Reader motivated1 writes, "I would also like to know how to dress for my body type. Heck, I'd like to what what my body type IS. I'm petite (under 5'0") but I'm not thin. I have boobs, hips, and a butt, and petite clothing doesn't work well for that. I guess I'm an hourglass petite, but I still have to get most of my clothing taken in or shortened." Make besties with your tailor, motivated1, and then read on...
I think bothering with labels is sort of a bore, but if you really want to categorize your bod, I'd call it "petite curvy." And my dear, you're in great company--at just over five feet and with a booty and boobs to write home about, Salma Hayek is also "petite curvy," and she always manages to look amazing. I know getting everything you buy altered is a royal pain, but the reality is that you're probably going to be friends with your tailor for a long, long time. Since you've got hips and a butt, you need a little more room in a pair of pants, and that usually means clothing manufacturers give you plenty of extra length, too. But you can avoid the annoying hassle (and extra cost) of frequent alterations by working with a few outfit formulas that are reliably easy to wear.
__Invest in an A-line skirt and some knee-high boots:__An A-line skirt is universally flattering, and nothing will make your hips, butt, and thighs look more streamlined. Here's a little elongation trick--if you choose boots in the same color as your skirt, your whole body will look longer. Add a v-neck sweater to draw attention towards your face, and you've got one incredibly flattering look.
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__Jersey dresses and belts are your friends:__The easiest way to become your own tailor? Add a belt! Start with a simple-silhouetted dress in a forgiving and comfortable fabric like jersey (buy a few in basic colors and you can dress them up or down), then cinch the waist in when you feel like showing off your curves, or blouse a bit of the fabric over the top of the belt when you want to go shorter on the hemline. Again, a V-neck is most flattering to your shape but a scoop neck works, too. You're also a great candidate to wear the classic Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress--it's belted so you can self-alter, it shows off your cleavage, and it'll cling to your booty in a way that will make it look awesome.
__Stick with a monochrome palette from head to toe:You'll look longer, leaner, and more sleek in an outfit that works within the same color family. This way you don't break up your shape and you give the appearance of a more streamlined figure. You can start with a neutral--navy and gray both work really well--and then work your way up to more daring purples and scarlets. Just make sure you mix things up with different textures (lace, wool, chunky knits) to give your look depth.
I hope that helps, motivated1! Do any of you have a similarly "petite curvy" body? What are your tips and tricks for what to wear? Did you learn anything new here? Discuss!
And psst...got a style problem that needs solving? Leave your query here or upload it to the STF contact form and we'll have you looking chic in no time!
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