Fashion after 40 is all about embracing your confidence and rocking your unique style. But for petite women, it can sometimes feel like clothes are designed for a different body type altogether. Don’t worry, though! Here are some tips to help you dress for your frame and feel fantastic:
Fit is Everything
Tailoring is Your BFF: Clothes that hang limply will drown your figure. Invest in tailoring your favorite pieces for a perfect fit. A good tailor can adjust hems, sleeves, and waistlines to create a silhouette that flatters your proportions.
Embrace the Fitted Look: Opt for clothing with defined waistlines. This creates a beautiful hourglass shape and elongates your legs. Think fitted shirts, sheath dresses, and tailored trousers.
Petite-Specific Brands: Many brands cater specifically to petite frames. These clothes are designed with shorter proportions in mind, ensuring a perfect fit without the need for tailoring (although it’s always an option for further customisation).
Proportion is Key
High-Waisted Wonders: High-waisted trousers or jeans, skirts, and shorts are your best friends. They elongate your legs and create a flattering silhouette. Pair them with tucked-in tops or cropped sweaters for added definition.
Cropped with Confidence: Cropped trousers are on-trend, and petite women can rock them too! Choose cropped styles that hit just above the ankle and pair them with heels or wedges for added height.
Top It Off Right: When it comes to tops, aim for hemlines that hit at your hip bone or slightly higher. This flatters your proportions and avoids overwhelming your frame. Empire waist styles with a high waistline and flowing skirt can also be a great option.
Vertical Lines are Your Best Friend
Stripes and Monochromatic Magic: Vertical stripes, pinstripes, and monochromatic outfits are your secret weapons for creating a long and lean line. Play with color combinations in monochrome looks, or choose a bold vertical striped top to visually elongate your torso.
Prints with a Petite twist: Don’t shy away from prints! Opt for smaller-scale patterns that won’t overwhelm your frame. Florals, polka dots, and geometric prints can add personality to your outfit while maintaining a flattering silhouette.
Shoe Magic
Heels with Comfort: Heels are a classic way to add height, but comfort is key, especially after 40. Choose pumps with a manageable heel height, wedges that offer stability, or heeled sandals that elongate your legs without sacrificing comfort.
Platform Powerhouse: Platform shoes are another fantastic option. They add height without the strain of a stiletto and come in a variety of styles to suit your taste. Look for platform sandals, sneakers, or boots that complement your outfit.
Embrace the Petite Powerhouse
Look to the Stars: Petite celebrities like Lucy Liu, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Zendaya prove that great style comes in all sizes. Look to them and other petite influencers for outfit inspiration and see how they rock different trends with confidence.
The Petite Style Community: There’s a whole world of petite fashion out there! Explore blogs, websites, and social media accounts dedicated to petite style. These platforms offer outfit ideas, styling tips, and recommendations for petite-friendly brands.
Most Importantly, Have Fun!
Fashion is a form of self-expression. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and find what makes you feel confident and beautiful. Age is just a number, and petite women can rock any trend they set their minds to!
Bonus Tips:
- Look for clothing specifically designed for petite frames. Many brands offer petite sizing with adjusted proportions.
- Pay attention to details like sleeves and necklines. Opt for ¾ length sleeves or cap sleeves to avoid overwhelming your arms. V-necks and scoop necks elongate your torso.
- Belts can be your friend, but use them wisely. Choose a thin belt that sits at your natural waistline to define your silhouette.
- Experiment with accessories! A statement necklace or a pair of bold earrings can draw the eye upwards and add personality to your outfit.
With these tips in mind, you can create a stylish wardrobe that flatters your petite frame and lets your confidence shine through. Remember, fashion is about feeling good in what you wear, so have fun and embrace your unique style!
Take care, stay safe.
Becks xo
My life and style over 40 