5 Style Rules Petite Women Should Follow – According To An Expert

Fashion brand found Jennifer Ison shares her advice.

Posted on

13 December 2018

All credits: PA

Standing at 5ft 1in inch tall and working in the corporate world, Jennifer Ison knew all too well how difficult it is for shorter women to find clothes on the high street that fit well.

In fact, so was so convinced of the gap in the market that she quit her high-flying law career in 2017 to set up womenswear brand Jennifer Anne, which specialises in clothing for those 5ft 3in and under.

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A post shared by Jennifer Ison (@jennifer_anne_petite) on Mar 6, 2018 at 9:43am PST

Confirming what Ison already knew, research commissioned by the label reveals that 63% of petite women in the UK feel their needs are not catered for by the fashion industry, in terms of range and proportions, making shopping a stressful experience.

“Too often the so-called small sizes don’t fit, the waist sits too low, the body is too long, the shoulders too wide,” she says. “Don’t even mention the sleeves or trouser lengths.”

Jennifer Ison, founder of Jennifer Anne (Jennifer Anne/PA)

But it doesn’t have to be that way, Ison insists. She believes that if you know where to shop and follow a few basic rules, you can achieve petite perfection. Here are her five key fashion tips for shorter ladies…

1. Follow The Rule of Thirds

“Follow the rule of thirds: Placing colour at the top third draws the eye up and makes you look taller.

“Choosing a V-neck instead of a polo neck can make a real difference, adding length to your upper body.”

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A post shared by Ella Catliff (@lapetiteanglaise) on Aug 28, 2018 at 9:59am PDT

2. Beware Baggy Clothes

“A tailored style is the real friend of petites – avoid baggy clothes as these can make you look heavier and shorter.

“If in doubt, tuck in. When you wear anything too long or baggy, you can look swamped in fabric, but if you tuck your top in, it lengthens your legs and draws attention to your waist.”

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A post shared by Kari | Lifestyle Blogger (@kari.montgomery) on Sep 14, 2018 at 5:15pm PDT

3. Make it Monochrome

“Go for monochrome dressing, this is a chic and sophisticated look and a great way to elongate your frame.

“You don’t have to avoid long styles. One stretch of fabric worn from head-to-toe can actually make you look taller, but think about wearing a belt to draw attention to your waist and avoid anything too floaty or fussy.”