Summer 2008 > Style >
Tips on Choosing a Petite Formal Gown
As a petite, it's often difficult to find evening & formal wear that suits your figure. We've come up with a few tips to help you make the most of your formal dress shopping this year to help make the choosing a snap!
- Find a dress to complement the petite such as an empire, sheath or a-line gown
- A dress with a slit can make your legs appear longer
- You can look much taller by wearing a dress with a short hemline
- A-line and empire styles to take emphasis off your waistline if you are short-waisted
- Look at styles with clean lines and that don't have a lot of excess fabric
- A sizzling pair of stilettos will add height
- If you are an hourglass-shaped petite, onsider strapless or halter top dresses, those with sashes and cinched waists.
- If you have a boyish figure, you'll want to try avoiding body hugging dresses that might emphasize your squarer figure. Try an A-line dress that is slightly fitted which will help add volume and curves. Open shoulders are a good option. Consider a dress with a flared skirt.
- For rounder figured petites, there are many flattering dresses. Consider ones with a drop waist and low neckline. A low neckline helps enhance the bust and the drop waist lengthens your torso. An empire cut dress is also flattering because it lengthens the body and figure overall. You might try pairing this with a slightly flared skirt.
- Pear-shaped petites: A-line dresses that are straight cut and empire waists are good selections for this body shape, because they lengthen the legs and torso, giving the appearance of balance and height.