reader requests

Reader Request: Flattering a Large Ribcage

by Sally on June 18, 2013 · 16 comments

Reader L e-mailed me this question:

I know this might be a question that applies to a lot of people, but in case it’s useful info, my specific body is like this: I’m about 5’7″, and I weigh somewhere between 145 and 150 lbs at any given minute. I have a very short waist (less than 2.5″ between my last rib and my hipbones), very small breasts (a-b cup, I rarely wear underwire bras) and a large ribcage–about 37 inches around. It’s not that I’m barrel-chested, which I know is an actual medical diagnosis, just that I’m really wide side-to-side. I’ve always struggled with those apple/pear/rectangle body classifications. I have the wide top half and super long legs that would make me an apple, except that I’ve never particularly had a tummy and my waist does come in a couple inches between my ribs and my hips (but it’s short enough to not particularly produce an hourglass shape). And while I have curvy hips and a big butt that mean I’m not really rectangular at all, my torso’s much shorter and wider than those shapes called pear.

I clarified with her that her figure-flattery goals were to create more balance and make her ribcage look narrower/smaller and her waist longer. She also mentioned that, due to her extreme short-waistedness, she experiences some stomach rolls no matter what she wears and would like to downplay them. Here’s what I told L:

Seek blazers with curved side seams

Not all blazers are cut this way, but the ones that are may work magic on your frame. They’ll be structured enough to downplay some of the rolls, and give the impression of a nipped-in waistline. The blazer at the top of this post is a good example. See those seams along the sides that curve? Those are what you’re looking for. You’ll find them toward the back on the sides of this style, too. My understanding is that true princess seams are ideal but rare in blazers, so just look for anything that has visible, curved side seaming. This particular blazer is a bit short, but if you find versions that are longer in the body they will help visually elongate your torso. Blazers that won’t work as well? Boxy, cropped, bulky styles like swing jackets. Also you probably want to avoid “boyfriend” style blazers as they are long, but cut straight up and down with little or no waist definition. (UPDATE: Reader Stephani has pointed out that these seams are called waist darts. I am mostly familiar with bust darts which are smaller/shorter, but looks like these qualify as darts, too!)

Try tunics, dusters, and leggings

The long-over-lean formula might be helpful in elongating your waist and minimizing the ribcage size. A longer style of top – like a tunic – will visually elongate your torso. Most tunics are fairly lightweight and a bit clingy, though, so adding a boyfriend cardigan or duster will give you more structure. It will also draw the eye up and down making you look taller. This layering formula also gives you the chance to try belting. And yes, I know that may be the last thing you want as a short-waisted gal with some midsection rolling. But here’s why I’m suggesting it: Belting underneath a top layer (like a cardigan or duster) gives the impression of a smaller, nipped waist even if you have the belt fastened very loosely. Try belting lower than your natural waist over the tunic – perhaps even verging on hip-slung – then do a cardi or duster on top. See how it feels.

Look for insets

So this suggestion is going to be the hardest to implement, but might help to keep in your back pocket. I am the proud owner of this now-sold-out Joe Fresh for JCP dress. See those insets at the bodice where the stripes are going a different direction? Those help create the illusion of a smaller waist/ribcage area. What you want is contrast – so color blocking in a lighter tone or a bit of pattern that goes in a different direction. Anthropologie often has some dress options with inset details in the bodice. They won’t be foolproof, but the right one will narrow your ribcage visually.

Anyone else out there have proportions similar to L – short waist, small bust, broad ribcage? How do you balance your figure? What else would you suggest she try? Brands and style suggestions all welcome!

Image courtesy Banana Republic.

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

{ 16 comments }

Reader Request: Flattering Strong Shoulders and a Shorter Neck

by Sally on June 3, 2013 · 18 comments

Bubu e-mailed me this question:

I realize ever more that almost all models have narrow shoulders and long necks — but many of us mortals don’t. It doesn’t bother me, per se, but makes it harder to visualize how things will work on me — often things that look flowy or edgy on a model-type or in a catalog just look boxy and stuffy on me, e.g., most blazers, turtlenecks, necklaces, scarves, etc. I have worked hard to improve my posture and pull my shoulders down so they don’t rise up to my ears, which helps significantly, but any more tips/advice to flattering looks and things to avoid?

I can definitely relate to this. I have a relatively average length neck, and find that lots of model-y looks are doofy on me, too. Especially the massive, chunky scarf look, as shown in the photo up top. Oh my gosh, I look as if a python is trying to eat my upper half. I’ve been told I have broad shoulders, but actually think I have full upper arms which gives the impression of broad shoulders … either way, I know that certain looks can crowd the neck and shoulder area. Here are some tips that come to mind for flattering strong shoulders and a shorter neck:

Avoid built-in strong shoulders

This is a borderline no-brainer but it always helps to start with the basics! Choose blazers sans shoulder pads, minus any princess-y poofs, and preferably with more rounded shoulders than squared-off ones. Pair them with V or scoop necklines to elongate your neck line and balance out the natural shoulder-enhancing properties of any blazer. Wearing turtlenecks or crew necks with blazers will make your neck and shoulder area appear shortened and crowded. (I know the mere thought of turtlenecks in June is making many of you perspire, but just trying to cover all my bases, here.)

Go for thinner scarves

Again, fairly obvious. But just to be clear, thick weaves AND enormous sizes in scarves will add bulk to your shoulder area. Tie them using methods that remove bulk like the twisted rope and the pretzel. Infinity scarves – unless fairly thin – will probably do the python-eating-your-head thing. They also give you less control over how the scarf sits.

Wide strap tanks and dresses with deep necklines

Spaghetti straps look great on nubile teens, but they do me no favors. My shoulders and neck are best flattered by wide straps and V or scoop necklines. If you’ve got a strong set of shoulders skinny straps can look teeny on the expanse of your shoulder span – which is fantastic if you want to emphasize your shoulders, less so if you’d like to downplay them. Wider straps create balance and a deep neckline elongates your neck visually.

Thinner and longer necklaces

Not always thin, and not always long … but a truly chunky necklace may add bulk and appear to shorten the distance between your shoulders and head. And a short necklace with further shorten your neck. Longer strands draw the eye up and down, and thinner ones allow your neck some breathing room.

Deploy empire waists with care

Since a shorter neck and broad shoulders can create the impression of compressed upper body, adding an exaggeratedly high waistline might make it look like an attribute hogpile in your top half. No need to wear dropwaists to counteract this, but natural waist styles may create more balance than high/empire ones.

Anyone else out there have the strong shoulder / short neck combo? Do you, too, feel like many stylish looks that work on models crowd your features? Other tips to share?

Image courtesy Sincerely Jules, showing a look that is tough for women with broad shoulders and shorter necks to pull off.

{ 18 comments }

Reader Request: Working with a Limited Color Palette

by Sally on May 29, 2013 · 20 comments

An anonymous reader popped this question into the suggestion box:

A lot of advice on wearing color assumes that one uses the whole color wheel. People recommend choosing opposite colors for contrast, or choosing a triad of 3 colors evenly spaced around the color wheel. However, what about those of us who only wear colors from one half or one third of the color wheel? I wear green (cool green) to blue to purple to pink. I’ve applied the advice on contrasting colors in a limited way by pairing green with purple or pink (i.e., the opposite ends of my color range), but it seems difficult to wear more than one color at a time if choosing from the center of my color range. So if I wear blue, I’m stuck with only blue because my other colors seem too close to it. And then how many shades of blue to wear simultaneously?

Monochrome and near-monochrome looks have been trendy for several years running, and yet there’s always some pushback. Since each human eye perceives color differently, outfits that combine colors that are close but not exact may look lovely to some and jarring to others. If you’re working with a palette that contains only related colors – or even a very small subset of the available colors – it can quickly become frustrating to attempt assembly of outfits that work, color-wise. I can’t say as I have any foolproof tips – especially since I consider the whole color wheel to be my playground – but here are a few ideas.

Incorporate patterns

If you’re worried about wearing colors that seem too close in value to work with each other, adding a pattern can ease the tension. Patterns that include the colors in question are fabulous, but even totally neutral patterns can work as bridging pieces. Black and white prints are huge this season, though they’ll work best with cool bright colors as shown here. Colorful prints and patterns with warm undertones will work best if you’re doing warm shades.

Do three shades to a monochrome mix

There’s no one right way to do monochrome, but in my own experience I’ve found that three distinct shades make a mix feel intentional. Just two may look like the shades are mismatched, though more than three can definitely work. So if you’re going for blues, do bright, mid, and dark shades. Adding a print or pattern in your chosen color can liven up the mix.

Watch your undertones

Most colors have warm (red) or cool (blue) undertones. Mixing colors with different undertones can work, but I find it to be challenging. The pairing above seems a bit off to me because the chambray has different undertones than the colors in the blazer: It is warm, while the blazer and pants are cool. (Yes, it’s chambray so may read as a neutral to some, but since it’s paired with other shades of blue here its blueness is hard to overlook.) Cool brights mix well with each other, warm dusty colors mix well with each other. Wedging cool brights and warm dusties into a single outfit can look not-quite-right.

Be on the lookout for pairing inspiration

I adore color, and am constantly searching for new and different color pairings. Anyone who is wondering about how to wear color-on-color can rely on cheat sheets: Look at magazine photos, Pinterest (I’ve got a whole board dedicated to color pairings), existing patterns in clothing and cloth, logos, flowers and other elements of nature, home decor, absolutely anything that mixes colors. See if you can re-create those mixes using solids or prints in your own closet, and sticking to your chosen subset of colors.

If you’re interested in working with a subset of colors but not sure where to start, check Ashe’s fabulous post on developing a color palette for your closet.

What other tips would you share for wearing and mixing colors within a confined palette? Do any of you do this already? How do you make it work?

Images courtesy Nordstrom. Color wheel via HGTV

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

{ 20 comments }

Reader Request: Short Hair and Personal Style Shifts

by Sally on May 20, 2013 · 46 comments

Jess popped this question into the suggestion box:

As someone who is considering going from long to short hair, a post on how your crop has changed your styling would be very interesting!

I chopped my hair in July of 2011 so we’re going on two years for the pixie. Initially, I got a lot of comments about how changing my hair was causing me to change my dressing choices, and I can’t say that I agreed. In fact, looking back I’ve found that I am making very similar styling choices now, as a short-haired gal, to the ones I made with longer locks. Behold:

They’re different necklaces, belts, and heels but I chose to wear the same dress with a shortish necklace, wide-ish belt, and heels. Today, I’d probably reach for similar options, perhaps selecting a larger necklace.

This skirt just looks best with button-front shirts! I’ve tried it with a few other options, but end up back at this pairing. In the short hair version, I went with a slightly bolder necklace, but the outfits are otherwise quite similar.

The jacket on the right is more structured and the sandals are less matchy than the green pumps, but I added a very matchy handbag and stuck with the formula of over-layer and heels.

These outfits may look different because the change in hairstyle is pretty drastic. But the styling choices are decidedly similar.

That said, I DO feel that I’ve shifted my style since cutting my hair. Some changes are just part of the style evolution process that we’re all wading through as we age, but some changes are directly related to the haircut and its visual repercussions. The most obvious ones are:

I wear more pants

This shift could really be a half-and-half situation. I’m wearing more pants now because I’ve finally found a few styles and cuts that I actually enjoy wearing, but I also feel like a shorter, more boyish, and slightly edgier haircut makes pants feel like a more natural choice. For me, not universally. I’ll never be a true tomboy or delve deep into the menswear look – I love my skirts and heels too much – but I am more inclined to wear pants now with a pixie than I ever was with my curls.

I wear large necklaces and small earrings

I wrote a bit about this phenomenon here, and explained that the pixie cut exposes my neck, so I’ve been inclined to do a lot chunky, statement-y necklaces. With such a close crop, doing big earrings AND a big necklace creates an imbalance. You can see all of both, and it just feels like a jewelry hogpile in my face/neck area. I do occasionally go for big earrings instead, as in the photo at the very top of this post, but it’s one or the other. And on most days, I do big necklace with small earrings. I feel like it’s a better balance for my features.

I do color extremes

By which I mean that I’ve been gravitating toward all-neutral mixes, as shown above, and color-on-color mixes which you can see below.

I attribute this to a general desire to look more definite, and maybe a bit more extreme. Although I’ll admit that neutral mixes are somewhat of a fallback plan for me. When all else fails, I know a big mess of neutrals is likely to look relatively pulled-together. But I’ve wanted to do more color-on-color mixes because they feel challenging and interesting, and even two years in I feel like my short hair is also challenging and interesting. Now, there have been loads of outfits with both colors and neutrals, too, but I’ve noticed a tendency toward all-color or all-neutral over time.

Now, this is me. I would NEVER infer that any other woman who went from longer to shorter hair would experience the same shifts or feel the same desires. No two women are alike, no two styles are alike, and no two people will react to a drastic change in hairstyle in the same way. For many, a move from long to short hair can be a choice made to commemorate a milestone or a change made in hopes of spurring other change. For me, it was an experiment that stuck. I am happier with how I look from top to tail, though I’m fascinated to find that the changes I’ve made to my personal style have been relatively minor.

How many of you are mulling a drastic hairstyle or hair length change right now? How many have MADE such a change recently? How do you think it would change your dressing patterns and styling choices? Or how have you seen it do so already?

{ 46 comments }

Reader Request: Perking Up Your Evening and Dinner Outfits

by Sally on May 16, 2013 · 8 comments

Brenda popped this one into the suggestion box:

I’d like some thoughts on day versus going out to dinner clothes. I wear dresses and jackets/blazers to work, and they seem dressy enough to wear out to dinner. I’d like to pick up some ideas for adding a little “wow” so that my dinner outfits still feel like me, but they also feel a little special. P.S. In the Portland, Oregon area, so many people wear jeans to everything and tank tops are common in the summer, even at fancier places. I need to blend in a little!

Here in Minneapolis, things skew pretty casual, too. But that doesn’t stop me from putting on the glitz when I’m feeling the urge! Since Brenda is working with a base of outfits that feel dressy enough for dinner and evening events, but hoping to perk up her looks a bit so they feel more special, let’s start there:

Try statement jewelry

Seriously, friends, what did we do before giant, flashy, fun pieces of jewelry became the norm? In my opinion, the quickest and easiest way to take an office-friendly outfit and make it seem more fun and evening-ready is to add some sparkly jewels. A big, eye-catching necklace would be my weapon of choice, but a stack of bracelets or gorgeous chandelier earrings would work, too. Slapping such items onto an actual suit might seem odd, but sweaters with slacks/skirts, or jackets with dresses? Ideal. And statement jewelry works beautifully with jeans, too.

Want more help with jewelry?
Necklaces and Necklines
Necklaces and Necklines Revisited
Finding Quality Accessories
Jewelry Resource Roundup
Balancing Earrings with Hairstyles

Swap your accessories

If you’ve been wearing solid opaque tights at work during the day, switch in a pretty patterned pair. Add a bright patent belt to your dress, or throw on a printed scarf. Do a stack of bright, funky bangles. Items that might feel cumbersome or annoying during the work day may be easier to tolerate during the evening hours, so consider adding new touches or switching out a few key accessories before heading out for the night.

Want more help with accessorization?
Accessorization and Figure Flattery 101
Successfully Deploying Your Tights
Finding Quality Accessories
Building Accessory Collections
Working Those Colorful Tights
What Belting Can Do for You
What to Do with Brooches
Flattering Hats for Every Head
Accessory Balance
Befriending the Scarf
Belted!
Other Already Pretty posts on accessories

Slip on amazing shoes

Most shoes that work for work are at least slightly practical and comfortable. More spectacular and less pragmatic footwear can be saved for nights perched at a flashy bar or chatting with friends over cocktails. Shoes can truly transform the feel of an outfit, so just swapping in a more glamourous pair can change how you look and feel.

Want more help with shoes?
Incorporating Colorful Shoes
Casual Shoe Basics
Shoe Basics

In terms of general guidelines for day versus evening clothes, that is SO subjective. Especially in environments where super casual dress is the norm. My thought is that – in most non-dress-code-contingent cases – evening dress is down to personal choice and preference. Picking items and embellishments that make YOU feel special and dressed up will help you create evening-appropriate looks. Because, naturally, you can wear statement jewelry, patterned tights, and great shoes to work or at home or just about anywhere. They are not the sole domain of nighttime gallavantery! But if you deploy them with the idea of feeling and looking fancy in mind, you’ll feel and look fancy. In fact, just dressing differently might be the key. If you do glitter and bright colors for day, try a sleek, minimalist look for evening. If you wear your fanciest shoes wherever you go, focus on a different part of your outfit or look for dinner: An intricate updo, patterned blouse, or artful set of layers.

What else would you suggest to Brenda for going out and dinner ensembles?

Image courtesy Dana LeBlanc.

{ 8 comments }

Reader Request: What to Wear on a Long Flight

by Sally on May 7, 2013 · 41 comments

Sarah V had this request:

I would love to get your take on what to wear for a long flight. I want to look nice but be comfortable and not get too hot.

I can’t say that I’ve got any amazing or unusual tricks for long flight comfort, but I’m happy to share my formula!

Knits

Since long flights generally involve long stretches of time spent in airports before and after, picking soft, stretchy fabrics will be key. I stick to knits – jersey, ponte, and various sweater knits all of which can look chic and sophisticated in the right styles and cuts.

Leggings

I have finally come back to enjoying denim, but NOT for long airplane trips. I can’t remember the last time I wore anything other than leggings to travel, as they’re comfortable, lightweight yet cozy, and allow you to move freely.

Cardigan

I am generally freezing on long flights, so Sarah’s concerns about being too hot amaze me. Regardless, a lightweight cardigan is a good idea as temperatures can fluctuate. Throw one on with a knit tee and leggings for added interest and potential warmth.

Scarf

This is the real key piece. Even if you tend to overheat while traveling, give a scarf a try. Ideally something large and lightweight. It will add polish and interest to your travel outfit, can be removed and stuffed into your carry-on if temps become too high, can be thrown over shoulders or legs if temps become too low.

Boots or flats

Again, I skew cold so unless I’m traveling to a much warmer climate, I generally opt for boots. Otherwise, comfy ballet flats run a close second as they can slip off easily for security checks but look more polished than sneakers.

What’s your go-to travel outfit for long flights? Do you utilize any of the same pieces that I do? What advice would you offer Sarah on keeping cool, besides removable layers?

{ 41 comments }

Reader Request: Clothes That Fit While Sitting

by Sally on May 2, 2013 · 22 comments

Reader Mirjam sent me this request via e-mail:

I was wondering if you might consider doing a blog post on clothes that look good on the well-rounded of us when sitting down? I have many gorgeous outfits that look super cute and fit comfortably when standing, but as soon as I sit down all that fat shifts and bulges and nothing looks nice any more. I am sure you must have come across that problems with clients at some point or other? I would love to read something about that!

Indulge me for a moment and read this passage from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice*:

“Miss Eliza Bennet, let me persuade you to follow my example, and take a turn about the room. — I assure you it is very refreshing after sitting so long in one attitude.”

Elizabeth was surprised, but agreed to it immediately. Miss Bingley succeeded no less in the real object of her civility; Mr. Darcy looked up. He was as much awake to the novelty of attention in that quarter as Elizabeth herself could be, and unconsciously closed his book. He was directly invited to join their party, but he declined it, observing that he could imagine but two motives for their chusing to walk up and down the room together, with either of which motives his joining them would interfere. “What could he mean? she was dying to know what could be his meaning” — and asked Elizabeth whether she could at all understand him?

“Not at all,” was her answer; “but depend upon it, he means to be severe on us, and our surest way of disappointing him will be to ask nothing about it.”

Miss Bingley, however, was incapable of disappointing Mr. Darcy in any thing, and persevered therefore in requiring an explanation of his two motives.

“I have not the smallest objection to explaining them,” said he, as soon as she allowed him to speak. “You either chuse this method of passing the evening because you are in each other’s confidence, and have secret affairs to discuss, or because you are conscious that your figures appear to the greatest advantage in walking; — if the first, I should be completely in your way; — and if the second, I can admire you much better as I sit by the fire.”

Even Mr. Darcy knows that bodies look better standing than seated. Doesn’t matter how tight and flat your abs are, how little or much you weigh, or how you’re shaped. Sit down, stuff shifts, clothes pull a bit, and you look slightly less pulled-together than you did just a moment ago standing up.

Additionally, a lot depends on your unique figure and how it shifts when you’re seated, so it’s a little tough to generalize. For instance, I tend to pooch out in the lower belly area and – having recently viewed some photos where I was hunched over a table – the upper back/bra strap area. Other folks may have other body areas that make them self-conscious when sitting.

So, with all that stacked against me, I have two meager bits of advice:

Go structured

A slinky knit will reveal more of a seated body than a lined blazer. Drapey rayon will show more lumps and bumps than thick ponte. I wouldn’t advise going oversized, since clothing drapes differently when you’re seated and you might just add volume. And I wouldn’t advise going super-thick, as truly chunky knits may also add bulk. But lined garments, fabrics with some stiffness to them, and structured designs will generally hold their shape a bit when you sit down, and stand slightly away from your body without making it appear bigger or different than it is.

Employ distractions

For those worried about tummy bulges, a flowing scarf will generally cover and distract. If back bumps worry you, wear your long hair down or go for a busy printed top instead of a simple solid. I once read in a Trinny and Susannah book that one of them (Susannah, I think) always places her handbag in her lap when seated to distract from any bulges. (I do that a lot, too, but mainly because I have recurring nightmares in which I’ve misplaced my bag.) If changing up your actual garments won’t do the trick, try a few styling switches or clever accessories to help out.

I’d also add that when you try on clothing for potential purchase, make sure to sit down in it and look at yourself in the mirror. Even tops and jackets. This will give you and idea of pulling and gaping that might cause you stress later on.

And that’s it. Because my main advice would be that old chestnut, “try not to worry about it.” Easier said than done, I know, but since we all look a little like melted humans when we’re scrunched into chairs and couches, at least we’re in this together.

Any other ideas for clothing styles or designs that fit and flatter while sitting? How do you deal with this?

Image courtesy Garry Knight.

*I tried to find a YouTube clip of the beloved BBC miniseries showing this scene, but failed. Bah.

{ 22 comments }

Reader Request: Dressing Professionally for the Petite Busty Frame

by Sally on April 17, 2013 · 20 comments

Kay popped this question into the suggestion box:

How would you professionally dress a busty (we are talking more than DD here) short (5 foot!), curvy woman with hourglass shape? (As in thigh proportionate to the bust.) And no, wearing heels is not an option.

I since I’m neither petite nor busty myself, I asked stylist and blogger extraordinaire Imogen Lamport of Inside Out Style to help me out. And boy, did she deliver! Kay didn’t give us tons of detail, so these recommendations assume that goals include ensembles that will work in a relatively conservative work environment, figure balance, and downplaying the bust at least somewhat. Read on for Imogen’s ideas.

* * * * *

24 Top Tips to Looking Professional When You’re Petite and Busty

There are a few tricks that all large busted women (of all heights) can do to downplay their busts, assuming that’s a priority.

Jewellery Tips for Busty Petites by imogenl featuring a sterling silver heart necklace

Divert attention from your bust

1. Wear larger scale necklaces and pendants, but made from multiple smaller pieces so they don’t overwhelm your smaller scale.
2. Wear lower necklines to your balance point.
3. Avoid any gathering around or frills on your neckline as these will make your bust look larger.
4. Wear a jacket or cardigan; it will help to downplay your bust.
5. Don’t wear tops with sheen or shine as they draw attention and make the area they cover look bigger.
6. Avoid stiff fabrics as they stand out from your body and add bulk.
7. Avoid textured tops such as bulky knits, mohair, velvet and anything puffa!
8. Button-up shirts need to fit correctly across the bust, either buy from a specialist manufacturer or go up a size so that there is not pulling or gaping at the bust and have the rest of the shirt taken in to fit you.

What to Avoid busty petites by imogenl featuring witchery

Petite particulars

1. Keep your fabrics soft and drapey so they fall close to your body, skimming it without clinging to it.
2. Keep your lines simple and clean. You are a small palette, clean not cluttered is your mantra.
3. Avoid too much fabric, gathers, waterfalls, pleats as they will overwhelm your petite frame.
4. Only one focal point at a time. Ideally up high to draw the eye up to your face.
5. Wear a column of colour, this works particularly well if the colour is darker and wear a lighter jacket or cardigan, left open to create lengthening vertical lines.
6. Blend shoe colour to pants or skin (if wearing a skirt or dress) as they won’t draw attention and will make you legs appear to start at your feet, rather than your ankles.
7. Low vamp shoes are your friend when wearing skirts or dresses as they elongate your legs.
8. Keep skirts and dresses to knee-length or your legs will look super short.

Looking professional

What to wear – petite and busty by imogenl featuring suede booties

1. Keep lines clean – no frills or flounces as they may make you look young and childlike, not professional or mature.
2. Structured garments will make you look more professional and strong.
3. Look for fabrics that are high quality as this indicates that you, too, do high quality work
4. Darker colours and will give you a business-like edge
5. Wear a top or jacket in your eye colour as this draws attention up to your face. When people are focusing on your face they are less likely to notice your height.
6. Heels are an option for some, but not essential, just ensure trousers are hemmed as long as possible without dragging on the floor
7. Ensure your sleeve hems don’t cover your hands, they should end just past the wrist. Sleeves that are too long will make the whole garment look too large for you, like you’ve borrowed your big sister’s clothes and you’re playing dress-ups.
8. Get your clothes altered to fit your unique body shape. Mass market clothing manufacturing isn’t catering to your body shape, so you need to have it moulded to your body.

* * * * *

Thanks to Imogen for a great group of ideas! Any other busty petites out there? Will these tips work for you? Other ideas to share with Kay?

{ 20 comments }

← Previous Entries