Shopping For Fashion As a Size 6 Or Size 8

You are petite and wear clothes in a size 6 or size 8 but his need not be your defining characteristic but it may be something that you are subconsciously much more influenced by than you realise when it comes to defining your look.

You sometimes wear oversized clothes that look like they don't quite fit you. You feel you can never look authoritative enough. You like colour and pattern but find it can make you look childlike and because you want to avoid that, you stick to darks and plains. Fashion confuses you, it might look all right on models but you can't work it in to your wardrobe.

I've worked with a lot of women who say they feel short and insignificant and have no idea how to use clothes to create the illusion of height. As you work your way through this book you will learn how to pick clothes confidently but first let me empower you immediately with some key points.

Don't

Wear clothes that are baggy and long. It is far better to have fewer clothes in your wardrobe that fit you well rather than many that don't.

Reach for bold primary colours the sort that are often used in children's school uniform.

Mix fabric textures so that your body is full of busy eye catching materials.

Choose shapeless clothes or clothes that are too busy and fussy with too many details.

Wear your skirt lengths too long.

Rely upon the limited collections that shops carry.

Do

Make sure you get the fit you need searching out the labels that cater to your size and if this means still having to get them altered in length then so be it. Many dry cleaners will do basic alterations on dresses, trousers and tops and this will make an enormous difference not just to the look that others see but also to your own perception of yourself.

Add colour to your wardrobe but consider your choices so that the colours you choose have a level of sophistication. Any flat colour that looks as though it could have been used as part of a school uniform choice needs to be avoided - you will look like a schoolchild yourself in a primary or royal blue for instance. Seek out the more contemporary tone. Iced colours are better than pastels, rich opulent hues look mores sophisticated then washed out flat tones.

Consider fabrics and the qualities they have and be aware that many garments are made of materials with sheens, metallic finishes and handmade uneven weaves. Too many different fabrics on your body will look indecisive and cluttered.

Choose clothes that have definition. Children's clothes are often cheaply made and are plain. Never wear a plain t-shirt for instance when you can wear a top that has a feature around the upper body to create focus and pick a neckline that will flatter your shoulders and bust line. Check the illustrations on neckline to see which shape is right for you and implement it now!

Stand in front of the mirror and check you are wearing your skirt length high enough. Lifting the hem an inch higher could make all the difference because it's about balance and if your skirt is too long it will immediately make your legs look shorter.

Do use our specially compiled 'petite' directory so that we can connect you with online retailers who offer you a great product to build a wardrobe full of stylish clothes.