Shopping for petite sized clothes is a major problem. Some of the common statements made during this process are – trousers ado not fit at the fork, the waist is too large, jackets are not available, check the children’s section. People wrongly think that petite sizing needs will be met just by putting on an extra small size. But a petite person has a small bone structure, but a woman’s body. It is very frustrating then to be directed to the smaller – read ‘children’s’ - sizes when the correct garment is non-existent. However, luckily, in India, there are tailors who can custom make a garment to petite proportions. But what to get made? What are the colors, shapes and proportions which suit a petite person?

1. Color and prints

• Wear single columns of color. They increase height and prevent the visual cutting up of the body shape into distorted color groups.
• Wear small prints as per as possible, and large prints only on the shoulder and chest – to lengthen the shoulder and bust line.
• Horizontal stripes make petites taller. Vertical stripes can also enhance elongation when teamed with a cardigan or jacket.
• Stay away from neons, blocks of color and an overplay of ‘sheer’ mixes.

2. Necklines, shoulders and tops

• A regular shoulder for petites is 33.75 cm. Stay with a good fit to enhance the shoulder line even 2.5 cm over the exact shoulder can make a petite look like she is wearing an oversized garment.
• The armhole should fit snugly.
• Wear tops that are short and elongate the torso. Revealing a bit of midriff works well to lengthen the body. Teamed with low waist hipsters, cropped fitted tops are ideal for petites.
• Navel revealing styles, besides making one look taller, also make a small chest look visually larger.
• Low necked waistcoats over fitted tops enhance the silhouette.
• Necklines that work: Boat, sweethearts, halters and Chinese collars worn open. Also favorable are square necks for tiny shoulders and lightly draped cowls for small busts.
• Necklines to avoid: Vee necks for thin necks, Puritan collars and funnel collars. Also, ruff collars and Mandarin collars worn closed. No ties and no jabot scarves.
• Always define the shoulders. Leave them bare. Cutaway sleeveless styles and wide scooped necks enhance the shoulder line.
• Tiny fitted sleeves work better than puffed styles that ‘drown’ the wearer.

3. Jackets, skirts and trousers

• Cardigans and twin sets look great.
• Avoid short fitted bolero styles and jackets that have Dolman sleeves.
• Skirts that skim the knees do not work on petites. Keep them either 15 cm above the knees or ankle length; both lengths elongate the body.
• Cut skirts as close to the body as possible and avoid flared styles.
• Trousers, too, should be closely fitting.
• Slightly stretchy fabric is preferable – ‘shape’ is of vital necessity for petites.
• Stirrup pants and semi-fitted hipsters get the green signal. So do low-waist Bermudas and culottes in soft fabrics.
• If you have a large waist, most trousers are fine, except jumpsuits and flared shorts.
• Gathered skirts are taboo. Paralleled, gored and wraparound skirts are great.
• Sarong skirts are flattering on petites.

4. Ethnic Wear

• Wear ‘kurtas’ fitted till the waist or lower bust.
• As far as possible, maintain a waist shape. Avoid oversized flared styles.
• Keep ‘dupattas’ long and narrow.
• ‘Ghagra-choli’ sets are good to show off the body shape just keep the ‘choli’ close fitting and the ‘dupatta’ sheer.
• Saris make petites taller. Ensure that the ‘cholis’ are short and the saris worn low waist. For evenings, wear backless and shoulder-revealing ‘choli’ styles.
• Chiffon and georgette saris look best.
• Borders should be narrow and ‘pallavs’ simple, not over designed.

5. Accessories

• Tiny earrings work. Avoid over sized earrings except thin hoops.
• Slim petites can carry off chunky jewelry.
• Avoid bulky bags they visually weigh one down.
• ‘Bindis’ should be small or vertical.
• Wear the highest heels possible, but keep them the same color as the trousers, skirt or dress.
• Strapped heels give the illusion of a longer leg even if the shoes are platforms.
• Avoid patent leather shoes.
• Slim line shoes with a neat finish are best to elongate the foot.
• Wear sunglasses that are not too large, but that flatter the eyebrow line.
• Try make up that is luminous or glowing. The trick is to project the face and shoulders. A light dusting of sparkle for the evenings can accent the shoulders.
• Best hair on petites: Short with more volume at the crown and thin at the nape. Or opt for straight hair, up to the waist.