For those of you who are not sure, petite is someone is 5'4" or under- size does not matter. Actually, the most common petite woman is 5'4" and a size 12.

In the past petite women had had to settle of a selection of clothes in regular sizes that did not fit properly. The good news is that now designers and store owners recognize the petite frame as needing different dimensions. You will find more and more stores are devoting sections to meet the needs of petite women.

You will find petite styles are the same colour and style as regular merchandise but have been tailored to fit the petite figure. Petite styles have slightly slimmer lapels; shorter sleeves, a shorter body and the armholes are just a little higher.

Women with petite frames can wear almost any style and look slimmer by using a few simple strategies. If you are petite and overweight avoid bold, large patterns and heavy fabrics such as, velvet, corduroy and fur. Also, avoid styles that draw the eye to the waist or hip area.

Style Tips and Strategies

1. Keep prints in proportion to you figure

2. Wear 3/4 sleeves

3. Avoid too much jewelry

4. When layering, wear light weight materials

5. Wear monochromatic colours

6.Wear cuffs only if hosiery and shoes are the same colour

7.When wearing separates avoid contrasting colours such as a navy skirt and a white top