I am a firm believer of the motto that rules are meant to be broken-especially when it comes to fashion. I also don’t like to have my size, shape, or any other physical attributes dictate what I should or shouldn’t wear. I roll my eyes whenever I come across an article with the headline, “What You Should Wear For Your Body Type” or “5 Trends to Avoid If You Are [INSERT BODY TYPE HERE].”
Don’t get me wrong. I do believe there are styles and cuts that are generally universally flattering on certain body types. One of the reasons I started this blog was to help other petite women find them, but just because we are petite doesn’t mean we should have to rock an A-line dress everyday! It also doesn’t mean that we can’t wear other styles or trends that are harder to pull off.
If there was an official fashion rule book for petites, rules #1, #2, and #3 would probably be as follows:
- Rule #1: Avoid all-over prints or patterns
- Rule #2: Avoid large prints or patterns
- Rule #3: Avoid wide-leg pants
While these “fake” rules have some validity as to why they should be avoided – it doesn’t mean you have to! I’m here to prove you can break the rules and flatter your figure with prints and wide-leg pants! Let’s take a closer look.
Jumpsuit: Cotton Candy LA
This jumpsuit was actually my mom’s that she bought 4 years ago at a small boutique. I had been eyeing it in her closets for about 6 months before I inherited it. She’s a few inches taller than me, so I became the luckiest girl alive when she accidentally shrunk it 🙂
This jumpsuit breaks all the petite fashion rules. So am I able to pull it off?
The Belt
As I mentioned earlier, fake “Rule” #1 and #2 were conceived for a reason. It is true that large all-over prints and patterns can “overwhelm” a petite figure. However, one of the ways I am able to make this oversized paisley print jumpsuit work is by adding a belt. The belt serves two purposes. It helps break up the pattern. And, by strategically placing it high on my waste at its smallest point, I am able use the pattern in my favor and create an illusion of longer legs.
The High Neck Cut
Because this jumpsuit is a halter cut high at the neck, it gives additional length to the pattern. This helps to continue to draw the eye up and add length to my overall figure. The only areas of skin exposed are my arms and shoulders. Along with my waistline, these are the most slender areas of my body. By exposing them while the rest of my body is covered in print, I am divert the attention of the eye there.
The Fit and Length
A perfect fit is obviously ideal for any garment, but it is IMPERATIVE in order for me pull off an all-over print like this. Somehow this jumpsuit fits perfect (thanks again for accidentally shrinking it Mom!). If the fit was any bigger or baggier, it would look too wide, and overwhelm my frame. If it were any tighter, it would accentuate too much of my hips and throw off the proportions. The length of the pant legs falls just slightly above the floor, helping streamline the pattern and the elongation of the leg. If the cut was any shorter it would expose too much of my feet which would eliminate the lengthening effect.
So there you have it! If I can break the 3 cardinal rules of my body type – so can you! Don’t let silly rules or generalizations inhibit you from wearing styles or trends that you want to try. While it might not be easy to find garments that break the rules AND flatter – they do exist. You can also add in accessories to help draw your eyes to your most flattering features.
Bottom line. No girl should feel limited to fashion because of their body! Go out there, and be BOLD 🙂
PS: I scoured the Internet to see if I could find this same jumpsuit online anywhere. I couldn’t find it, but I included links to similar with the same cut that will also flatter petites with a similar frame as mine.
Jumpsuits
Billabong Still Here Floral Printed Overall Jumpsuit
Juniper Blu Floral Wide Leg Halter Jumpsuit
Juniper Blu Printed Wrap Front Split Leg Crepe Jumpsuit
Lulus Something to Behold Black Jumpsuit
