The Short Girl's Guide to (Seemingly) Unflattering Trends

As someone who falls under the petite category, I can relate to women who feel as though shopping trips are frequently disappointing, trends are generally impossible to mimic on an unnaturally small frame, and when it comes to shoes, comfort always comes second to height. It's exasperating when hems are consistently too long and the sales lady informs you that no, there is no petite section. So, what do you do? How do you survive in a world that favours a tall Naomi Campbell figure? Here are some trends you think you can't pull off, but actually, you can.

WIDE LEG PANTS

What you think:

They cut my legs in half. They make me look like I'm about 12 years old. I'm a torso on tree trunks.

The reality:

With a high-waisted cut and some wedges, this look can actually slim down the waistline and lengthen the body. Bonus? They're a major trend this season.

via glamourparis.com

THE MAXI DRESS

What you think: 

I look so short. I can never wear flats with this. I'm drowning.

The reality:

A body hugging maxi dress offers a slimming and lengthening effect on a shorter woman. It's easy to shorten if necessary and some of them even come in the right length for you. If you find one with double slits, even better.

via blglovin.com

THE MIDI SKIRT

What you think:

I look fat. I have no legs. Where are my legs?

The reality:

Worn with the right pair of heels, a midi skirt can be very flattering on a petite girl. Make sure to get one that's high-waisted and that falls right below the knee.

via fashionstylemag.com

CULOTTES

What you think:

I can never wear cropped pants, especially the wide kind. This isn't happening. My legs aren't happening.

The reality:

Once again, high-waisted is KEY. A mid-sized heel is better than no heel but if you're bold, feel free to go flat.

via whowhatwear.com

AN OVERSIZED COAT

What you think:

I will get eaten. This is enormous. Help me.

The reality:

If you get a knee-length version, you'll still achieve that long-legged look you crave. You'll also look like a (hot) munchkin.

via buro247.kz

OVER THE KNEE BOOTS

What you think:

I have no legs. And I look like a hooker.

The reality:

You're wrong. You have more leg than ever before and with a short skirt, it's a great alternative to tights.

via fashionbloggers.pe

Have I revolutionized your life? Which look will be wearing?

Ponder it,

Bella

Why Flatforms Are The Best Thing To Happen To America

Flaforms. 'Tis a cross between a flat and a platform shoe. Also known as the short girls' savior from all height woes that may befall her.

via tipsyvalqui.com

Dearest stilettos, I have suffered for way too long. Your pointy heel makes me feel as though I were walking on pins. The elegance I seek is shadowed by the idea that I am walking on stilts like a circus freak.

To the wedge, you remain a dear friend, but alas, I still feel the pain after six hours with you. Your efforts will not go unrecognized, but we can't spend too much time together as it inflicts suffering upon my feet.

Flatforms are like the tooth fairy, a guardian angel, and Cinderella's fairy godmother all wrapped into one. They elevate like no other shoe without putting your foot on an arch of any kind. Walking on flatforms is like walking on planks of wood purely to increase height. 

via tipsyvalqui.com

All my life, I have been searching long and hard for a pair of heels I could wear all day every day. It is the ultimate American (short girl) dream. While flats are one of the most unflattering shoes on the market (in my humble opinion), flatforms are playful and fun. They may not promise elegance in the same way a stiletto does, but they do scream fashion girl at the top of their lungs. And if you wear them with socks, others bow down at your boldness.

So, to the flatform, you have arrived in my life at the perfect time and I couldn't be more grateful. Let's hope our experience together is as wonderful as I expect.

Cheers,

Bella

Are Thigh High Boots Stripper Boots Or Totally Chic?

This is a question that has been plaguing my thoughts for the last three months as I noticed them emerge onto the fashion scene.

How do I feel about thigh high boots? Get ready for my own personal semi-relevant lo-down.

As a girl of petite proportions, I have been led (read: tricked) into believing that there are a number of trends I could never pull off. For one thing, midi skirts are NOT an option. Oversized clothing is reserved for oversized people and baggy pants should never even enter my lexicon. Over-the-knee boots have somehow fallen into that same category, leading me to question these limitations placed on people of my stature.

Is height our self-defining quality?
Are we not allowed to experiment out of fear it'll shrink us even further to the public eye?

All my life, I have been concerned about appearing even smaller than I already do. I've gone through certain lengths to ensure that I looked taller and the password to entry into the fashion industry, PROPORTIONATE.

What happens when you decide to take a risk? And what if you do it right? Dare I suggest that this is possible?

After noticing a number of short women I respect for their impeccable style including Miroslava Duma, The Olsen Twins, and Nicole Richie, in clothing I never thought possible for women of their height, I started to question everything I grew to understand.

Known for their oversized knitwear, the Olsens are defiant to established fashion rules for petite women and some may disagree with their fashion choices, but their success is undeniable.

via teenvogue.com

Nicole Richie wears that maxi dress like a badge and though she references her height restrictions on her show, Candidly Nicole, fashion does not seem to be one of them.

via imgbox.com

As for Mira Duma, she has been spotted in longer hemlines, oversized coats, and OVER-THE-KNEE boots. PS. I love her.

via www.instylemag.com.au

So, how can they possibly be hooker boots when they look gorgeous on one of the top muses of the industry?

Your answer? No, they are NOT hooker boots by any means. When worn with a chic coat or classy dress, they transform into the most stylish pair of shoes in your closet. Are you running to the stores yet?

Thought so.

XOXO,

Bella

Long Skirts Are The New Pants

2014 was the year of athleisure. In other words, everyone shook off their stilettos in exchange for a comfy sneaker, and gym pants became the new chic. For this reason, I have recently been craving femininity, a concept that has slipped away. To bring it back, I decided to take my first pre-New Year risk. I bought a midi skirt.

Yes, I am 5" tall. It is undeniable that I fall under the petite category and I could never have imagined myself in a midi skirt. But alas, I was fed up of wearing skinny jeans and unprepared for the mom jean trend that has invaded the fashion world. Baby steps led me to a full midi skirt (think Oscar de la Renta meets Raf Simons for Dior). I immediately fell in love and had to have it. As someone who has seen multiple short celebrities don the midi, including Miroslava Duma and Rachel Bilson, I knew it was in my future. It was only a matter of time before I decided to take the leap.

Now that I have finally taken that risk, I've decided to impart my own wisdom on short girls who share my fear of the leg cropping midi.

TIP 1:

Wear heels

This is a given. Even if you aren't a heels girl (which would blow my mind if you are in the short girl club), a small wedge would suffice. It will definitely solve your height problem. A nude heel would further elongate your legs and ensure that they don't look even smaller than they already are.

via streetfashionist.blogspot.com.es

TIP 2:

Make Sure It's High Waisted

A higher waisted bottom is a short girl's best friend. Embrace it, especially if you're opting for a midi skirt or wider leg jean. It's a great way to make your lower half look longer.

via fashforfashion.com

TIP 3:

Wear It With A Crop Top

Nothing elongates quite like a crop top. No matter what, this is a perfect illusion creator for short girls.

via shopzerouv.com

TIP 4:

OR Tuck It In

If you don't like crop tops because that sliver of skin is not too flattering, tuck in a cute blouse. It will have a similar elongating effect on you.

via hannahlouisef.com

TIP 5:

Do It Like Duma

This may not sound too concrete, but simply making the purchase is the first step. The rest will come afterwards.

via vanessajackman.blogspot.com

Convinced yet? Let's make it our new years resolution, shall we?

XOXO,

Bella