knee is a short fashionista's best friend. And you'll rarely spy Budget Chic wearing flats: The woman LOVES shoes, the taller the better! Can you blame her? High heels give any woman a boost and create a long, lean line.
In the look on the right, Budget Chic is dressed to kill in a gorgeous Grecian inspired frock. Short fashionistas can have fun with any trend. Just look at those gladiator heels! To die for. Also, you know how all the fashion mags tell short women not to wear shoes with ankle straps? I don't buy it. Budget Chic often wears flirty ankle straps and they look amazing!
There's no shortage of short celebrities from which you can draw fashion inspiration.
Nicole Richie has always impressed me with her ability to wear exaggerated proportions and somehow make them work on her tiny frame. At least, I think she does. She works giant shades, carries ginormous bags, and isn't afraid of full, flowing, floor-length gowns. I do worry sometimes that the girl isn't eating enough, but the former Rachel Zoe protégé has a huge following for her fashion sense.
Inspiration for short fashionistas abounds on
Chictopia, an online fashion community site where readers comment on uploaded photographs. If you create a personalized profile at Chictopia, you can browse photos of other
chic-sters based on body type and yes, even height! How cool is that? The uber cute fashionista above, Michelle Yue, is 5 feet tall. She pulls off layered looks and edgy pieces in ways I can only dream of doing. Check out her Chictopia blog (
http://www.chictopia.com/user/blog/MichelleYue) for more unbelievable looks.
What's your advice for short fashionistas? Are certain styles "off-limits"? What styles look best for women under 5'4"?
ps: by the way I won the contest, so thanks for voting for me
http://www.myredoute.pt/#laredouteEtVous/relooking
http://www.myredoute.pt/#laredouteEtVous/relooking/inter
PS: that Michelle Yue is amazing! It's pretty inspiring how regular people can look so fabulous
I'm glad you liked my video answer about forever 21. The thrill is half the fun, the other being the prices! It's amazing some of the things they create for us. Digging for it, is part of the joy!
fashion chalet
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I guess my other question would be-- and it's directed to anyone, really-- what about boots with tall shafts? Should short/petite people aim for boots with shorter shafts, etc... or is it just another case of finding what fits together right?
i'm 5'2''
i have a pair of flat riding-style boots that hit a few inches below my knee. i think us petite girls can do long-shaft boots as long as we balance out the rest of the outfit (ex. with dark tights & short skirt?)
i also have a pair that hits midcalf. they have a big heel, so they make my legs look super long!
i haven't tried wearing boots that go past my knee yet (not brave enough yet, hehe) but i'm sure that those would look good as long as they have a heel.
hope this helps a bit!
http://www.petitefashionista.com/
I'd also be careful with longer length clothes like maxi dresses, though short women can definitely look great in them.