Dresses for Petite Women
When shopping for the most flattering dresses for petite women, those ladies in the 5'4" and under market should keep some pointers in mind to present an unforgettable image. If you're shorter than average, you know how frustrating it is to find the perfect outfit and then see that it's too long or boxy for you. Shopping in the Petite department of stores and at specialty petite boutiques will eliminate much of your sizing problems, but there are still some key areas you'll want to pay attention to in order to make yourself appear taller.
petite dress
Best Dresses for Petite Women
Here are some important aspects to look for when shopping for dresses:
* V-neck: V-necklines are naturally flattering to many different body types and petites are no exception. The reason this is such a good neckline for shorter women is because of the vertical interest the V-shape creates; it draws the eye up and down. It also shows off your neck, so whether you have a swanlike neck or not, this particular neckline gives the illusion of a long, lean neck.
* Vertical details: Stripes that travel the length of your dress or other interesting details that run the center of your garment create a taller appearance. Like the V-neck, this draws the viewer's eye up and down.
* Wrap style: The main reason wrap dresses are so universally flattering to many body types is the built-in V-neck as well as the diagonal direction that creates a waistline for women who don't have small waists.
* Knee length or shorter: You want your legs to look long and lean; the more leg that shows, the taller you'll appear. Dresses that hit at your knee or slightly above are the most flattering for petite types. You don't want to go too short, however. If you wear a micro mini in an inappropriate environment, you run the risk of looking like a little girl playing dress up.
* Ankle length: If you prefer longer hems, you should go very long, all the way to the floor. In the summer, breezy cotton sundresses that fall to the ankles can be paired with espadrille sandals or other heeled, casual footwear.
What to Avoid
Petite Fashion Gallery
* Calf length: Dresses that hit the middle of your lower leg cut off the long look you're trying to attain.
* Wide belt: Wide belts can work, but only when their color is harmonious with your dress. If you sport a black dress and want to accessorize with a wide belt, make sure the belt is black as well; a wide white or red belt will cut you in half, essentially taking away from the taller illusion you're trying to convey.
* Different colors: A dress should be monochromatic or have a monochromatic pattern to best flatter the petite frame. Petite women should avoid dresses that are one dramatic color on top and a completely different color on the bottom. Like the wide belt, this tends to cut the body in half.
* Horizontal stripes: Very few women can pull this look off and petite women should avoid any variety of horizontal stripes. These side-to-side stripes draw the eye horizontally rather than vertically, which is not what you want.
Where to Shop
petite handbook Petite Fashion Tips
Consider these retailers for the latest looks in dresses for petite women for professional, dressy and casual occasions:
* Petite Sophisticate
* JCPenney
* Nordstrom
* e dress me
* Talbots
* Ann Taylor
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Teen Skirts
Different Types of Teen Skirts
No matter size, nor shape, there is a skirt out there to help maximize your assets and minimize any flaws.
* The A-line skirt is aptly named because the shape of the skirt mimics the letter A. It sits small and slim on the waist before gradually skimming the hips and thighs. The length of the A-line usually sits at, or just below, knee level. Since this style skims rather than clings to the body, it's perfect for anyone wanting to conceal their hip or thigh area.
* The pencil skirt looks great on everyone, but because it has a slightly tapered bottom, it works especially well on a curvy figure. These skirts excel at showing off every curve and should fall just slightly above or below the knee. This style also works well on either a long or short torso.
* The tube skirt is similar to the pencil skirt, but is longer and usually stops at the ankle. This is also an ideal cut for a curvaceous figure while remaining an especially popular style in teen skirts.
* The asymmetrical skirt has an uneven hemline with one side hanging slightly higher than the other. If you'd like to conceal the tops of your thighs while still looking fashion forward, then this is the style for you. Keep in mind that the fit should neither be too loose, nor too tight.
* The column tends to look best on tall and leggy frames, but will also work on a more rounded figure. These skirts are quite long, falling to the ankle or just below it.
Helpful Skirt Shopping Tips
When shopping, keep the following guidelines in mind to ensure that you come home with the right skirt:
How to Shop Key Factor Significant Because
Quality Take a look at the fabric and stitching. Is it made of a durable material? Does it require dry cleaning? Are any zippers or hooks coming undone? If it's a classic style, (like an A-line) you may want to keep it in your wardrobe for long term usage. Answering these simple questions will help you decide if it's a keeper.
Cut and Length Cut refers to the type of skirt, (if it's a tube, pencil skirt, etc.) and depending on the occasion, the length may give you reason to pause. High heeled boots and tights make it easy to wear minis in the winter, but the same can't be said for tube skirts in the summer (an A-line skirt may be more practical in the summer).
Color Black goes well with everything, as does grey and blue, but red, beige and green work surprisingly well with most tops and topcoats. Don't be afraid to experiment with color.
When Sitting No matter the length, it is very important to sit, cross and uncross your legs in your skirt before buying. There is a difference between form-fitting and "I can't breathe". Also, while wearing the skirt on, raise your hands above your head. This lets you see exactly how high the skirt may ride up, thus saving you from any potential embarrassment.
No matter size, nor shape, there is a skirt out there to help maximize your assets and minimize any flaws.
* The A-line skirt is aptly named because the shape of the skirt mimics the letter A. It sits small and slim on the waist before gradually skimming the hips and thighs. The length of the A-line usually sits at, or just below, knee level. Since this style skims rather than clings to the body, it's perfect for anyone wanting to conceal their hip or thigh area.
* The pencil skirt looks great on everyone, but because it has a slightly tapered bottom, it works especially well on a curvy figure. These skirts excel at showing off every curve and should fall just slightly above or below the knee. This style also works well on either a long or short torso.
* The tube skirt is similar to the pencil skirt, but is longer and usually stops at the ankle. This is also an ideal cut for a curvaceous figure while remaining an especially popular style in teen skirts.
* The asymmetrical skirt has an uneven hemline with one side hanging slightly higher than the other. If you'd like to conceal the tops of your thighs while still looking fashion forward, then this is the style for you. Keep in mind that the fit should neither be too loose, nor too tight.
* The column tends to look best on tall and leggy frames, but will also work on a more rounded figure. These skirts are quite long, falling to the ankle or just below it.
Helpful Skirt Shopping Tips
When shopping, keep the following guidelines in mind to ensure that you come home with the right skirt:
How to Shop Key Factor Significant Because
Quality Take a look at the fabric and stitching. Is it made of a durable material? Does it require dry cleaning? Are any zippers or hooks coming undone? If it's a classic style, (like an A-line) you may want to keep it in your wardrobe for long term usage. Answering these simple questions will help you decide if it's a keeper.
Cut and Length Cut refers to the type of skirt, (if it's a tube, pencil skirt, etc.) and depending on the occasion, the length may give you reason to pause. High heeled boots and tights make it easy to wear minis in the winter, but the same can't be said for tube skirts in the summer (an A-line skirt may be more practical in the summer).
Color Black goes well with everything, as does grey and blue, but red, beige and green work surprisingly well with most tops and topcoats. Don't be afraid to experiment with color.
When Sitting No matter the length, it is very important to sit, cross and uncross your legs in your skirt before buying. There is a difference between form-fitting and "I can't breathe". Also, while wearing the skirt on, raise your hands above your head. This lets you see exactly how high the skirt may ride up, thus saving you from any potential embarrassment.
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