Dressing Well as a Petite

Dressing Well as a Petite

If you are petite, you know the struggle of pants and sleeves being too long, tops that slide off of your shoulders, dresses that overwhelm your frame, and clothing that makes you feel like you are about two-feet tall. I am here to tell you that there is hope and there are tips & tricks to make your life as a petite woman easier! Below are my top five pieces of fashion advice for petites.

My first piece of fashion advice for petite women is to wear a monochromatic look. By picking something in a singular color palette, you are not breaking up your body at a midpoint, it’s all one smooth line! Monochromatic looks will make you appear visually longer than you are and that’s the name of the game! As short gals, we rely on visual tricks to make our bodies look taller and monochromatic looks are a great way to achieve that.

My second and third hacks for petites are both shoe related. When picking out a shoes, the best shape option is a pointy toe. Why a pointy toe? Pointy toe shoes make your legs appear elongated and who doesn’t love a good pointy-toe? Pointy toes are some of my favorite shoes in my closet and it’s another visual trick that helps petite women appear taller.

My third hack is to go for a neutral colored shoe vs. a colored or black shoe. Neutral shoes reflect natural skin toes and by wearing a cream, tan, or beige colored shoe, you’ll blend your skin color with the shoe and create the illusion of height that we all want. Along those lines, ankle strapped shoes visually break up the ankle from the foot. If you are looking to maximize your height, a non ankle strap shoe is the most visually pleasing on petites.

Nude color bag and nude heels are great options for petite women.

My fourth hack is a simple one, less is more! Use a small purse or clutch and not a large purse when picking a bag. Having a big back makes petites look heavy and off balance. Instead opt for a mid to small bag and you’ll look more proportionate. It’s easy for smaller frames to get weighed down and being aware of accessory sizes is important.

My fifth and final piece of fashion advice for petite women is to opt for v-necks type shirts and blouses over scooped or round neck shirts. V-necks make your neck appear longer and draws the eye upward. With a round neck, petites appear to have a shorter torso and midsection.

These are by no means all the petite hacks that are out there! It’s also important to note that you can wear a round toe shoe or scoop neck top. I absolutely do! I don’t want my readers to think that I’m saying to avoid certain looks entirely, I want to emphasize that! These are merely some hacks that I’ve learned and they don’t have to be followed daily. BUT if you do have a big interview or important event, give these hacks a try and let me know what you think!

Below is a representation of these hacks at work! I am wearing a white colored blazer, white jeans, and white v-neck style cami. This look is paired with a nude colored heel that is both strapless and has a pointed toe. I finished this look off with a small, neutral colored bag.

The pieces that I am wearing are linked below with a few extra options included!

As always, email or comment below!

-xo

Darcy

Raise Your Pom Poms

Raise Your Pom Poms

This week I’m talking all about poms! Not the pom-poms cheerleader shake around after a team scores a touchdown, but the fashion-y poms that add a little extra pizzazz to an outfit. In the summertime, a pom-pom is the perfect addition to a beach sarong or a summer bag.

This LOFT Pom Pom Staw Crossbody Bag is currently on rotation in my closet. I love the gold chain and it 100% screams summer. There are two things that I love about this bag.

First off, I really like is that the gold chain is thick. To me, that’s the sign of a well made item. The bag isn’t flimsy and it wont fall off if I put it on the back of a chair on a patio. Similarly, the base of the bag is light and doesn’t weigh heavy across my shoulders.

Secondly, I like the bag size. I am all about using an over-sized bag if you are headed to the beach or going on a big outing, but during the summer months I don’t want to lug around everything under the sun in a large tote. The Pom bag is an ideal size. It comfortably fits a small glasses case (and an inhaler if you fall into the super nerd category like me), a key chain sized wallet, and some chap-stick or a small tube of makeup or sunscreen.

I paired the pom bag with the Steve Madden Travel Tan sandals and Raw Hem Crop Straight Leg Jeans from Top Shop. The sandals are super popular right now. I love them because they add some edge to an outfit with the studs on the band, they are definitely a statement shoe. The Top Shop jeans do fit a bit snug and it is recommended to size up. I love Top Shop for petite jeans because they are of a good quality, fit well, and are not overly priced.

For the top, I’m wearing a braided top from Ann Taylor in a light mint color. The top is from the spring collection so I am linking near identical styles below. I paired this look with a Round Buckle Belt from LOFT. What’s your go-to jean?! Tell me in the comments below or email me!

I am including all of my outfit grabs below!

FEATURED IN MY OUTFIT

Below I am linking my favorite pom finds plus the Pom Bag from LOFT. Everything listed is under $100.00. Bright, colorful, and oh so summery!

POM-POM MUST HAVES

-xo

Darcy

Dress to Impress

Dress to Impress

Lounge-wear is slowly being retired to its original place in the dresser drawer as the working world slowly begins to resume after months of quarantine. Looking for some great work attire to impress the colleagues you haven’t seen in months? I’ve got you covered with my top picks.

I also want to start off by letting you know that I am now on LiketoKnowit! If you are wanting to shop my looks, I will be creating a page for my outfits and recommendations, so stay tuned! In the meantime, you can go to visit my profile here and follow me on LiketoKnow.it.

Now back to the blogging! Flutter dresses are some of my work attire favorites! They are versatile, professional, and I can throw a cardigan over the top to create a great work outfit. This lemon colored dress is from last year’s collection from Ann Taylor and the I love it for summer work-wear. Ann Taylor is also a great stop for cardigans and the V-neck Short Sleeve Cardigan is a great piece to wear atop a work dress. The cardigan comes in Night Sky, Fresh Mandarin, and Sensational Sand.

Also from Ann Taylor, I recommend the Ankle Pant in Crosshatch in neutral. The light crosshatch pattern is so classic and clean. It also adds texture to an outfit and would look great with a bright colored top.

Along with the pants, I recommend the Cameron Slim Crop Pant from J. Crew. This pant comes in SO many colors ranging from a vintage Kelly Green, Heather Graphite, Deep Fuchsia, and I personally love the Subtle Pink. It’s just a touch pink and almost resembles a peach ivory.

Ann Taylor also has a fabulous Flutter Sleeve Shirt Dress that I am currently oow-ing and aw-ing over. It comes in gorgeous Electric Cherry and I love the slight cutouts in the sleeves. It also has a tie-waist and would be great with a nude heel like this Low Block-Heel Slingback Pump from Banana Republic. These heels come in Natural & Black, Snakeskin, and Navy & Black Leather.

Transition to pencil skirts (there’s nothing more classic than a pencil skirt), this Petite No. 2 Pencil Skirt in bi-stretch cotton from J. Crew is a must. If you are in work-wear all day, you want to be comfy! The stretch on this skirt means it is less restrictive and it doesn’t ride up as much as a tradition pencil skirt. It hits knee length where is right where you want it to hit. It comes in Bitter Lemon, Soft Fuchsia, Ivory and Navy. The Bitter Lemon is near identical to the color of my flutter dress if you’re looking for something bright and summery.

Finally, this Bi-Stretch Blazer from Banana Republic comes in White & Navy Stripe. Similar to the skirt, this blazer is designed with stretch in mind. It moves with you, which is great for long days in the office. It has a single button for waist enhancement and a notched lapel. I love the classic feel of the Navy Stripe and the light color is great for hot days where you have to dress for work, but don’t want to be in a heavy, dark colored blazer.

Email me or comment below with your thoughts, or let me know your thoughts about what I’m missing on my list!

-xo

Darcy

Boho Maxi Dresses

Boho Maxi Dresses

Flowy dresses with lots of movement are the best, especially in hot and heavy summer weather. I love dresses (that’s nothing new to anyone who has been reading my posts) and I would describe my style as feminine, leaning more towards classic looks. Bohemian style dresses are not something that I usually associate with my sense of style, but with the right dress, the sky is the limit. I am fully behind trying new styles and breaking into new trends, if it looks good. That’s how we grow and build our confidence. Clothing is a reflection of who you are and the way you dress mirrors how you feel about yourself. I’m here for the maxi dress and this is why.

This is the Shimmer Floral Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress and I LOVE IT. I was skeptical when I purchased it because the shimmer and ruffles do add a lot to the dress. It actually fits really well and doesn’t overwhelm my frame. It actually works because the bodice is fitted and the sleeves ruffles are drawing your upward and outward (it’s all about illusions). The shoulder ruffles are also smaller and that makes a big difference when dressing a smaller build. There are also some ruffles along the torso and they hug the body which makes the dress flattering.

Let’s also talk about fabric for little bit.

The other takeaway when looking at maxi dresses, and all clothing for that matter, is fabric. If you are petite, DON’T GO TOO HEAVY. Pick a lighter fabric like a linen, a silk (talking about silk midi skirts again), or polyester. A lot of women don’t look at fabrics and this is a huge no-no. Fabric content is important because fabrics can impact the way you look just as much as the style of dress. This AT dress is 98% polyester and there is a reason a lot of clothing like workout wear is polyester based. It’s breathable and wicks way better than cotton. Polyester is also considerably lighter than cotton and won’t look as heavy or dense on a petite frame. I really do love cotton, but if you’re looking to dress up, cotton just isn’t the best fabric to wear. You’ll also sweat less in polyester, big bonus! I paired my look with my Steve Madden Karolyn Sandals and opted for a small crown braid to pair with the boho style of this maxi dress.

The other maxi dresses that I recommend are this Petite Strappy Ruched Maxi Dress from Banana and the Eliza J Pleated Chiffon Maxi Dress. The Ruched Maxi is light and flowy with a spaghetti strap top. I love that it is ruched because it’s flattering to the tummy area and covers an area that a lot of women are self conscious about. It’s gorgeous in the White Floral, as well as in basic black. The Eliza J Dress is made of chiffon, so it goes back to the airy feel of summer dresses. It’s cinched at the waist with a gold belt for a little sparkle and structure. This dress has a halter style top which is flattering on petite frames and the floral pattern is perfect for summer days out and about.

Have a wonderful start to summer!

-xo

Darcy

White Summer Dresses

White Summer Dresses

I love all dresses. All styles. All the time. I love colorful dresses and patterns, but I’m also a big fan of a simple and clean looking dresses. There is something about a white dress in particular that captures the vibe of summertime. A white dress reminds me of watermelon, fireworks, and beaches. Here is my rundown of my favorite white dresses for summer 2020.

First off is this dress from Banana Republic! It is one of my favorite dresses I own. I wish it came it different colors because I would buy them all! I love it because it’s comfortable, but it’s also flattering on my frame. The Linen-Cotton Button-Front Mini Dress comes in regular, petite, and tall sizes. It has a slight ruffle cap sleeve (nothing too overpowering) and white buttoning down the chest. I paired it with espadrilles in black from LOFT and an Embroidered Wide Floppy Hat from Nordstrom Rack. The espadrilles are sold out, but I LOVE Viscata for espadrilles. They have the Canet Canvas Espadrille Wedges which are almost identical to mine. I’ve mention Viscata before, but I cannot get enough of them. They are elegant and can dress up any outfit.

A lot of women shy away from white dresses because they believe white is less flattering vs. black, or that they are concerned that they will become washed out by wearing white. Neither of these is true, you simple need to find the right dress with the right fit and you can always add pops of color later with shoes, jewelry, or a purse. White dresses can look great on all bodies, petite, tall, plus, and regular.

My next pick is a dress that’s more of a flowy option. If you’re looking for a more baby doll look, I recommend the Square Neck Flounce Dress from LOFT. It is extra flowy and would be great for a walk along the beach or a relaxed date night out. It also comes in Forever Navy, Electric Sun, and Shiny Coral.

My third selection is a super fun and trendy dress. If you’re on the hunt for something fun, look no further than French Connection’s Azana Ruffle V-Neck Midi Dress. The ruffle detailing on the shoulders adds femininity and flirtatiousness to the dress and the low neckline is offset by the the longer hemline. It is also comes in Red Ochre and Black. In the day, pair it with a colored sandal and to transform it at night, a platform or wedge would add a layer of sophistication.

When you’re looking for dresses, you can never go wrong with the Red Dress Boutique. There dresses are always reasonably priced and they have a huge selection of dresses that is updated daily. The downside to Red Dress is that because of their popularity, particularly in the summer, their dresses sellout quickly. If you’re someone who likes to keep items in your cart for more than a few hours, you’ll miss out on your selections. I am a big fan of eyelet dresses and the Summer Rays White Eyelet Dress is classic summer. The dress features a V-neck and short bell sleeves. The dress is slightly fitted through the hips and waist, but lends itself to a more relaxed vibe. The skirt is short and would look great with a platform sandal or a strappy ankle sandal.

Another eyelet option is Madewell’s Eyelet Tassel-Tie Mini Dress. It has a full sleeve and a keyhole front. It hits above the knee and has a tassel belt to cinch the waist. Out of all of my picks, this eyelet dress is the most conservative and traditional. That doesn’t mean it’s any less cute or trendy! I recommend pairing this dress with a ballet flat, a cat eye sunglasses, and a fun hair accessory such as a headband or a hair scarf.

I also really love a good maxi dress. The ASOS DESIGN Petite Exclusive strappy tiered maxi dress in white is a great option for a full length dress for petites. It has a v-neck with cami-straps and a scooped neck back. It has a tiered look and the cotton look makes it comfortable for a day dress. I suggest pairing it with a gladiator sandal or slip on sandal. Gold accessories would really elevate the simplicity of the dress, as would a pair of large frame sunglasses.

Please connect with me via email or through my Instagram! Have a great summer day beauties!

-xo

Darcy

The Colorful Blazer

The Colorful Blazer

I am a girl who loves a good blazer. Blazers are a rotating staple in my closet because they come in SO many cuts, colors, and fabric types. Blazers are like a good purse, they reflect your personality and you can wear them practically anywhere. I also love colorful blazers because they can enhance any outfit.

I just snagged the Ann Taylor The Hutton Blazer in Texture in Hot Pink Poppy. It hits me about about mid thigh in length and I can’t emphasize this enough. I LOVE this color. It is SO fun for spring. Leave the blacks behind and join me on the color train!

An alternative to the Hutton Blazer, ASOS has the ASOS DESIGN jersey wrap suit blazer-Purple retailing for $48.00. It comes in both petite and regular sizes and the soft lilac color is gorgeous! The tie is also perfect for cinching the waist and showing off your figure. Rock whatever curves you have, they are meant to be celebrated!

I paired the blazer with the Ann Taylor Draped Cami in white and the Ann Taylor The High Waist Ankle Pant. I have the ankle pant in a sateen fabric, but that finish was a winter style and they currently have the Ankle Pant in a classic Black color and Atlantic Navy in both regular and petite sizes. Ann Taylor Factory has a similar style with the Ann Taylor Petite Ankle Pants in both petite and regular on sale now for $71.99. I paired this look with mules similar to the Ann Taylor Geraldine Suede Loafer Slides.

My next look is the Ann Taylor The Hutton Blazer in Texture paired with a ribbed black tank-top and Whit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Raw Hem Skinny Jeans in petite. Whit & Wisdom is a great petite/curvy brand and I find that they fit my frame well without comprising on comfort. Dark wash jeans make a bright color blazer pop even more and I paired it with a black strappy heel from BCBG. This BCBG Cairo Suede Stiletto Mule is a must have to add a little edge to my outfits.

My last look is a black jogger pant paired with the Hot Poppy Pink Blazer, black ribbed tank, and animal print loafers. My joggers are from Gap and they are currently not in stock, but Anthropologie has the Sydney Waisted Joggers in two colors, Washed Black and Sky. They don’t have petite in stock in the black, but they do have the black in standard fit, as well as the Sky color in both petite and regular. My loafers are Steve Madden and although they aren’t new, they have the Steve Madden Feather Loafers in Black & Tan Cheetah at DSW. Most sizes are in stock for $91.00. I’ve also got to mention that DSW has one of the best reward programs. It’s free to sign up and I feel like I am always getting $10.00 to $20.00 rewards. The dollar to reward system is great and they let you combine your rewards with most any sale going on. I’ve bought shoes for $60.00 and with my rewards and discounts, I’ve paid $5.00. I would be happy to go into more detail if you would like to know more about what reward programs I’m using!

-xo

Darcy

Ann Taylor May Outfit of the Month

Halter dresses are super flattering and they look great on so many different body types. They offer more coverage if you have a fuller bust and it draws your eyes upward rather than downward (that is what we all want, right?) If you have a smaller bust and wider shoulders, your top looks more in proportion to your bottom half.

This flowy Ann Taylor Halter Tie Waist Flare Dress is a great way to show off your shoulders and arms while having more cover from your neckline to your below your knees. My motto is that if you expose one area on your body, compensate by going with a little more coverage somewhere else, ie., if you wear something short, go for a cap sleeve and not strapless on your top half, or if you wear a deep v-neck dress, have the dress hem be a little longer. The tie on this dress also flatters the waistline and it covers up any midsection area that you might want to mask. The shimmer of this dress also makes it perfect as a day outfit that can be transformed for a date night (we can dream of the days before quarantine.)

I also love a straw clutch. It screams warm weather and has me dreaming of a beach vacation. This Ann Taylor Woven Straw Clutch is the perfect size to carry a travel small sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses!

Add a pair of fun earrings like the Ann Taylor Metallic Geo Chandelier Earrings

And finally, add a pair of ankle strap sandals! The Ann Taylor Adley Suede Sandals in Spiced Chai adds the finishing touch to the dress and clutch. The gold inlay on the heel pulls in the gold accent on the clutch and it pairs well with the gold detailing on the earrings. I have mentioned this before, but I love gold details and think gold is a simple way to elevate an outfit to the next level.

A bonus is that the Ann Taylor Adley Suede Sandals also come in a black color with a silver block heel.

Happy May shopping!

-xo

Darcy

Soft and Cozy Lounge Wear

Soft and Cozy Lounge Wear

Who doesn’t love a sweater you can curl up in, or ultra-soft sweat pants? During my college years, I worked the register at Gap in what was then, Gap Body. I restocked panties, lounge wear, and fitted women for bras. I saw some wild and crazy things over the years, but I learned a lot about styles and fabrics.

It was here that I was introduced to modal. Modal is a fabric made from Beech trees that’s blended with cotton. It is SO soft and it has been one of my great loves for many, many years. Every year I buy at least one pair of modal joggers from Gap’s Pure Body Collection. Once you go modal, you won’t go back! You seriously wont be disappointed. Gap also sells T-shirts in modal, as well as bras, and panties. It looks like Gap is currently sold out on a lot of their lounge/sleep wear, but they do have modal leggings on sale for $30.00.

Lou & Grey Sweatpants from Loft are also one of my must haves. They are cute and comfy, need I say more? I purchased their Signature Softblend Sweatpants for $69.50 in Deep Lavender and they are seriously SO very soft. Lou & Grey is another brand that I always turn to for quality and comfort. I’m a fan of Banana Republic’s basic linen t-shirts because they are available in petite sizes and they are great for a casual day in or out. If I’m out running errands, I’ll add a ball cap. The hat featured in the photo was a purchase I made in Madrid a few years ago and it’s distressed look works well for creating a relaxed look. A similar hat is the Canvas Dad Cap by Hat Attack. It’s wide brim gives it a casual feel that screams weekend vibes.

These Athleta Studio Joggers are great because they are a relaxed fit (we doesn’t like a good Aladdin pant?) and they are a great lounge pant to wear on the weekend or after a long day in a skirt and heels. They retail for $79.00. I’ve seen a lot of women use them while pregnant and as a postpartum pant. Pair them with a slider sandal, some oversized sunglasses, and you have a cute outfit made for brunching on a patio. Below, I paired the joggers with an oversized hooded sherpa sweater in white and the sweater makes the outfit oh so cozy!

Curl up with a book, work on a puzzle, or binge a good TV series (what are you watching during the pandemic? I am rewatching Downtown Abbey from the beginning – I still love sweet Matthew all these years later). Lounge in style and reach out with your questions & comments!

-xo

Darcy

Gingham galore!

Gingham galore!

Gingham is in and I don’t know about you, but I’m loving it! It’s classy, fun, and always timeless. You can wear it on a shoe, a scarf, dresses, and hair accessories. Here are a few of my favorite gingham picks that I’ve found recently.

This dress from Ann Taylor is officially back in stock!

BUT an equally cute option is the Ann Taylor Gingham Overlay Pleated Flare Dress.

It has a subtle gingham pattern and the pleated front gives it a classic look. If you’re looking to be a bit more bold, they also carry the Ann Taylor Petite Gingham Midi Dress in bright purple verbena.

It comes to mid calf and both are available in petite and regular sizes. Both dresses are light and will be great for warm weather! If you’re digging the buttoned look on the front of my dress, check out the Ann Taylor Petite Cotton Linen Button Flare Dress in bright orange vermillion kiss. It is not gingham, but it’s a similar style with a v-neck front and short sleeve.

The dress has a relaxed feel with a button down front and a belted waist. It has a v-neck front and capped sleeves. It’s light for the warmer months and hits me about at knee level. I give it an 8/10 for comfort. I paired it with a top knot headband in black and strapped espadrille wedges from Loft (also – peep my parent’s front porch in the second image). The height is not too tall, making it great for everyday wear. Viscata has a similar pair in their Canet Linen Espadrille. Viscata is a Madrid based shoes company that is a favorite of Kate Middleton and I love the timelessness look of their espadrilles. Madewell has a similar dress to the Ann Taylor in the Gingham Tie-Front Swing Dress. Madewell also has a selection of gingham shorts and I am currently putting in an order for their Linen Pleated Shorts in the melange check earthen sand. Perfect for summer time weather!

I also recently purchased a Gingham headband from Ann Taylor and it is no longer in stock, but a great substitute is from Alice and Wonder for $18.00. Top knot headbands are great because you can create a super flirty and fun outfit, or you can add it to a basic t-shirt and jeans for a pop of fashion. Don’t be afraid to wear a pattern! A pattern doesn’t have to be loud or bold, a pattern like gingham is simple and can be worn in a variety of ways. As always, reach out to me with your questions or comments.

xo-

Darcy

Cool Culottes

Cool Culottes

Let’s talk about denim! Wide leg jeans are in and there are so many ways you can wear them.

I love a good wide leg jean. They are flattering for petite gals over skinny jeans because they give the illusion of length, which is excellent if you have a smaller frame. I’m happy to see that they’re making a come back! Culottes immediately spark a 1970’s vibe and I love mixing retro fashion with modern.

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pair of denim culottes and I found this pair of high rise culottes from Gap and they are seriously SO comfortable. They normally retail for $80.00 and are currently on sale for $32.00. What a steal! If you’re looking for a more distressed look, Banana Republic has a pair that retails for $98.00 and is on sale for $39.00. Wide leg cropped pants are also versatile and can be worn in an infinite number of ways. I added a pair of Gola Tennis Sneakers from J. Crew. The denim jacket is also a Gap find from many years ago and investing in a jean jacket should be a staple of every wardrobe. Pair it with a Basic T Shirt and bam, you have a go to outfit that is both basic and timeless.

You can also pair a wide leg crop pant with a Bootie (I love a cognac color) and a tie top. This outfit is great for spring in Colorado because it’s not too heavy and is perfect for weather is the high 50s or low 60s. Tie tops can run big and even though I’m traditionally a small, I usually go for an extra small with tie front tops. Madewell has a white tie front shirt that retails for 79.50 and is currently 40% off.

Wide leg pants also look great with a collared shirt or a blazer. The Essential Shirt at Ann Taylor comes in both regular and petite. It comes in a variety of colors and the shirt featured in the photo was a gingham version from Ann Taylor’s winter collection. The mules are Steve Madden mules in a faux leather. A similar style is this Saddle Colored Mule by Matisse Camelot at Nordstrom. If you want to create a dressier look, I added the corduroy Parke blazer from J. Crew and an animal print flat for a pop of pattern. It looks like the corduroy blazer fabric is sold out, but they still have the Parke Blazer in linen in a variety of colors.

Stay classy, stay vintage, stay cool.

-xo

Darcy