Petite: Here's How to Measure Up!

As a lanky seventh-grade girl, towering over all the boys, you have no idea how much I longed to be born to a more petite family! It wasn’t until I became best friends with a young woman who nearly reaches 4’10, that I finally understood some of the challenges of such a stature!

For one, while each of us girls could shop wherever we wanted, Tina often was stuck shopping in the children’s section due to the limited selection in our small town! Furthermore, she always had that nagging feeling that people just didn’t take her seriously. I mean, would you when everyone thought they could pat you on the head and gibber that you were so cute?

From those experiences, Tina has become one of the strongest women I know. Full of determination and poise, she isn’t one to allow such nonsense to continue. If you are less vocal though and would prefer an alternative way of appearing a bit taller, you might try some of these techniques:

Flattering Choices:

Suits are a great asset for any woman who wishes to be taken more seriously!

 Pencil skirts are not only slimming but they lend height to your appearance!

Heels, heels, and more heels!  Nothing lengthens the look of the leg like a good, sleek pair of heels!

Go for heels in the same tone as your leg to lengthen your legs!

Trench coats or jackets, long skirts, and solid-colored dresses create continuous color blocks that elongate your frame.


Less Flattering Choices:

Pigtails or ponytails on the side of your head; go for a sleeker updo if possible.

Flats, clogs, and snow boots only shorten your leg, making you appear even shorter.

Multiple color blocks: the more breaks there are in the colors on your body (shirt, belt, undershirt layer, skirt, ruffle on skirt, leg, shoe), the less height you appear to have.  For a heightened, slimming, or sleeker appearance, continuity of color is best!