Skip the harem pants, jumpsuits, and multi-layers of ruffles this spring and summer because you'll find plenty of trendy, wearable spring fashion that flatters petites this season.
1. Dreamy Style
Image Courtesy of Nordstrom
Perhaps the most memorable dreamy look of the season was Michelle Obama's white one-shoulder gown that she wore to the inaugural balls. This look can work in any color as long as the dress or top is made of flowy, floaty fabric, and the effect is angelic and ethereal. One-shoulder designs frequently marry with the dreamy look for goddess style.
2. Ombre
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Carrying forward a popular trend from last year, ombre looks are "in" again this spring. Ombre--color gradations of one hue or blending one hue into another--was scarce in petites departments last year, but this season you'll be able to find more ombre clothing specially sized for petites. Since dark colors recede and light colors advance, take advantage of the multi-hues in ombre fashion to place emphasis where you want it and minimize problem areas.
3. Sheath Dresses
Image Courtesy of Petite Sophisticate
Here's another trend that Michelle Obama has popularized. She's worn sheath dresses to several important occasions, such as her turquoise blue wool knit dress for her appearance at the Democratic National Convention, red sheath dress for a visit with the Bushes at the White House after the election, and the lemongrass dress she wore to the Inauguration. The advantages of wearing a sheath dress are that you can show off your figure and maintain versatility.
4. Boyfriend Jeans
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Katie Holmes and Reese Witherspoon are among celebrities who've been spotted in boyfriend jeans. Although the boyfriend style isn't especially flattering to petites or anybody else for that matter, it's trendy, so if you're young and hip, you may be tempted to wear boyfriend jeans, which have a more relaxed fit, light to medium wash, and destroyed effects such as whiskering and shredding. Because you'll have a very difficult time locating boyfriend jeans in the petite department, look for these in the regular department. Just make sure that jeans fit in the rise. The length won't be crucial as it usually is for petites because boyfriend style dictates that the jeans be rolled up at the hem.
5. Snakeskin
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Designers have shown snakeskin looks for spring and summer, not only in accessories but also in clothing. The best bet for petites who want to take advantage of the snakesking trend is to choose snakeskin accessories, such as shoes, handbags, or belts. There's no need to spend thousands on genuine python accessories because there are plenty of options at all price points. A bit of texture always adds fashion interest, and even faux snakeskin will fill the bill.
6. Tribal Looks
Image Courtesy of Macy's
Tribal prints, ethnic fabric treatments, jeweled details, fringed shoes--all of these take inspiration from tribal looks and can add fashion interest to petites' wardrobes. The main consideration for short women is not to overdo it with prints or jewelry details that are oversized. As for the fringed shoes, I'm all for skipping that trendy look because it's going to seem quite dated very soon.
