(Me - in Gianvito Rossi sandals, Philip Lim skirt and a Tibi top)
Earlier this week I started looking at some “fashion rules” for short girls. As I said I feel I have a little authority here, as I am 5’2”.Here are my next five rules, and whilst I am coming from a vertically challenged perspective I do feel these five points could be relevant whatever your height.
So here goes:
The shape of your clothes. Beware of clothes that are too oversized or shapeless. Add a belt to create a more flattering shape, or tuck a particularly draped blouse in. There is nearly always a ”get around” to make something work for you.
(A old fave - my burgundy drapey Pyrus shirt)
2. Experiment with coordinating and clashing. I often read us short girls are better off wearing block colours or monochrome. Sometimes one colour head to toe or a black and white outfit look wonderful. But there are so many beautiful things out there to try. For me, fashion is all about enjoying what I am wearing and showing you my personality and how I am feeling on any given day. Some days I definitely feel more subdued and some days I feel “WAAAAHHHHHHH”!! So experiment - this season more than ever the clashing of patterns and colours is everywhere. And even you feel you make a mistake - it is only fashion…so have fun with it…
(A few faves from my wardrobe - A Peter Pilotto dress, Philip Lim top, Zara beige camisole...)
3. Dress for yourself. This might be a little contradictory given the subject of this post - because I am saying don’t follow someone else’s rules - but we all need to know the rules so we can choose which to follow and which to ignore. Knowing what you like to wear and what suits you is what it is all about. Ultimately, I believe the right fashion choices can boost your confidence - and confidence is a beautiful thing.
4. Less is more. There is a famous Coco Chanel quote, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” This is a great one for anyone really but especially us short girls. You don’t want to look “overdone” in your choice of outfit or accessories. Less is definitely more. For instance, personally, if I wear long earrings, I never wear a necklace. I never have an arm full of bracelets or rings on every finger. If my dress is simple, I can go a little crazier with my shoes or vice versa. I adore getting ready to go out whether I am working, meeting friends or going somewhere special but I also leave five minutes to give myself an impartial look over, and if I’m feeling brave - I ask my 19 year old daughter – she will never sugar coat what she thinks and I am actually very grateful for that!
5. Don’t forget your hair. This follows on from my previous point. And anyone who knows me knows I feel strongly about my hair – looking after it, and making it work for me. Your hair is a pretty pivotal accessory. If as a short girl you decide to wear something “full on” – go simple with your hair. My default is to leave my hair down - which is fine but it can look too big at times, in which case I just tie it up in a ponytail or chignon. Again, less is more.
(Me - freshly washed hair)
So there you have it, my “Fashion Rules” for short girls. Let me know what you think – and what your rules are, if any x