“Simply pair your favorite wrap or shift dress with red or pink shoes,” suggested Christa Jean of petitefashionista.com in an email. “Look for something in your closet or in store that has soft lines, like a flowy hem or a ruffle detail. Ditch super sleek hairstyles and opt for a soft blow out with volume and bounce.”
Petite Dresses: A Perfect Valentine Choice
Petite dresses that are fitted and end above the knee, such as shift, wrap or A-line dresses, are very flattering, advised Christa Jean. Mini-skirts that sit on a woman’s natural waist are also a good fashion choice when deciding what to wear. “This is also a flattering look because it elongates the look of your legs and accentuates the smallest part of almost every woman - your natural waist!” said Christa Jean.
To elongate legs even more, Christa Jean said the right footwear choice is important. “My favorite bit of fashion advice for "legs for days" is to match your footwear to your legs. For example if you're bare legged choose a pair that flatters your skin tone (gold, bronze, nude, tan, etc.). If your legs are wearing tights or opaque tights, choose a color of footwear that matches.”
Petite Clothing and Colors on Valentine’s Day
“If I were to dream up my perfect outfit this coming Valentines Day for myself,” said Christa Jean, “it would be a soft pink cashmere wrap dress with ruffle trim, paired with cable knit warm tights and over the knee boots and a long delicate gold chain with a locket with my boyfriend's picture inside. This outfit would be flattering on every petite body shape, soft to the touch and comfortable enough to wear all day and into the evening.”
Beyond traditional pink or red though, Christa Jean said petites should consider another color when deciding what to wear. “An amazing color that looks great on most skin tones is magenta. It's the perfect combination of warm and cool and it’s perfect for Valentine's Day!”
The Rule of Balance and What to Avoid in Petite Clothing
If petite dresses aren’t feasible for Valentine’s Day, there are four rules a petite woman should follow to create a balanced look, said Christa Jean.
- If wearing super tight pants, choose a flowy top.
- If wearing a fitted revealing top, choose wider leg pants or a flowy skirt.
- If wearing a mini, be more modest on top.
- If wearing a super low cut top, cover up your legs.
There are few things that I'll say that you should avoid,” said Christa Jean, “as I like to promote finding your own personal style. But, here are a few things that you can hold me to that I know I'll NEVER wear and recommend every other petite fashionista also take note."
- Capri Pants with flats
- Square toed clunky shoes
- Ankle boots with bare legs (unless wearing a micro mini - think Nicole Richie)
What to Wear on Valentine’s Day – Be Subtle or Bold, but Have Fun
Whether she is heading for a romantic dinner or a cocktail party, the petite woman should have fun deciding what to wear on Valentine’s Day, said Christa Jean. “Subtle hints of the holiday are always more classier then the over the top ones, but have fun with the holiday -- whether it’s dainty gold hearts or a full on pink and red ensemble.”
“Try adding something festive to your outfit no matter how you plan on spending your Valentine's Day,” added Christa Jean. “Find a flattering piece that you can wear throughout the year. Wear a dress today, whether it's a casual night in or a decadent night out.”
Rita Marshall - I'm a freelance writer in southwestern Ontario. Through my company, Longbow Business Solutions, I provide professional writing for small ...
Join the Conversation