Tip Jar Tuesday: Learning to Dress My Body Type

It’s Tip Jar Tuesday and today, I’m sharing something so obvious, but something I have learned to perfect. I cannot tell you the countless dollars I’ve spent on clothing that did not fit me right (whether too big or too small), did not flatter my figure, patterns that were way too over the top and styles I tried to duplicate because a celebrity wore it so “I can try to pull that off”.

Believe it or not, I feel like it has taken until the past couple years to accept the fact that I am SHORT! I’m 5’2 and I recall times where clothes I would try on with my average and above average height girlfriends, just weren’t the same on me! I needed to stop thinking there were other factors to perhaps why the outfit did not look as good on me – it’s simply because I was smaller!

Are you guilty of the same?

Over the past couple years I have refined “my style” and have a better understanding of what clothing to purchase, what styles fit my body type the best, what I will TRULY wear and what colors work for me. Learning how to dress your body type and looking solely the pieces you know work for you is step one!

How do I know my body type?

This site provides a super descriptive guide to determining your body shape – but you can just look in the mirror to see what description you match with 🙂

I fall somewhere between an hourglass and pear shape but am also petite!

This has always been tough for me – my shorter stature sent me searching for ways to elongate my height and flatter my upper body. Having wider hips and a not so small bust on a small frame can be a struggle!

These are the things I look for when building my wardrobe

Tops

V-necks
Cowl-necks
Rouched sides
Tighter tops to show off curves paired with the proper bottoms
Smocked bust to “slim” down upper body
Slouchy/roomy tops I can pair with skinny jeans/leggings
3/4 length sleeves are very flattering for me – I am always rolling up my sleeves to expose my wrists
Ponchos are my favorite!
Wrap tops I LOVE!
Any sleeve that is wide/eccentric MUST be tight around my wrist

This faux suede moto biker jacket is the best thing ever! Comfy, not too bulky – just perfect!

Recently paired with this Walmart top – perfect fall outfit!

Rust colored Walmart top for the win! Love how it pulls in at the waist!

Bottoms

I’ve just recently broadened my horizons re: pants but this time making sure to get petite! In terms of bottoms I do try to avoid the wide leg/non-fitted pants, but I do love these linen pants from Old Navy I purchased petite

Jean Jacket // Henley Tank // Wide Leg Linen Pants // Espadrille Sandals

Mid-rise jeans (skinny and cropped) ALWAYS work for me. Opt for petite in certain brands

I love this pair of Old Navy Rockstar jeans!

High-waisted pants are 50/50 for me so I will experiment with some every now and then, but these Old Navy high-waisted shorts! I’m obsessed with! So comfortable and flattering!

Same with these High-waisted Levi jeans!

Skirts, I look for an A-line fit, fit and flare is always nice!

That’s why I’m obsessed with these swimsuits – they are so easy and very flattering!

Dresses/Jumpsuits

Tight fitted midi dresses
A-line dresses
A maxi dress is a rarity for me – they get lost on a petite figure – particularly hour glass – it would have to be fitted all the way through, A-line or I would need to wear super high heels/wedges to give the illusion that I’m tall – too much work…
Fit and flare dresses
Wrap dresses – YES, PLEASE!
Ruffle hems
Empire waist dresses
Plunging v-neck dress
Jumpsuits are also a rarity for me – has to be the right one particularly one where my ankles would show…

this jumpsuit worked for me! I love how comfortable it is – paired with a nude heel – PERFECT!

I LOVE fitted Midi dresses! They just work for me so I stick to it! I like to keep my dresses plain, but do try new patterns from time to time.

Ruffle Hem Dress

K.I.S.S. – Keep it Simple Silly

I’ve toned down my wardrobe quite a bit – I used to do super busy prints, florals and patterns a lot and now realize you can go wrong with plain and simple. Stripes, dots, a tiny bit of pizzazz coming from the shirt, dress, bottoms – whatever it may be I find I’m loving my wardrobe so much more because I’m not afraid to wear my clothes!

I love ponchos and the neutral colors of this one spoke to me!

I think I can get away with white jeans past labor day with this top!

Letting this top do the talking – plain black with a little flair!

A simple tee paired with a comfy cardigan – an everyday outfit and total staple to any closet!

**High-waisted jeans//scoop-neck tee// cardigan**

This French Terry Striped Top – again keeping it simple paired with Old Navy’s White Jeans (which are so comfortable and flattering by the way!)- perfection!

Fun pop of color with this sweater – I love stripes!

Find your “Icon” match

Too many times have I seen an outfit on someone – whether it be a friend, a blogger, celebrity or public figure – and have fallen in love with the look trying to duplicate it myself. About 70% of the time it was a total MISS because it looked so weird on me. Now I know what the problem was – my body type wasn’t the same. Trying to fit a square peg into a round hole…wardrobes are not one size fits all!

Now, I only tend to follow only bloggers, re-pin certain outfits on Pinterest, or duplicate any outfit on an icon that fits my style/body type.

Designer Dress Investment

One thing I’ve made the investment on are designer dresses. I really encourage you to spend a couple hours trying on dresses to find your designer match! I’ve fallen in love with Adrianna Papell, Antonio Melani, Calvin Klein and Gianni Bini.

Things just fit WAAYYY better and the investment is totally worth it in the long run especially when you purchase a “little” black dress like this one!

**Black Calvin Klein Flounce Hem Dress**

Antonio Melani Lace Midi Dress (I’ve had this for about 3 years and could not find the link for it!)

Overall, pinpointing specific clothing that I KNOW will work for me has saved me tons of money! I’m no longer buying a cute top thinking it “might” work on me. I am targeted in what I look for and find I’m wearing my clothes a whole lot more because they actually flatter my body type! Ultimately, I hope this is helpful for you and makes you conscience of using clothing to pull out your best features instead of hiding them!

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