Comments on: How to dress when you are short or petite?

By: Hippo

Hippo — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 08:09:57 +0000

Thanks for the great tips. Thumbs Up! =D

By: Sylvia

Sylvia — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 00:40:48 +0000

In reply to Ivana. A dress will look nicest when it's 2/3 from the length of your shoulders to your feet. If you wear heels then the dress can be longer too. Usually that means for petites the dress is above or on top of knees. Another option is a well fitted maxi dress.

By: Ivana

Ivana — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 23:32:11 +0000

Hi! I have 1.60m and I have one question…Does the dress below the knee make me even shorter?

By: Sylvia

Sylvia — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 01:26:11 +0000

In reply to Olga.

Hi Olga. You make a good point and I will take this into account for future articles. However, finding (and being allowed to use) images from 40+ women in all shapes and sizes is always tough. That is why you see a lot of images of myself on this site to illustrate as I can easily produce them. I always welcome images through Facebook though! https://www.facebook.com/40PlusStyle

By: Olga

Olga — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 18:34:09 +0000

Thank you so much Silvia for all the great ideas!
I truly understand that every woman (person) has unique assets and things they might wish to ‘change’ and also that your tips can be adapted for many body types — while at the same time demoralize those of us who don’t fit the examples of being petite.
I found that your celebrity examples emphasized the notion that petite indicates short and skinny and I felt out of the loop immediately. I’m not knocking your choice to highlight the “best looks” for petite women, however, as you’ve already indicated, none of us fit a cookie-cutter mannequin size, so I suspect many women feel excluded and hopeless with images of models or celebrities. I would love to see contrasting images of how real women are successfully implementing your suggestions in this category.
Being 5’2″, over 50, about 146 lbs, apple-shaped, bad fee (meaning no high heels or pointy shoes), and with a huge size difference from top to bottom (top= 14 to 16; bottom= 4 to 6) my issues are, at best, challenging.
One of the most hurtful things my husband has ever said to me, many years ago now, was – “… you’re not petite, you’re just short”. So, with great appreciation for your website and your insights, I’m writing this in an effort to emphasize what you probably already know and also to help to include women who don’t fit the accepted definition of petite.

By: Sylvia

Sylvia — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 02:54:16 +0000

In reply to rita.

Short women often look best in short dresses. However, maxi dress can be worn too. It’s important that you find the right shape though. Make sure it is well fitted and the dress does not swallow you. The way to make every outfit work is to look at proportion and create a balanced silhouette. You can read more about that at https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-determine-your-vertical-body-shape/ Good luck!

By: rita

rita — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 02:26:27 +0000

In reply to Sylvia. Hi Sylvia Really liked the idea of dresses for different body shapes. I am 4.10'' 39 yrs old and narrow shoulders. I am size 10 but found that I was looking very small with my thin slim structure so trying gaining some weight around waist. Not sure if this would be best.sounds strange though:).my question is about wearing long or short dress. I avoid wearing short straight dresses as I feel more shorter in myself and really like maxi dresses but ppl around me don't like the idea.I am confused.also someone asked about Indian dresses in one of the question so I can tell that anarkaki suits are long frilled frocks with slim trousers. If it helps. Thanks.

By: Allegra

Allegra — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 02:27:32 +0000

Low waist pants are a no-go. Proportionately my lower body IS longer than my upper body, but I made the mistake of wearing low-rise jeans for too long. Anything that makes the waist look lower than it really is, for a 5’2″ woman, a really bad idea.

By: Sylvia

Sylvia — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 01:07:22 +0000

In reply to Tammila Goodwin. Hi Tammila, You cannot add pictures to comments but you are free to upload them to our Facebook page. I'd love to see them!

By: Tammila Goodwin

Tammila Goodwin — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 13:51:14 +0000

In reply to Adrie. I shop at Forever 21, I feel like I am to old for this store but at least the clothes fit me. Really better than petite clothing. I dont know how to ad pics here or I would share my Forever 21 style for a 57 year old. Lol.

By: Sylvia

Sylvia — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 05:49:27 +0000

In reply to Madhuri. Hi Madhure. Could you add links image examples to each of these styles as I'm not family with Indian dressing.

By: Madhuri

Madhuri — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 05:23:45 +0000

I m 25 weight 130 lbs

By: Madhuri

Madhuri — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 05:01:17 +0000

Hi,

It’s really interesting and useful article. I m only 5′
This is all about western cloths I do wear this kind of dresses But being and Indian in some functions or party I have to wear Indian outfits. In Indian clothes of long gown style trend is going on and I really want you suggest me “Anarkali style” will suits me or” Pakistani”
Waiting for your reply.

By: marilyn downie

marilyn downie — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 18:04:21 +0000

I’m only 4’8″ & 76 yrs old. Petite is no longer for woman under 5 feet like it was years ago. I don’t know what length to wear Capri pants or what style dress. I wear a size 14.

By: Sylvia

Sylvia — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 07:08:55 +0000

In reply to Tammila. Thanks Tammila. Yes these tips would be good for anyone would wants to have a taller, leaner appearance!