Fall is in full swing, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to update your wardrobe for the season. As a petite woman, it can be hard to find clothes that fit well and flatter your figure, so we’ve put together a list of fashion tips to bring your fall wardrobe from drab to fab!
1. Rock that lipstick moment.
Sometimes all it takes to elevate a look is the right lipstick. While glossy lips are fine on occasion, no fall look is complete without that perfect matte lipstick as the cherry on top. But how do you know which is the best matte lipstick for you? Well, that depends on what kind of statement you’re going for. Rocking a bold red lip shows that you are confident and ready to own the day, while a toned-down matte lip that compliments your skin tone shows that you are put-together and take the time to pay attention to the finer details in life. And you get bonus points if you don’t have to reapply after your morning latte.
2. The petite section is your friend.
While you might feel yourself gravitating toward the typical women’s section when you shop, there’s a chance that if you find something you love it won’t fit just right. If you are under 5’4″, the petite section is far more likely to have clothes that fit you well and compliment your frame. Petite-specific fashion like Chico’s petites has plenty of sale items and other merchandise that will save you the trouble of hemming and taking in every garment you buy and allow you to wear clothes that are on-trend without them not quite fitting the way they should. This doesn’t mean that you can’t shop in other sections of the store. If you find a standard-sized top that you love, pair it with jeggings or a skirt meant to fit your body shape and flaunt it!
3. When in doubt, layer it.
Because petite sections can be limited, there’s a chance that you will have to rely on standard-sized clothing some of the time. If you notice that a top doesn’t quite hug your body the way it should just pair it with a cute cardigan and an infinity scarf! And if you just can’t stop lusting over that cold-shoulder maxi dress every time you walk past it, pair it with high heeled boots and use a waist belt to gather the shape and accentuate your curves. Drape some long necklaces over the look if it’s a solid print to give it a little more life, and you’ve got the perfect look.
4. Highlight your best features.
If you’ve got a killer waist or a chest that you’re proud of, don’t be afraid to dress around that! There is no reason for you to hide your best assets behind a look that suits someone else’s body shape. When you have a smaller frame sometimes styles like baggy boho jeans or a maxi dress that drags on the floor can make you look like a kid trying on their mother’s clothes rather than a woman who is put-together and cares about how she looks. Think about what you love most about your body and make sure you’ve got at least a few fall pieces that accentuate that!
Although the fashion industry mostly caters to a specific body type (tall and thin), the industry is changing with every season, bringing new ways to dress bodies of all types. Even if you have to shop at one store for your tops and another for your pants, don’t be afraid to try a few looks to see what works best for you. And remember, it doesn’t matter what you’re wearing as long as you’ve got the confidence to wear it well.