Getting to the Point

Seriously, what is the point? Of fashion, that is?

More specifically, of style?  It's only for those skinny girls, right?

Wrong!

Clothes aren't just meant to cover you when you venture outside.  (What you do in your own house isn't any of my business, OK?)

The idea, if you have any extra weight on you at all, is to make you look good as well.  If you're petit, not only do you want to look thinner but also taller.  How can you do this?

With your clothes.

Let's start with the shoes.  Whenever possible, have a pointed or slightly pointed toe.  No, they won't squish your feet.  Believe me.  I have a few pairs like that.  The pointed toe will make your legs look longer.

Pay attention to your jeans.  Yes, this has been covered in another post or two on this blog.  Use the search function to find them if you're interested.  In general, go for a straight leg or boot cut in a dark wash.  Don't get any of those fancy doodads or buttons on the pockets unless you want to draw attention to your derriere.  Believe me, I don't want to.

Shirts/sweaters should ideally fit close to your body but not hug your rolls (real or otherwise).  Try to avoid horizontal stripes.  They tend to shorten and widen your torso, which isn't flattering on anybody.

Vests and jackets need to be slightly fitted.  Look at the seaming on the back.  If it looks like two Cs back-to-back, you're in good shape.  You don't have to wear the vest or jacket buttoned, but you have to be able to button it.

Dresses need to follow the same basic idea(s) as shirts and sweaters.  Don't get those that go all the way to your ankle, though, unless it's a formal dress.  Just below or just above your knee works well.

Skirts tend to be a little difficult for me (which is probably why I don't have many of them).  Straight skirts make me look too wide in the hips for my liking, so I tend to avoid them.  If possible, I like A-line skirts that have a little bit of flare at the hem.  Remember, just like dresses, you don't want skirts that go all the way to your ankles.  Depending on the skirt and the season, I'd say mid-shin is plenty long.

It takes some time, work, and practice, but the more you work with it, the more your clothes will make you look better.

One more thing:  Try things on in the store.  If you wait until you get home and it's either too large or too small, chances are you won't take it back and it'll sit in your closet taking up space that some other great item could be using instead.