AMY - PETITE FIGURE (under 5’3”)

If you’re petite, you already know it’s hard to find clothes that fit properly. Below are some helpful tips to keep in mind when choosing clothes. First, however, it is important you identify which body shape you are and combine the following suggestions to create a great look.

Focus: Maximise your height, paying particular attention to lengthening your leg line and drawing attention up the body towards your face.

Hot tips:

  • Double layer knit tops around the waist to give a longer leg line
  • Shorter styled shaped tops which highlight your waist and draw the eye up the body
  • Jackets which are shaped at the waistline and flare slightly over the hips
  • Upper and lower garments in the same colour to maximize your height
  • Slimline and tailored trousers in drapey fabrics to make your legs appear longer; wear your trousers long – just off the floor
  • Skirt and dress styles which are short or below calf length – proportionately, they are best for your height
  • If wearing contrast colours, wear a belt or piece of jewellery that tones with your shoes to rebalance proportions and draw the eye up the body
  • Wear belts at the waist – the longer the length from the waist to the hem, the longer your legs will look
  • A good tailor to tweak your clothing for the perfect fit

Crimes:

  • Tops worn longer than the hipline as they will swamp you and make you look shorter
  • Dark tops with lighter bottoms cuts you in half, shorten your legs and make you look squat
  • Cropped trousers which chop your legs off
  • Low slung trousers and skirts that shorten your leg line
  • Bulky fabrics – they will only add volume and make you look shorter
  • Anything too overpowering will swamp you – stay clear of large bold patterns, frills, detailing and jewellry