Petite & Top Heavy,
Advice on fashion is very easy to come by. You get fashion advice on what to wear if you are "top heavy", "hour glass", "pear shape" or even "shapeless" and then you get "petite" as if it is a body shape. Sometimes I think that people forget that one can be petite and "top heavy" (like me) or petite and "pear shape" like my sister.
Therefore, I've created this page dedicated to all petite women of diferrent shapes and sizes who are looking for some ideas on what suits them best. This is not a hard and fast rule in dressing style, after all I am not a style guru, I just happen to be short and had learned to live with it. If you are happy with your own fashion style then stick with it. After all, how you look does not depend on what you wear, it's how you wear it.
So, here it goes... but first, remember this key points:
- People make assumptions about your personality on the basis of what you wear (these people includes employers, work mates, acquaintances and potential friends). So choose clothes that conveys the impression you want to give.
- It only takes a person 15 seconds to size us up and form an impression.
- Don't compromise on FIT and PROPORTION. Clothes that are not in proportion to our body will draw attention to it - in a very bad way.
If you want to change that "girly" look that is too often associated with petite women; then create a refinded look that evokes a womanly elegance and presence (but this does not mean suits all the time.)
Bear in mind: A stylish woman will always convey a care for herself and a quiet confidence of being herself. This is true whatever your size and shape.
Petite and top heavy?
If you are gifted with an ample bosom here are a few helpful tips:
Great Tops...
Look for:
- will fitting tailored tops to give your shape around your bosom and tummy area.
- wide open, v-neck or square neck line. This types of neckline breaks up the chest and draws attention to your face and gives you a longer looking neck.
- tailored or shaped t-shirt or corset type top, this will emphasise your breast without being indecent or crude.
- use a wrap cardigan instead of chunky knitwear for keeping warm as it gives more slim line silhouette and keeps the breast apart, thus giving it more definition . With an open neckline, it gives your neck an elongated look.
Think twice before wearing the following:
- sleeveless t-shirt, especially if you have chunky arms
- short sleeve with very tight sleeves, it emphasizes the bulk of your arms
- puff sleeve, it will give you an illusion of great big lumpy arms even if you don't
- tops with frills, ruffles or pleating, this gives extra volume and will likely to make you look bigger than you are
Don't even think about it:
- never even consider the thought that you can get away with long sleeve tops that are too long in the sleeves, even if it is in fashion, this will just make your arms look short in proportion to your body.
- baggy clothes such us shapeless t-shirt and polo shirt, it will make your upper top look a lot shorter.
- tiny or very tight fitting clothes, it will show the bulfes and just don't look good all in all
- high and round-neck tops, it emphasizes the vast expanse of your chest with a big lump in the middle
Great Bottoms...
Trousers and skirts should create an illusion of height and elegance.
Look for:
- Bootleg trousers, they are great for enhancing the length of your legs
- Straight cut trousers made of soft fabric, they hang nicely and create a slim silhouette, therefor adding to your height
- Cropped trousers are great as it exposed your legs and creates an illuision of a long legs, as long as it ends where it should and not just above your ankles (otherwise, it would look like you are trying to pass it on as a full length trousers).
- Mini skirt and skirts that hovers over the knee, it leaves almost yards of legs to show off
- Long skirt that flares at the bottom, it gives you an illusion of height
Think twice before wearing the following:
- big belt not proportion to your size
- tight fitting trousers, jeans or leggings with shorter tops as it will make you look like a walking lollipop
Never forget:
- to wear a good fitting bra. It is crucial to have the correct fit; droopy bosoms can make you look frumpy and older. A bra too small for your size can make you look like an alien with four breasts.
More fashion tips
- Trendy Petite
- Smart Petite
- Classic Petite
- Special Occasion Petite
