Figure Fixes

If you are 5 ft 3 and under you are petite and in great company. Salma Hayek, Anna Kendrick, Jennifer Lawrence and Kylie Minogue don’t let their diminutive size stop them from looking amazing and here’s how you can do the same.

The secret is to understand your body proportions, based on the rule of thirds. Imagine your body divided into three equal parts. The most flattering combination for petites is 1:2 ratio which accentuates your waist and elongates your lower half.

So lets start with your mindset, you are NOT trying to make yourself look taller – you can’t magic longer legs – these tips are all about celebrating your shape and wearing clothes that fit and flatter you.

👍Look in your wardrobe and bring any ankle grazer jeans, capri pants, high waisted trousers and knee length pencil skirts to the front as they will elongate the legs. Ditch the cropped ¾ trousers!

👍You can wear wide leg trousers but keep them high waisted. The length should fall midway on your shoes so that your toes are showing. Look for casual pairs with elasticated waist for comfort and side stripes that draw your eye down your legs for style. Lightweight fabrics that don’t cling are easy to wear and will hang better.

👍Cropped jackets that sit on the hips are your friend, especially classic denim jackets that are available in every colour and fabric. You can wear a long line blazer, but make sure it is single breasted and keep it open. Your eye will automatically be drawn to the lovely line of the lapel. My styling hack for sleeves is to hitch them up on the inside and secure with a safety pin. For a statement piece a full length coat or cardigan that is the same length as your trousers will look up to date and contemporary.

👍Hone in on the top half of your body – halter necks, bardot tops and waistcoats will show off your neck and shoulders, elongating your top half at the same time. Tops should either be tucked in at the front (French tuck) or finish at your hips, especially if you are layering a sweater over a shirt. Avoid Rugby shirts and short boxy tops as they add width.

👍Mini, above the knee and knee length are the best styles for dresses and skirts. You can wear midi and maxi lengths but need to have your arms and neck showing for balance.

👍Trousers suits work but need to be tailored, a long line open jacket and heels are a must for balance.

👍Wearing the same colour top and bottom is an effortless way to look put together which works well for all body shapes. If this is too boring for you, simply add a statement necklace (evening) or tonal jacket / cardigan (daywear) to make your outfit more individual.

👎Steer clear of polo necks, round necks and oversized shirts they are not flattering for you.

👎Also beware of patterns, they will wear you but if that’s your thing look at how different your size looks in small ditsy florals rather than larger bold prints. Gingham is your friend tartan less so.

👎Avoid trapeze dresses and bomber jackets, they have too much volume in the wrong places for your petite frame.

👍And finally, if you are buying (new or preloved) or hiring look at the petite fit as they have better dimensions for you – especially dresses, trousers and jumpers –  to save the time and expense of alterations.

I tell my clients that you don’t need designer clothes or a huge budget to be inspired by petite celebrities outfits’ and copy their style. Have a look at these gorgeous women who have mastered dressing for their diminutive height:

Emilia Clarke = red carpet glamour + tailoring.

Salma Hayek = hourglass + feminine.

Anna Kendrick = playful + preppy.

Jennifer Lawrence = relaxed + unfussy.

I also recommend watching THE ONLY PETITE STYLING TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW! Daily Helen on Youtube has one of the best video guides I’ve seen on dressing for a petite size, she expertly guides you through a number of brands too.

I hope this has helped you see so many positives to being a petite size and if you need help finding clothes that fit and flatter you – just get in touch.