1. Wear leather

We’re not suggesting you go overboard Dominatrix but leather leggings, skirts or boots ooze grown up sex appeal and easily banish that childish image.

Minuet Petite leather skirt, £129

2. Tough accessories

Spikes, studs, buckles. Make sure you tread the line carefully here. Overdo it and you’ll graduate from child to angsty teenager. Shudder.

Ted Baker studded courts, £130

3. Work on your posture

Turns out your Mother was right all those years. Standing with your shoulders back, head up and tummy in not only does wonders for your posture, but also how you’re perceived.

4. Consider a tattoo

If you have been meaning to get that suitably obscure quote inked on your skin, now might be a good time to consider it. Tatoos are haute these days and certainly toughen your image.

5. Get a biker jacket

You don’t mess with someone in a leather jacket. That’s a fashion fact. Exude effortless, insouciant cool in the uniform of rebels and rockstars.

Halogen petite leather moto jacket, $178.80

6. Go for a manly car

Unless you can’t drive, that is, In which case we strongly recommend you continue getting public transport. But maybe lean more.

7. Masculine cuts

Borrow from the boys for androgynous cool. This tried and tested technique stops condescension in its tracks. Promise.

J. Crew petite blazer, $198

8. Metal details

Layer chains, opt for studded garments or try ear-cuffs for an effect that’s brazen and fearless.

Eddie Borgo zip ear cuff, £98.46

9. Embrace military trend

Almost as intimidating as the leather jacket, the khaki jacket/trench commands attention.

J. Crew petite long field jacket, $198

10. Buy or borrow a scary dog

Unless you’re allergic. Chihuahuas, pugs and sausage dogs may have their place, but they’re not exactly fierce are they? It’s time to be fierce.

The post Tired of being viewed as a child? Try these tricks to toughen up your look appeared first on Bomb Petite.

Cute. When someone says you look cute, it’s supposed to be a compliment. But when you’re petite, it comes with follow up questions: cute, as in you like my outfit? or cute, as in I look like a 5-year-old? Being shorter makes navigating the realm of pretty and girly fashion more difficult than for our statuesque counterparts. It’s a fine line between chic and cutesy, but it’s definitely doable and petite women needn’t eschew their favourite frills in favour of dark and edgy simply because they’re worried of coming off as juvenile.

1) Think feminine, not girly.

Femininity implies a more grown-up take on our girly favourites. It doesn’t mean giving up anything you love, nor does it mean dressing old, it’s simply a matter of reinterpreting your style with a different focus. Ruffles can be candy sweet, but when done in a masterful Chloe-esque way, they become simply elegant. White lace has an inherent cuteness to it, but in modern, clean silhouettes, it takes on a more grown-up appeal. Pink can be twee in the form of a tea dress, but sophisticated and chic in a minimalist Dior number. Alternately, a drop-waist dress done in clean black takes on a different note than one done in a darling daisy print.

2) Balance is key.

We’re all suckers for a good bow, frill, or cute animal. It’s also tempting to wear them all at the same time. But piling on the adorable guarantees your look will be classified as cutesy the moment you walk out the door. The solution? It’s all about balance. Limiting your ensemble to one cute statement and balance it out with more sophisticated pieces. A crisp white button down, leather leggings and your adorable Charlotte Olympia cat flats? Or a jacquard midi skirt paired with an edgy cropped tank and minimalist sandals? Sophisticated chic and not at all cutesy.

3) Take advice from the pros.

On the runways, it’s a veritable jungle of Amazonian women, but off the runways and in the front rows, there are plenty of fashion-forward petite women who know a thing or two about style – and definitely don’t look like children. A few of our faves? The ever-fearless Miroslava Duma, who masterfully tackles trends and every whimsical piece of clothing thrown her way; the sassy Nicole Richie, who has mastered luxe bohemian with a fabulous flair; the Olsen twins, who not only manage a fashion empire but break fashion rules left and right and look amazing while doing so; and our new fave Margaret Zhang, who has fearless and fun fashion down to a science.

4) Wear what you want.

The last piece of advice and the one constant in our repertoire – wear what you want. Remember, this is advice – not rules – and when it comes to fashion, confidence is key. If you love what you’re wearing, it’ll show and you’ll look fabulous no matter what.

–

Written by Sasha Moyer, cofounder of Adela Mei, an online boutique specializing in modern, contemporary clothing for petite women.

The post Petite Style and the Perils of Looking Cute appeared first on Bomb Petite.

Stripes are one of the key trends this summer. From Valentino to Dior models sashayed down the catwalks in the striking pattern. Petites are often warned to avoid them. While it’s true that horizontal stripes can widen your shape and make you look shorter, there are other ways of wearing stripes, which can flatter a petite frame. Embrace the trend with these simple tricks.

Wear diagonal stripes

Diagonal stripes have the same lengthening effect as vertical stripes, but they can be more fun. Play around with the trend this summer and go for something bold.

Taylor Dresses Petite Stripe Jersey Dress, $118.00

Go long with vertical stripes

Vertical stripes serve to elongate your silhouette. Opt for leg lengthening stripes on your skirts or trousers or embrace summer’s penchant for the nautical trend in a stripy dress.

Ann Taylor petite pants, $89.99

Mix stripes with blocks of colour

Stripy items with blocks of colour down the sides eradicate the widening illusion of horizontal stripes. They create a sleek line and will make you appear slimmer.

Precis Petite Stripe And Panel Top, £29.00

Opt for zig zag or chevron stripes

Zig zag and chevron stripes are easier to pull off than horizontal stripes. You don’t run the gauntlet of appearing wider than you are and overall the pattern is very flattering.

Anthropologie, Stripe Maxi Dress, $118.00

The post Line Up – Can Petites wear stripes? appeared first on Bomb Petite.

Perfect pins that go on for miles are the true accessory you need this summer. Thankfully the long legged look is not just the privilege of tall gazelles. Sarah Jessica Parker manages to create an illusion of long limbs despite her petite frame, and now so can you with our guide. It’s time to cheat your way to long legs!

Tip 1 – Aim High

Opt for high waisted pants and skirts.This tricks the eye and creates the impression your legs start where your waist does. By wearing clothes just above your natural waist, you appear to have longer legs.

Tip 2 – Shoes Wisely

Now you have another reason to go shoe shopping… When wearing skirts or dresses, choose nude shoes to blend with your skin tone. This creates an uninterrupted line on the leg and has a lengthening effect. You can also achieve this by matching shoes to your tights or trousers. Beware of calf hugging footwear and ankle straps-they will shorten you.

Tip 3 – Tuck and Crop

Long tops elongate your torso and therefore make your legs seem shorter. Tuck your tops into your trousers, and wear your jackets cropped to reverse this illusion.

Tip 4 – Skirt the Issue

Choose dresses and skirts. The hemline conceals where the leg actually starts. This works particularly well with pencil and A-line skirts.

Tip 5 – No Fuss

Keep your bottoms free of detail. A clean silhouette makes your legs seem longer so avoid cuffs, bulky pockets and pleats.

Tip 6 – The Long and the Short of it

Keep an eye on the length of your skirts and dresses. Petites can work different lengths well, especially with heels but make sure the hemline never hits your calfs. The calf is the thickest part of your leg and if the skirt or dress ends here it makes you look stumpy.

Tip 7 – Vertical Patterns

Vertical details draw the eye up and down, resulting in an optical trick of seeing additional length. Wear bottoms with vertical patterns, piping, straight creases or vertical creases to achieve this effect.

Tip 8 – Asymetrical Hemlines

Straight, horizontal hemlines interrupt the eyes view of the leg. Opt for asymmetrical hemlines that create a smooth silhouette.

 Downoad and share our Pinterest-ready checklist

Get The Look

The post Top 8 Tips to Make Your Legs Look Longer appeared first on Bomb Petite.

Shopping for petite sizes can be frustrating. It can be particularly frustrating if you have a limited number of shops in your area. However, with multiple brands now offering worldwide delivery, the internet is like one big High Street. There is more choice than ever before and no need to confine your style hunting to your locality. We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a comprehensive list of petite brands and retailers*. Here we go…

*All shipping INTERNATIONALLY 

PART 1 – TOP 10 PETITE SHOPPING DESTINATIONS

Ann Taylor

This well known American brand is synonymous with a classic and sophisticated style. They have a wide range of petite clothing.

Shop Ann Taylor Petite

ASOS

Asos has quickly established itself as one of the leading eCommerce sites. It has an amazing range of on trend pieces. Some petite clothes are made exclusively for petites.

Shop ASOS Petite

Banana Republic

This American brand has a fantastic selection of petite clothing for any occasion. Classic pieces for work, parties and everyday basics.

Shop Banana Republic Petite

Boden

This is a British brand known for bright, patterned clothes as well as casual basics. Boden has petite clothes that are full of personality.

Shop Boden Petite

Eileen Fisher

This is an American designer brand known for simple and functional designs. Here you will find timeless staples in petite sizes.

Shop Eileen Fisher Petite

J Brand

This label is known for clean lines and crisp palettes. It has that hip off-duty cool and select styles of brand’s premium denim are also available in petite.

Shop J Brand Petite

J Crew

This cult US brand is known for colours, patterns and interesting fabrics. Some of the designs are available in petite.

Shop J Crew Petite

Nordstrom

This American department store has the largest and most exciting selection of petite brands including 7 For All Mankind, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Calvin Klein, Citizens of Humanity, Michael Kors, and Halogen.

Shop Nordstrom Petite

Macy’s

This iconic American store caters to petites very well. Petite sized brands include Lauren Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors and DKNY.

Shop Macy’s Petite

Topshop

Topshop is Queen of the Highstreet and one of Britain’s most famous retailers. They offer a great selection of on-trend petite clothes.

Shop Topshop Petite

VIEW THE FULL GUIDE:

› GO TO PART 2 – DEPARTMENT STORES SELLING PETITE CLOTHES

› GO TO PART 3 – YOUNG FASHION BRANDS FOR PETITES

› GO TO PART 4 – PETITE LADIES FASHION BRANDS

› GO TO PART 5 – PETITE JEANS AND CASUAL CLOTHING

› GO TO PART 6 – PETITE WORKWEAR

The post Petite Clothing Stores Guide appeared first on Bomb Petite.

Shopping for petite sizes can be frustrating. It can be particularly frustrating if you have a limited number of shops in your area. However, with multiple brands now offering worldwide delivery, the internet is like one big High Street. There is more choice than ever before and no need to confine your style hunting to your locality. We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a comprehensive list of petite brands and retailers*. Here we go…

* All shipping INTERNATIONALLY

› GO TO PART 1 – TOP 10 PETITE SHOPPING DESTINATIONS

› GO TO PART 2 – DEPARTMENT STORES SELLING PETITE CLOTHES

› GO TO PART 3 – YOUNG FASHION BRANDS FOR PETITES

› GO TO PART 4 – PETITE LADIES FASHION BRANDS

› GO TO PART 5 – PETITE JEANS AND CASUAL CLOTHING

PART 6 – PETITE WORKWEAR

 Austin Reed

This is a British upmarket brand mainly known for menswear. They offer a small selection of formal petite jackets, trousers and skirts.

Shop Austin Reed Petite

Brooks Brothers

This is a classic American workwear brand. They have a range of petite clothing – think crisp, button-down shirts, jackets, skirts, pants, trench coats, and dresses.

Shop Brooks Brothers Petite

Jeetly

This is a specialist store selling petite clothing for professional women. They have feminine and timeless petite blouses, shirts, dresses, skirts and suits.

Shop Jeetly Petite

Jones New York

Featuring classic career clothes for women, this American brand has a large selection of petite workwear. They also offer classic casual styles.

Shop Jones NY Petite

The post Petite Clothing Stores Guide – Part 6 – Petite Workwear appeared first on Bomb Petite.

By Anna Timoney

Shopping for petite sizes can be frustrating. It can be particularly frustrating if you have a limited number of shops in your area. However, with multiple brands now offering worldwide delivery, the internet is like one big High Street. There is more choice than ever before and no need to confine your style hunting to your locality. We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a comprehensive list of petite brands and retailers*. Here we go…

* All shipping INTERNATIONALLY

› GO TO PART 1 – TOP 10 PETITE SHOPPING DESTINATIONS

› GO TO PART 2 – DEPARTMENT STORES SELLING PETITE CLOTHES

› GO TO PART 3 – YOUNG FASHION BRANDS FOR PETITES

› GO TO PART 4 – PETITE LADIES FASHION BRANDS

PART 5 – PETITE JEANS AND CASUAL CLOTHING

Athleta

This American brand – part of Gap Inc – designs  performance apparel and gear for active women. They have a wide range of petite activewear.

Shop Athleta Petite 

Gap

This is a hugely popular, youthful American brand featuring an extensive range of petite clothing.

Shop Gap Petite

Eddie Bauer

This is an American brand know for premium clothing for outdoor lifestyle. It has a collection of petite outerwear, casual clothing and sleepwear.

Shop Eddie Bauer Petite

J Brand

This label is known for clean lines and crisp palettes. It has that hip off-duty cool and select styles of brand’s premium denim are also in petite.

Shop J Brand Petite

J Jill

This American ladies fashion brand has a relaxed approach to style. It offers a selection of petite knitwear, jackets, bottoms and basics.

Shop J Jill Petite

Lands’ End

This American brand has a nautical heritage. They have an impressive range of casual, sporting petite clothing.

Shop Land’s End Petite

Old Navy

This American brand offers wardrobe must-haves at affordable prices. They have a large selection of petite basics.

Shop Old Navy Petite

Perryn Ryan

This specialist petite brand offers a small selection of bottoms in contemporary styles, designed and manufactured in New York City.

Shop Perryn Ryan Petite

Petite Legs

This is a specialist online store with a great selection of petite jeans in a range of styles and colours.

Shop Petite Legs

SoSo clothing

This is a contemporary Swedish brand. Petite model, Tess Montgomery has designed a special style of petite jeans for the label.

Shop SoSo Petite

NOW READ THESE:

› GO TO PART 6 – PETITE WORKWEAR

The post Petite Clothing Stores Guide – Part 5 – Petite Jeans & Casual Clothing appeared first on Bomb Petite.

By Anna Timoney

Shopping for petite sizes can be frustrating. It can be particularly frustrating if you have a limited number of shops in your area. However, with multiple brands now offering worldwide delivery, the internet is like one big High Street. There is more choice than ever before and no need to confine your style hunting to your locality. We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a comprehensive list of petite brands and retailers*. Here we go…

* All shipping INTERNATIONALLY

› GO TO PART 1 – TOP 10 PETITE SHOPPING DESTINATIONS

› GO TO PART 2 – DEPARTMENT STORES SELLING PETITE CLOTHES

› GO TO  PART 3 – YOUNG FASHION BRANDS FOR PETITES

PART 4 – PETITE LADIES FASHION BRANDS

Ann Taylor

This well known American brand is synonymous with a classic and sophisticated style. They have a wide range of petite clothing.

Shop Ann Taylor Petite

Banana Republic

This American brand has a fantastic selection of petite clothing for any occasion. Classic pieces for work, parties and everyday basics.

Shop Banana Republic Petite

Boden

This is a British brand known for bright, patterned clothes as well as casual basics. Boden has petite clothes that are full of personality.

Shop Boden Petite

CC

This British ladies fashion brand creates timeless style. They have a large selection of classic petite clothing.

Shop CC Petite

Coast

This is a British brand which designs women’s occasion wear. Visit Coast when you are looking for a petite dress for a special event.

Shop Coast Petite 

Dorothy Perkins

This famous British brand is known for wearable and affordable fashion. They offer a large selection of petite clothing for 25-35 year olds.

Shop Dorothy Perkins Petite

Eileen Fisher

This is an American designer brand known for simple and functional designs. Here you will find timeless staples in petite sizes.

Shop Eileen Fisher Petite

F&F

This is a stylish clothing label sold at a British bargain supermarket chain Tesco. They offer a range of flattering petite clothing at affordable prices.

Shop F&F Petite

Gambita

This is a New York based specialist petite shop. They offer a selection of petite dresses, bottoms, denim and basics to choose from.

Shop Gambita Petite

J Crew

This cult US brand is known for colours, patterns and interesting fabrics. Some of the designs are available in petite.

Shop J Crew Petite

M & Co

This is a value chain store headquartered in Scotland. They cater to the older woman and have a selection of petite clothing for women over 40.

Shop M&Co Petite

Marks & Spencer

This is one of the UK’s leading retailers. They have an expansive petite collection in classic styles.

Shop Marks & Spencer Petite

Minuet Petite

This is a British specialist petite brand known for elegance. They have a good collection for petite occasion wear and workwear plus full range of other petite clothing.

Shop Minuet Petite

Next

This is the largest clothing retailer in the UK. They have a wide range of petite clothing in sizes 6-18.

Shop Next Petite

Petite Affair

This is a British specialist petite store featuring a small range of petite dresses, tops and trousers.

Shop Petite Affair

Precis

This is a British specialist brand of petite ladies wear. You can find an impressive range of petite casual and formal wear in a sophisticated style.

Shop Precis Petite

Retro Petite

This online store sells Retro and Vintage Inspired clothing, footwear and accessories for Petites. It has a very small selection of petite clothing.

Shop Retro Petite

Talbots

This is an American retailer of classic clothing. It offers a wide range of petite clothing in timeless fashions.

Shop Talbots Petite

The Limited

This American brand has a wide range of timeless, wearable styles for every occasion perfectly proportioned for petite sizes.

Shop The Limited Petite

Viyella

This is one of the UK’S oldest clothing manufacturers. They feature petite collection for the mature woman.

Shop Viyella Petite

Wallis

This midmarket British fashion brand has styles for any occasion. They have a large selection of petite dresses, tops, bottoms and outerwear.

Shop Wallis Petite

NOW READ THESE:

› GO TO PART 5 – PETITE JEANS AND CASUAL CLOTHING

› GO TO PART 6 – PETITE WORKWEAR

The post Petite Clothing Stores Guide – Part 4 – Ladies Fashion appeared first on Bomb Petite.

By Anna Timoney

Shopping for petite sizes can be frustrating. It can be particularly frustrating if you have a limited number of shops in your area. However, with multiple brands now offering worldwide delivery, the internet is like one big High Street. There is more choice than ever before and no need to confine your style hunting to your locality. We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a comprehensive list of petite brands and retailers*. Here we go…

* All shipping INTERNATIONALLY

› GO TO PART 1 – TOP 10 PETITE SHOPPING DESTINATIONS

› GO TO PART 2 – DEPARTMENT STORES SELLING PETITE CLOTHES

PART 3 – YOUNG FASHION BRANDS FOR PETITES

ASOS

Asos has quickly established itself as one of the leading eCommerce sites. It has an amazing range of on trend pieces. Some petite clothes are made exclusively for petites.

Shop ASOS Petite

Bebe.com

This is an American brand know for contemporary and playful looks. Bebe feature a small selection of petite dresses, jumpsuits and bottoms.

Shop Bebe Petite

Drop Dead

This British streetwear brand founded by Oliver Sykes has modern and cool styles. There is a small selection of petite clothing (called Pipsqueak sizes) available in sizes 4 and 6.

Shop Drop Dead Petite

Grace Stars

This is a Canadian boutique specialising in smaller sizes and petite clothes. They have a wide collection which is frequently updated.

Shop Grace Stars Petite

Loft

This is the younger sister of Ann Taylor. Clothes are more casual and there is a large selection of petite clothing.

Shop Loft Petite

Mini Milly

This is an Australian online store specialising in petite clothes. Brands stocked include Amour Vert, Darling and Paige Denim.

Shop Mini Milly Petite

Miss Selfridge

This is Topshop’s younger sister featuring a large selection of on-trend petite clothes.

Shop Miss Selfridge Petite

New Look

This British brand is known for affordable, trendy fashion. They have a wide selection of petite dresses, jeans and knitwear.

Shop New Look Petite

Topshop

Topshop is Queen of the Highstreet and one of Britain’s most famous retailers. They offer a great selection of on-trend petite clothes.

Shop Topshop Petite

NOW READ THESE:

› GO TO PART 4 – PETITE LADIES FASHION BRANDS

› GO TO PART 5 – PETITE JEANS AND CASUAL CLOTHING

› GO TO PART 6 – PETITE WORKWEAR

The post Petite Clothing Stores Guide – Part 3 – Young Fashion appeared first on Bomb Petite.

By Anna Timoney

Shopping for petite sizes can be frustrating. It can be particularly frustrating if you have a limited number of shops in your area. However, with multiple brands now offering worldwide delivery, the internet is like one big High Street. There is more choice than ever before and no need to confine your style hunting to your locality. We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a comprehensive list of petite brands and retailers*. Here we go…

* All shipping INTERNATIONALLY

› GO TO PART 1 – TOP 10 PETITE SHOPPING DESTINATIONS

PART 2 – DEPARTMENT STORES SELLING PETITE CLOTHES

Bloomingdale’s

This upscale US department store features petite clothes from designers such as 7 For All Mankind, Eileen Fisher and Tadashi.

Shop Bloomingdale’s Petite

Debenhams

Famed for its affordable style, this British retailer has Petite clothing brands which include: The Collection Petite, Principles by Ben de Lisi, Minuet Petite, Precis and Lands’ End.

Shop Debenhams Petite

Dillard’s

This higher end US department store has a range of petite clothes from brands such as Allison Daley, Anne Klein and NYDJ.

Shop Dillard’s Petite

House of Fraser

This quintessentially British Department store has a good range of petite brands which include: Precis Petite, Minuet Petite and CC.

Shop House Of Fraser Petite

JCPenney

This is an American chain of mid-range department stores which offers value and style. Their petite brands include Worthington, Liz Claiborne and Alfred Dunner.

Shop JCPenney Petite

John Lewis

This British department store is stocking the fabulous petite brands Precis and Viyella.

Shop John Lewis Petite

Macy’s

This iconic American store caters to petites very well. Petite sized brands include Lauren Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors and DKNY.

Shop Macy’s Petite

Neiman Marcus

This is an American luxury department store stocking mainly Eileen Fisher plus a small selection of other petite brands.

Shop Neiman Marcus Petite

Nordstrom

This American department store has the largest and most exciting selection of petite brands including 7 For All Mankind, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Calvin Klein, Citizens of Humanity, Michael Kors, and Halogen.

Shop Nordstrom Petite

NOW READ THESE:

› GO TO PART 3 – YOUNG FASHION BRANDS FOR PETITES

› GO TO PART 4 – PETITE LADIES FASHION BRANDS

› GO TO PART 5 – PETITE JEANS AND CASUAL CLOTHING

› GO TO PART 6 – PETITE WORKWEAR

The post Petite Clothing Stores Guide – Part 2 – Department Stores appeared first on Bomb Petite.