Best Colors for Petite Wear
In the fashion world, one size does not fit all. If you are a petite woman who is under 5 foot 4 inches tall, then you know the unique challenges of finding something that fits just right. Petite women naturally have shorter arms and legs that require shorter inseams and sleeves. Dressing this body type also requires some strategy to elongate its figure. This is why there are special collections of clothing like women’s petite sweaters made with your specific body type in mind.
Petite clothing is tailored to your unique sleeve length and inseam needs as well as styling to make you look taller. Did you know that it's not just the cut and style but also your color choices that can also affect your overall look? Which colors are the best for elongating your figure? Here are some of the most effective colors that can make you look taller and create the most flattering silhouette for your petite frame.
Use Colors to Your Advantage
Not all petite people have the same fashion needs. Depending on your skin tone, one color might compliment you more than the other. For instance, if you have a darker skin tone, yellows and whites will look outstanding on you. On the other hand, lighter skin tones favor bold blues and emerald green. All petite people should wear bright colors to create more “space” with their outfits. Why? It’s the same visual illusion as with home decorations: Dark walls make a room look smaller while bright walls make a room look bigger.
Therefore, wearing clothing with bright colors can add some subtle length to your presence when you use them to extend the length of your legs, arms, and torso. When you know which bright colors look the best on you, then you can start to experiment with how to use them in the most effective ways. The key is to use these colors well is to make a continual line that elongates your figure. Here are some dos and don'ts regarding color usage in petite fashion.
Stick to One Color Grouping
When you wear bold and bright colors, make the most of them by creating an outfit from similar tones. For example, if you want to make your dominant color yellow, then mix it with ivory and cream to create a uniform hue that continues the similar color scheme. This makes a continual line that makes the body look taller. To make the line start at the highest point, wear something long like petite turtlenecks. This clothing will extend the color line from the top of your neck to the bottom of your outfit—whether it is a pair of light wash jeans or one of your petite midi skirts .
Petite V-neck tops are also strategic in how they create elongating lines down the body. This is an excellent option for warm days when a turtleneck isn’t going to be comfortable to wear. Since this top is highly versatile and can be used as a casual outfit essential or a layer for colder seasons, you can always have a few in your wardrobe without wondering if they will be put to use.
Use Your Upper Body
When you can draw the eye up, you can look taller. It’s easy to do this when you place a bright color in the top third of your body. This naturally compels someone to look at the top half of your outfit and face instead of your shoes or pants. To make this look the most effective, don’t wear petite cotton tops that contrast with your pants. This creates the illusion of cutting your body in half and makes you look shorter. For instance, if your hot pink blouse is standing out, don’t cancel it with a black pair of women’s petite skorts. Instead, continue the color line with something more compatible with your bold tops like a khaki skirt or light wash jean shorts.
Finalize the Outfit with Accessories and Shoes
When you have the right strategy, put on the finishing touches to make your outfit the most flattering for your body. Petite stylists recommend that you match the color of your shoes and handbag to “frame” your outfit. It doesn't matter what color you use for the accessories as long as you look and feel good in them. Jewelry can also add some extra glamor and definition to your frame. If you want to give yourself a height boost, high heels or mary janes can give you that subtle lift that you need to be an inch or so taller.
By wearing bright colors that match your skin tone, you can elongate your petite figure and look your very best with every outfit.