(Me in an old (vintage!) Oscar De La Renta printed dress)
A couple of weeks ago I asked whether you have a set of fashion rules you follow, and I touched on some “well known rules” for short girls – I feel I have some valuable input here as I am 5’2”!As I have gleaned many of us have “ fashion rules” even if your rule is you don’t really care about fashion and your clothes are functional and practical.
Rightly or wrongly, I am not that kind of girl… comfort is of course important but practicality is never high on my list. My fashion philosophy is more “If I love it, I’ll make it work...”Anyway I thought I’d look at some “short girl” rules in a little more detail:
Heels. A short girl’s fashion must. Adding inches to your height makes most outfits look better and if you are anything like me – my posture improves in heels. Having decided this is a “good” rule – it would follow that short girls shouldn’t wear flats. But ultimately shoe choice, in my opinion, comes down to – what you walk well in, and what you feel comfortable and confident in.
Ankle straps. Sandals and shoes with ankle straps are apparently a fashion no-no for short girls but I don’t agree. As with any rule (or let’s say “guideline”, as not sure fashion actually needs rules) I feel we need to find what works for us. I take the point that ankle straps can shorten the line of your leg but you have to work with your own body’s proportions and personally I love an ankle strap. Play with the length of your dress or trousers to find the right balance. And if you are not great at walking in heels - ankle straps can give you more support.
(Christian Louboutin sandals)
3. Prints. This is a case-by-case subject. Smaller prints with fewer colour ways definitely work. I think prints that are too big, garish and busy do not work for short girls. However big prints can work if you take the fabric into consideration – for instance big prints on chiffon/translucent fabrics can work really well. I feel personality plays a big part in this rule. Some people whatever their height can pull off prints and some just can’t.
(Topshop Unique's Elystan blouse)
4. Hemlines. So the general rule here is shorter girls should wear shorter hemlines. Whilst this is logical and I am often in miniskirts or shorts - it is not always appropriate. Also, body shape and even age (!) comes into it. Ten years ago my shorts were really short - now they are more mid thigh…(something my 17 year old son is very grateful for!). As for midi lengths – I touched upon this in my post, “Do you have a list of fashion rules you follow?” - you never want to be drowned in a outfit, so if a dress is nipped in at your waist, the material is not too voluminous and the hem cuts your calf in the right place – you’re onto a winner. As for maxis – I would only wear something floor length if I were going to a ball and for me, the longer the better. I actually like a pool of fabric on the floor so I have to pick up my skirt as I walk. Fabric is pivotal for this hemline – think skimming rather than swamping…
(My fave Self Portrait dress - I know I have used this pic before - but it is the best example of a midi dress I have!)
5. Underwear. All I would say here is choose wisely. Above all you need to feel good and your underwear is the foundation to any outfit. Do you like “shapewear”? If you do, that’s great, I personally don’t; guard against a VPL at all costs (this is my pet hate); and if need be, don’t be shy about going without - no one needs to know you’re not wearing any underwear! I don’t remember thinking about underwear options when I was younger but as I get older and after having children I find the right underwear or lack of can make an outfit.
Ok there you have it, Part 1 of 5 Short Girl “Fashion Rules”… a few things us shorter girls could consider…what do you think? Feedback gratefully received... Part 2 later this week x
