Cherry Picking
Dress: Dresstells (lots of cherry prints below if you shop this look) // Clutch: San Diego Hat Company (love this larger version) // Pumps: Jessica Simpson (old, updated version here) // Lips: Stila in Carina
As much as I love florals and stripes, this Spring has presented quite a few fruit printed options. This cherry printed dress was one I love at first glance! I really like the classic shape of a swing dress with halter neckline. It's timeless. One of the reasons dresses are such a good option for warmer clients is how easy they are to throw on, pack, or dress up/down. Today I wore this one with a pair of white pumps, but can be dressed down with sandals. In fact, I actually changed into this pair later in the day.
People are oftentimes surprised by the lack of height I have. I'm 5-0, but learned over the years how to make myself appear taller. I thought I would share a couple of tips with y'all today if you are on the shorter side. First things first, you must find clothes that properly fit your frame. Although I'm not scrawny, a petite person's bone structure is smaller. If a brand offers petite sizes (such as Banana Republic) it makes it easier to find properly fitted clothing. Otherwise I usually order an XS in most clothes. I almost always have to shorten pants by two inches. It's just a given at this point. Learning how to tailor your own (including jeans) is pretty easy. But if you can't afford to devote the time to learn, then take them to your local tailor and get them taken up a bit. It makes a big difference when your pants are the
Another tip is to take advantage of your narrow points. Everyone's body is different, but I try to find items that cinch my waist. This creates the illusion that I'm proportioned and creates longer lines. If you are going to have a pant cropped, wear it at the ankle or right below the knee where your leg is a little slimmer. I've found shorts look best when they have a 3" inseam or less. I try to cover the wider parts (like upper thigh) and have my clothing highlight the narrow places - ankles, below the knee, waistline. Also, a 3/4 length sleeve allows the wrist to be shown and allows the arm to look a little longer.
Last but not least, do not wear too many accessories. Especially jewelry. Pick either a statement piece or go with a hat. If you have a hat, large bag, clunky shoes and jewelry on... it's just too much. Keep your accessories simple. Here I went with classic pointy pumps and a smaller clutch. That way, my legs look a little longer with the fuller skirt and the clutch doesn't look overwhelming with a printed dress. If you are unsure, remove one item. Keep it simple and you'll thank yourself later. I'd love to hear a few of your tips for dressing petite? Leave a comment or tweet me (threeheelclicks).