Tops to choose when you're small

The top is often the centrepiece of an outfit. It's the one you see the most and the one that attracts the most attention because it's so close to your face. What type of top should you wear when you're short?

• Allow yourself to be fanciful

If you like to have fun with fashion and change your look like a chameleon, indulge yourself by opting for tops with a sophisticated and elegant style. The tops are yours:

• with epaulettes ;
• lace ;
• with a Claudine collar ;
• with batwing sleeves ;
• balloon sleeves;
• with small motifs.

You can also try crop tops if you're comfortable with this type of top.

Whatever style of top you wear, make sure you mark your waist and avoid cuts that are too loose. You can mark your waist:

• by tucking the top into the bottom;
• by tying it at the bottom (if you're wearing a shirt, for example);
• with a belt.

You can also cheat visually by opting for a top with volume around the shoulders (epaulettes, frills, balloon sleeves).

• What about necklines?

If you want to elongate your silhouette, and at the same time highlight your assets, you can opt for V-necklines.

• Volume in clothes

To enhance your figure, pay particular attention to the volume of the clothes you choose. If you're wearing a loose-fitting top, opt for body-hugging bottoms, and vice versa.

PS: remember to accessorise your top with a pretty necklace. When you're petite, long necklaces (be careful of the length) are particularly appropriate.

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Stockings to choose when you're small

When we think about what to wear when we're little, the question of stockings, and more specifically trousers, often comes up. What styles will suit you best?

• The most flattering trouser shapes

For the best look, this type of trouser is best for petite women:

• carrot trousers ;
• cigarette trousers ;
• skinny jeans.

• Trouser sizes

When it comes to waist size, the best ally for petite women is high-waisted trousers. What's the point? Because they give the impression that you have longer legs. And if that's not your thing, you can fall back on trousers with a classic waist.

• Which colours?

We prefer darker colours at the bottom and lighter ones at the top.

Dresses to choose when you're small

When it comes to dress lengths for petite women, the shorter the better!

However, if you like length, you should opt for dresses that are close to the body. Your fitted dress should stop above the ankles.

Skirts for petite women

What about the choice of skirts? When you're short in stature, it's best to wear short skirts (i.e. above the knee). This will give the illusion of longer legs.

If you're looking for a change of pace, you can try long skirts, but they need to be adapted to your size and shape, otherwise they won't look very good. They also need to be worn around the waist and not the hips, to avoid a tight effect.

If you like to dress sexy, you could even consider a thigh-high slit, because there's nothing like it to give the impression that your legs are endless.

Unsuitable clothes for petite women

When you're small in stature, certain types of clothing should be avoided at all costs because they are unflattering, whatever your body shape. They can make you look too small and/or thick, depending on the situation. So forget about :

• low-rise trousers;
• very wide trousers such as palazzos;
• short trousers
• clothes that are too baggy;
• tops with large prints that widen the silhouette;
• long jackets and coats;
• layering clothes;
• horizontal stripes (prefer the vertical version);
• tops and bottoms that contrast too much. A monochrome or low-contrast outfit with harmonious colours is preferable.

PS: if you like heels, go for it! They'll make your figure look sleeker and longer. For the best effect, heels shouldn't be too thick so as not to weigh down your figure.

If you don't like heels, don't panic. You can still wear flats. You just need to choose slim shoes.