PETITE FASHION GUIDELINE FOR GREAT FITTING JEANS

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COOL JEAN LOOKS

ARTICLE INSPIRED BY FOX 23 NEWS REPORTER SHARON PHILLIPS

By Ann Lauren: You can count on Bella Petite to give their readers what they ask for!  Direct quote from Sharon Phillips to Ann on Twitter, “I would love to see a story about jeans for people with smaller waists. (None of us want that “mom look” when our jeans fit bad.”  I assured Ms. Phillips that we would get on it and provide the 411.

If you’re 5’5″ tall and under, petite fit or full figured, chances are you’ve experienced the anxiety ridden daunting task of shopping for ready-to-wear clothing.  Not so funny.  We all understand ready-to-wear doesn’t exist in the petite world.  Let’s start with a basic wardrobe essential: a great pair of jeans.  My favorite pair of jeans came to me like a Cinderella tale…

ANN LAUREN'S PICK MAX STUDIO

Shopping day in Newport Beach with gal pals and we made our way into a designer boutique.  The owner came over to me with a pair of jeans and exclaimed, “you must try these on, darling.”  I did, and they were a perfect fit.  That never happens to me!  The store owner told me he was “overjoyed” to finally meet “the girl that could fit the petite, size 2 jeans,” so he gave them to me as a gift.  Sweet!!!  Now I do not ever want to wear another jean… and we lived happily ever after!  The designer of the “chosen ones” is Max Studio.  What a great petite true fit!  NO ALTERATIONS NEEDED!

BASIC GUIDELINE TO A GREAT FIT IN YOUR JEAN

HOT JEAN STYLES

There are hundreds of styles, cuts and brands of jeans. It’s an overwhelming task for many of us petite ladies to find the “right” pair of jeans, so here’s a basic guide to getting the right fit in your jean.  The first key is the inseam.  Most petites require a 29″ inseam, not the average 33″-34″ inseam.  The right inseam will help avoid the always dreaded “mom look.”

PETITES WITH HIPS

STRAIGHT LEG

Petite women with larger hips should opt for trouser and straight leg cuts.  Avoid the extreme flare styles and baggy jeans.  Also, say no to slim cuts, as they aren’t cut well to accommodate larger frames.  You don’t want to look  like you are wearing miniature leggings.  My suggested brand picks:   Levi’s 515 straight cut, Right Fit Jeans, Joe’s Jeans, Lucky, Tahari, and David Kahn.  Citizens of Humanity is another popular line that offers many attractive styles.  All of these brands come in an optional stretch style.  A definite plus for comfort conscious consumers.

PETITES WITH SMALL HIPS

Petite women with small hips should look for the low-rise hip, bootcut, and straight leg cuts. Flared styles are great as they will lengthen the legs and add a few inches, even without heels!  The flare cuts look fabulous on women with narrow or average hips, adding balance to the figure.  You, lucky lady, can pick any jean style or cut according to your preference.

7For All Mankind BOOTCUT

Finding the right jean length is essential.  The perfect jeans will barely skim the tops of your shoes and increase your “visible height.”  Some great brands for this effect are:  Max Studio, Levi’s 515 Boot Cut West Coast, Victoria’s Secret London Jean, Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, 7 For All Mankind, and Citizens of Humanity.  All mentioned brands offer petite versions in their lines, whic have well-defined proportions for the petite frame.

PETITE FULL- FIGURED

Petite women full-figured size 12 plus should apply the general rule that low-rise cut, hip hugger, and boot cut, can make you appear heavier.  Select stretch fabrics that won’t cut off at the waist for easier fit and comfort.

SVOBODA STRETCH HIGH RISE JEAN

This year it seems high waisted jeans are in style.  The high waisted cut is ideal for your specific figure.  You will experience a higher degree of difficulty finding a good fit, but try retailers like Lane Bryant, Casual Corner, Chico’s, Fashion Bug, and Catherines Plus sizes.   Some brands to look for: Levi’s 512 Shaping Boot & Straight Cuts, Right Fit Jeans, Calvin Klein, David Kahn and Lee Jeans.

FASHION TIPS FOR PETITE WOMEN: FASHION NO-NO’S

NO CAPRI’S EVER

NEVER cuff your jeans.  You will look shorter and dumpy.  Don’t emphasize the bottom of your legs.  Avoid an extreme flat shoe.  You need a little lift!

Also, no matter what they say about Capri’s, they are OUT OF STYLE for PETITES! Capri’s simply are not flattering to a “petite fit” or “petite full-figured” frame.  They cut off your height and make you look shorter.  Not cute, and they rarely look good on any woman.

However, if you’re tall with a perfect figure Capri’s might be for you!

Let us know what you think.  What’s your favorite pair of petite jeans?

For your petite fashion news and entertainment Bella Petite!

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7 Comments

1. 

   Jessica

   July 31, 2009 at 11:43 pm

   Hi there! Is this a fairly new blog? I'm your new follower, so just curious. Great info

   xo,
   Jessica

   Reply
   • 

     bellapetite

     August 1, 2009 at 12:59 am

     Thanks for checking in with us Jessica. Yes, we are brand spankin new! Happy to have you as a twitter and BellaPetite follower! Feel free to make comments and suggestions. Please bookmark the site and we’ll keep you updated on the petite fashion and entertainment scene.

     Reply
2. 

   Sashka

   October 4, 2009 at 12:42 pm

   Really great site! Petites need you and what you’re doing. Bookmarked now.

   Reply
3. 

   Viola34

   October 14, 2009 at 8:26 am

   Excellent article on great fitting jeans for petites…I am off to shop! More stuff like this. I like it very much.

   Reply
4. 

   Jess

   November 20, 2009 at 11:02 pm

   I love the article (mostly) and your site. I just found it and I'm happy I did. I do have to say that I don't agree with the end of this article. I am tried of everything telling petites not to wear flats. I went years with never wearing flats and I'm glad when I finally brought them back into my life. Yes, the flats will do nothing to give you height but there are times to embrace your stature and give your feet a rest. You can still look amazing while not wearing heels.

   Reply
   • 

     bellapetite

     November 20, 2009 at 11:25 pm

     Great to have your commentary on the site. We appreciate and value everyone's opinion. Many fashion experts tend to advise petites against extreme flats, they aren't flattering to a petite figure or even a tall women. All we're saying is if you're after your best look try to wear atleast a two inch heel. I do agree flats are fun and easy on your feet though! Don't forget to JOIN as a BellaPetite Member!

     Reply
5. 

   Ria

   April 14, 2012 at 9:04 pm

   I’m 5’2″ and the only jeans that fit me perfectly are Allison Izu’s! Great advice! thanx!

   Reply