For those ladies (like myself) who are vertically challenged or petite finding the right clothes can be a bit of  a challenge. First there is the issue of finding the right size, whilst you may be a size 10 or 12, the lengths are much too long. Even if you manage to find something that is not too long or you are an excellent seamstress and take up the hem, it will no doubt be wrong in other ways like the waist is too low of the body too long. Even worse many clothes that are in fashion are just not made to flatter short people and drown them making them look even shorter.

For all of these reasons, I tend to buy my clothes from petite ranges where possible. The sizes are usually just right, the shoulders not too wide and the waistline sits in the right place. The clothes are also all designed with short people in mind so tend to have smaller patterns, be fairly fitted and be fairly simple styles. Whilst black dresses may sound a bit boring, they are great for the lengthening the body and can be accessorised in so many different ways. Try lots of beads, bangles, colourful handbags and shoes.

Petite sleeveless curve sleeve petite dress

Petite knee length dart dress

Petite Shift Dress

As you get older (I am not that old, but everything is relative) you start to work out which clothes suit you and which do not. You learn to follow fashions very selectively and pick out the bits that you love and make you feel great and forget the rest. As  a petite (5ft 2), I have to choose my clothes carefully and it is not difficult to get proportions all wrong and look completely ridiculous in clothes that  don’t do you any favours.

Generally I opt for fairly fitted clothes that skim over any of the lumps or bumps that I would prefer to hide. I have come to love a few items of clothing that no matter what the fashions of the season, always look good.

Miso printed cardi knit

The short fitted cropped cardigan is a firm favourite of mine. It goes with just about everything from jeans and T shirt to shift dress. This style of cardigan makes me feel feminine and ladylike.

Petite printed twist front dress

There is something about a wrap style dress that emphasises the waist and flatters the figure. I don’t know how, but this style of dress originally designed by Diane Von Furstenburg can literally work miracles.

As I am less than 5ft 2 tall, I have to think quite carefully about what I wear. I like to wear the latest trends but have to pick and choose carefully to make sure that they suit and flatter me. I also have a problem finding clothes to fit with trousers always being too long and the waist on dresses often falling in the wrong place.

I have thought carefully about the many fashions and trends for autumn and winter 08 and here are some of the items and styles that are great for petites as well as those things to watch out for that will not look so great.

Tartan - This one can be a difficult one for petites to carry off without appearing swamped. A shortish skirt with a plain top may work well. Tartan accessories are also a great way to wear this trend without overdoing it.

Gothic - this is a great trend for petites. Head to toe black will lengthen your body and those delicate details like lace and Victorian style jewellery will definitely be in proportion to your size. Add interest to an all black outfit by varying the textures.

Grunge - Again trend can work really well for petites. Try layering thin tops in similar neutral colours like grey. A beanie hat will give you some extra height. Slouchy trousers are lovely but don’t wear them too wide fitted as they will make you appear too short and wide.

Folk - this trend is great, just don’t go too overboard with smock tops and dresses. Look for fairly fitted dresses in rich autumnal colours with small prints. Team with black opaque tights and black shoes with a chunky heel to engthen the legs. A long scarf will also help to lengthen the body.

Structural - the key to wearing this trend if you are a petite is to keep it in proportion. Massive collars will look silly on you, however shoulders with a little height will make you look slightly taller. If you do have a bit of volume on the top half, remember to balance with close fitting trousers.

 Military - The military style is great for petites as the fitted cut does not swamp them. Avoid double breasted coats and jackets as these will make you appear wider and not taller.

This D&G lace shirt is the perfect style for petites, neat and delicate.