Help, I’m short and busty and need some clothing stylist advice

Helmut Lang Belted Wool Cardigan Charcoal Petite A long and drapey open cardigan is gathered with a suede tie belt that subtly defines the shape.

How to make this reader embrace her curvy petite figure with grace and style. Now doesn’t that sound better than short and busty?

Q:Dear Sharon:  I am 20 years old and 5’1″ with slim legs, hips, and stomach. However, I  have an inverted triangle body type with strong shoulders and a 34DD bust!  My boyfriend recently told me I have a beautiful body and I shouldn’t use my clothes to hide it.

The problem is, I have a hard time finding clothes that don’t make me look stout. Do you have any tips on how I could dress to elongate my body and flatter my chest? I’m tired of dressing dowdy. Thank you so much! (C.K. via Fashion Advice)

>>MORE: Petite Fashion Tips

A:

 First of all, thee is no reason why anyone should drown themselves in clothes to hide their shape. Clothes are meant to enhance what we have and distract from what we don’t love as much.

If you look at many actresses, you will notice that they are on the petite side and go to great lengths (ah hem) to have a large bust. What you have is a classic starlet figure!

Now, that doesn’t mean that you should be running around with your girls hanging out for attention. Nor, should you bury your short and busty figure in clothes that make you look stout, or dumpy. From here on, let’s call you petite… that sounds more positive.

When you have broad shoulders and are busty, wearing anything more constructed, like a double-breasted jacket worn closed, will make you appear bulky. And, wearing anything too clingy will look vulgar. The happy medium comes in clothing that glides over your body rather than cling to it and is drapey.

Add asymmetrical cuts to the mix and you won’t visually cut off your frame- plus, they always look young and edgy.

Always stick to a tonal or monochromatic palette to create the illusion of height. Check out my video on how to dress to look taller for more.

Since you have slim legs, wear shorter skirts to spotlight your legs and distract from your chest.  Keep in  mind, that you want to spotlight ONE focal point on your body at a time, so if it is the legs, keep your top more covered for a refined look. When it comes to pants, skinny cuts and heels with elongate your frame, like at the photo at the top.

SHOP looks that are drapey and asymmetrical like these (hint, hint: Helmut Lang now has a petite line):

 

JUST ASK: Do you need some quick stylist help to amp up your style?  Email us for Fashion Advice.

 

Featured Image: Helmut Lang Drapey Cardigan- Petite

If you need style motivation– my best seller book StyleWord: Fashion Quotes For Real Style is available on Amazon.

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