Fashion Question- for short women

[clarabelle]

I went shopping this morning and really wanted to buy one of the long cardigan sweaters and other assorted "duster" type things -but I was afraid they would make me look short and dumpy.
I am 5' 1" and not carrying any extra weight right now
Any thoughts?

 

[CoP Luv]

I am in the same boat as you, but I see them on my sister (also short) and they look great! I personally won't buy them for myself, but if other people like them, then I say go for it!

 

[Disneychix]

As a shorter woman too I would say it's a 'don't'. I always think of Stacey and Clinton from What Not to Wear and they would say "no way" to this.

If you don't care about fashion and just want it for warmth I'm all for that!

 

[NotUrsula]

The trick to this when you are short is to create a long color line. So if you want to wear a long cardigan or duster, then get trousers or a long skirt that is the same color as the cardigan. If you're wearing a skirt, then get tights and shoes that are also the same color. If you keep a solid color line from neck to shoes then the style won't cut you off at mid-thigh.

Doesn't have to be exactly the same color, but you want to go for continuity and lack of contrast. I've done it wearing a charcoal sweater, a deep burgundy shell and black trousers and shoes.

 

[Joyful3Heart]

I went shopping this morning and really wanted to buy one of the long cardigan sweaters and other assorted "duster" type things -but I was afraid they would make me look short and dumpy.
I am 5' 1" and not carrying any extra weight right now
Any thoughts?

It would work but make sure you buy pants that would elongate, not shorten your leg line, i.e. NO skinny jeans/leggings. Wear a long straight or boot cut pant with a heel to give the illusion of longer legs. Happy Shopping!

 

[clarabelle]

Thanks
I see so many cute things -but I am never sure what works

 

[Tuffcookie]

OP, Another petite woman here.

I would just make sure that you make all your purchases from the petite dept. They will be porportioned for the shorter woman.

I like the longer tops with leggings, but you have to make sure you have the thin legs for them. Also, a little bit of a higher heel on your shoes will help carry the look off.

TC

 

[VickiVM]

5'3 here and short-waisted with big bustline. I love my new sweater that has the long 'tails' in the front. It actually de-emphasizes my body 'challenges'.

I've worn with slacks and jeans. Try several styles in the dressing room and see which works.

 

[MIGrandma]

OP, Another petite woman here.

I would just make sure that you make all your purchases from the petite dept. They will be porportioned for the shorter woman.

Also, a little bit of a higher heel on your shoes will help carry the look off.

TC

That is exactly what I was going to say.

I am barely 5' tall and I love stores that have petite departments, so I can get clothes that are the correct proportion for my height, or rather the lack of height.

I wear black slacks with black boots, a V-neck black T-top and a black long cardigan sweater and I've gotten lots of compliments on it.

 

[tlbwriter]

Get something lightweight - a heavy sweater will overpower you.

 

[golfgal]

I don't think it is so much the height as it is the body style that makes or breaks a duster/long cardigan. If you are slender they look fine no matter what your height (providing you buy a petite if you are petite, etc.) but if you are more round, I don't think they look good on you, even if you are 6' tall.

 

[mhsjax]

The problem I have with petites is that I am not short waited and you get a lovely look in the front, (if you know what I mean) it isn't a good thing lol

 

[clarabelle]

thanks
I might try a petite one

 

[ahutton]

I would look at the fit points - is the shoulder seam in the right place? Does it keep the hourglass shape going in the right spot? And if so, then buy it!

 

[rie'smom]

I don't think it is so much the height as it is the body style that makes or breaks a duster/long cardigan. If you are slender they look fine no matter what your height (providing you buy a petite if you are petite, etc.) but if you are more round, I don't think they look good on you, even if you are 6' tall.

OP, at one time I would have worried about this type of thing but I don't anymore. If I like something and feel pretty in it, I buy it. Maybe it's because I'm 52 and with age has come the acceptance of who I am and what I look like. If you're 5'1" you like the way the cardigan looks, buy it. Who cares what a couple of strangers on tv say?

 

[ZachnElli]

I'm 5'2" and have a few new cardigans. The one I absolutely love is short in the back and has the "tails" in the front. I think it is very flattering. I also have to disagree with a PP who's said no skinny or straight pants, I'm petite and have skinny legs, might as well show it!