My latest question is from a petite client, she asks the following:

This question “can petite people wear skinny jeans?” has me puzzled.  Can someone short and curvy like me pull off the skinny jean/pant look this fall? I’m seeing this style pant loads of places but recall you saying that a boot cut would be better to “balance my hipper curves.” Am I correct?

The quick answer is “yes”, a boot cut does balance curvier body line. But let’s take it from there.  Here are some quick tips to have you wearing those “skinnys” and still looking great.

1. Wear a longer top or layer the look (See photo)
2. Do not wear your top tucked in.  This will make you look more petite.
3. Wear some new stilettos or a shoe with a higher heel or event boots with pant tucked in .
4. Don’t forget to add some accessories at your neck to draw the eye upward.

The key to “breaking the rules” is to know how to work the rules.  As a petite person you are always trying to elongate your body and draw the eyes upward.  When you are doing something that may make you appear visually more petite you will need to focus on other techniques to balance that out and create more length.  In this case you are balancing your curvy hips with a longer top and elongating your legs with a higher heel, drawing the eye upward with something at your neckline.  Keep it simple and keep it balanced.

“Look good, feel great and have fun doing it!”

Want to copy this article?  You must copy the entire article including the following information.  Karen C. Hughes, AICI CIP Image Assets, email:  Karen@ImageAssets.net, on the web: www.ImageAssets.net

Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.

Posted by Karen Hughes on August 25th, 2009 in How To, Jeans, Petite