Petite Summer Dresses

Nothing feels more summary and flirty than petite summer dresses, and petite, regardless of dress size, is defined as anyone under 5’4".

Ask any petite woman and she’ll probably tell you that she’d happily gain two pounds if it meant gaining two inches in height! However, there is a way to incorporate some fashion tips, those that are specifically geared towards petite women, when buying petite summer dresses. Consider the following:

Most women know that black is incredibly slimming, but it feels downright macabre during those warm summer months when the air is soft and stars are twinkling. When it comes to petite summer dresses, ditch the black and opt for a dress in a solid, but soft color, like light rose, sunny yellow, or pastel blue.

While it’s perfectly fine for the dress to have a feminine touch of some sort - for example, dainty flowers or ruffles - you’ll want something that’s done in one shade. The purpose of this is that it will provide one long line for the eye to follow, which, in turn, helps you look long and lithe.

There’s nothing wrong with stripes, particularly those that are vertical (think pinstripes), but stay away from those that are horizontal in nature as this spells sure fashion disaster for the petite frame. All a horizontal stripe will do for you is cut the body in half. The end result is a slightly chunky finish; definitely not the look most woman are after.

An even more flattering stripe than the classic vertical ones are those that are shaped in a V. Choose the direction of the V (either like this -V- or going in the opposite direction) depending on your body’s best features.

For example, if you want to draw attention away from the bust area, but have amazing legs, opt for the V shape. This points the eye downward. On the other hand, if you’d like to draw attention away from your bottom or waist, and point the eye up towards your slender neck and collar bone, choose a V in the opposite direction.

Showing some skin is not only ideal during the warmer months, but it can also help you look slimmer. The key is not to wear a petite summer dress that’s tight. This is the worst thing you can do because not only will you look as if you’ve squeezed yourself into a dress, but you run the risk of attracting unflattering attention.

This is not to say that you can’t show off your curves! Do show them off by choosing a fabric that hugs the body (like a jersey fabric) or one that gently skims the body (like cotton, or a nylon blend). The end is result is one that is both fit and flattering.

When it comes to shopping for petite summer dresses, look for stores that have a petite section, and no matter the temptation to stray, shop there. Failing to do so means having to spend money for alterations, or if not, simply wearing the dress, gaping arm holes, loose necklines, and all! There are several reputable sites one can safely visit for petite fashions, including:

• Chadwick’s: Chadwick’s has a complete petite section that covers everything from jackets to pants to blazers, but they also have an excellent dress section. Make the most of this section by steering clear of heavy fabrics and/or unflattering colors.

• Ann Taylor: The prices at Ann Taylor are bit more expensive, but their petite dresses are fantastically stylish and timeless.

What you’ll really love about these dresses is that they were designed specifically with the petite woman in mind. You’ll find dresses in unusual but flattering shades (like electric orange), along with more classic colors like red and black.

• Banana Republic: Another site you’ll want to visit is Banana Republic. The looks here are chic, from flattering and very feminine. Again, the prices are a bit higher, but the quality is excellent.

It may seem as if the fashion world thinks we’re all 5’11" and a size 2, but if you know where to shop and keep fashion tips in mind, like color, cut and form, then you’ll be able to make flattering wardrobe decisions. In fact, you may end up looking so good you’ll finally be able to let go of "height" envy!

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