My best friend is petite and she was having a hard time dressing for her body frame. So, after she got the Determine Your Body Shape Guide she asked me…
“I know I’m an apple shape now but I still need more information since I have a short torso, what should I wear?”
I decided to research it and I came up with 5 really useful and quick tips that can help her and other petite women with the same issue.
But first things first… What is a Petite women?
Petite is the term to describe a woman who is 5’4 or under. So, it refers to stature and proportion NOT weight. You’ll often find narrower shoulders and shorter inseams. There are petite women in all sizes and shapes, whether you’re hourglass or apple shape, if you’re short you’ll love these tips.
1. It’s all about proportions
The human eye is drawn to proportion, so it’s important to know that if you have a short torso (like my best friend) you need to elongate your figure and try to create an “ideal” hourglass shape. Look for skirts or pants that sit higher at your natural waist, or try tucking in your tops and cardigans then adding a belt to emphasize your waist. Monochromatic outfits also create the same allusion.
Leanne Barlow is wearing an ADA Collection black wrap belt
Source: Sheryl Luke – Walk in Wonderland
Source: Nadia – Nadia Aboulhosn
Belt: ADA Collection
2. Add a skinny belt
If you have a short torso or a smaller figure wide belts can break up your figure but skinny and midi belts help you to elongate your waist and accentuate curves which add style to your ensemble without overpower your frame.
Tammy is wearing an ADA Collection Skinny wrap belt
Source: Tiffany Diana – Love Grey Skies
Source: Jean – ExtraPetite
Tammy is wearing an ADA Collection midi wrap belt
3. Create a Trendy, Layered Look
This can be a practical way to create an hourglass figure which can also create a trendy, layered look that really cinches the waist! Simply wrap a skinny or midi belt around an open cardigan or a slightly too big shirt. Monochromatic outfits also help to elongate your figure!
Source: Kelly Tucker – Alterations Needed
Belt: Skinny Wrap Belt – ADA Collection
Source: Wendy Nguyen – Wendys Look Book
Source: Kelly Tucker – Alterations Needed
Belt: Skinny Wrap Belt – ADA Collection
4. Wide belts
A belt on your natural waist can create that hourglass figure, however a wide belt actually cuts your body in half. This is especially true if your top and belt are different colors. If you want to wear a wide belt opt for a similar color to create a blending within your outfit. This helps create a long and lean silhouette. Belts help to make your outfit more interesting but be sure to place them in your sweet spot because you will be drawing attention to it.
Source: Wendy Nguyen – Wendys Look Book
Source: Wendy Nguyen – Wendys Look Book
5. With maxis, pay extra attention to silhouette
When you wear maxis make sure you pay attention to proportions. If something is voluminous on the bottom make sure you balance it out by wearing something fitted or tucked in on the top. Add a belt and cinch your waist to create an illusion of the “ideal” silhouette.
Debbie Matenopoulos is wearing an ADA Collection midi wrap belt
Source: Sheryl Luke – Walk in Wonderland
Source: Sandra Hagelstam – 5 inch and up
Extra tip…
Know your horizontal body shape!
Your horizontal body shape is the proportion of bust to waist to hips and it’s really important to determine the best clothes to fit your body!
Be sure to download the Shape Style Guide at the end for tips, tricks and a shopping list for your body shape.
I started ADA (ahh-dahh) Belts in 2006 because I couldn’t find quality leather belts that reflected my own understated, feminine and effortless style.
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