How to Dress Flatteringly When You're Short and Curvy

Flattering Your Figure: How to Dress When You're Short and Curvy

Having a short, curvy body type comes with its own special set of styling needs. The right styles and shapes can enhance your beautiful assets, while drawing attention away from areas you want to downplay. Follow these tips for looking and feeling your absolute best.

Understanding Your Body Type

Being short and curvy is considered an apple body shape in fashion. Typical features include:

• Curvier waist and midsection
• Fuller bust and hips
• Shorter stature and limbs
• More weight carried in the torso

This shape looks gorgeous in clothes that skim over the midsection while accentuating your ample cleavage, shapely shoulders, and killer calves. The key is balance and proportion.

Choosing the Right Silhouettes

Focus on silhouettes that add definition through your waist to create the illusion of a hourglass shape. Recommended styles include:

• Wrap dresses that cinch the waist
• A-line skirts that flare gently over the hips
• Tapered pants creating a lean leg line
• Peplum tops concealing the tummy
• Bowed belts drawing the eye to the smallest part of your waist

Avoid boxy, oversized clothes that overwhelm your petite frame. Look for tailored garments in curved shapes instead.

Strategic Use of Vertical Lines

Vertical lines help draw the eye up and down to make you appear taller and slimmer. Try:

• Pinstripes. Closely spaced pinstripes are sliming.
• Pencil skirts. They extend the leg.
• Long scarves. Choose lightweight styles that skim the body gracefully.
• Monochromes. Wearing one color from head to toe elongates.
• Contrast side panels. They make you look narrower.

Combine with defined waist emphasis and you'll look incredibly svelte!

Attention Grabbing Details

Make the most of your assets with eye-catching details like:

• Bateau or off-the shoulder necklines: Show off alluring shoulders and collarbone definition.
• Plunging V-necks: Draw the eye down and highlight a shapely bust.
• Cuff sleeves: Show off toned arms while broadening the shoulders.
• Ankle straps: Delicately accentuate slim ankles and calves.

Skip details like ruffles or fussy accents near problem areas. Simplicity is best for skimming over your midsection smoothly.

Choosing Flattering Fabrics

Look for fabrics with some stretch and flow that skim your body without clinging. Recommended options:

• Jersey: Wraps beautifully and has give for curves.
• Lightweight knits: Move naturally and don't emphasize lumps or bumps.
• Jacquards: The textured fabric camouflages problem spots.
• Cotton sateen: Has a subtle sheen that flatters full figures.

Avoid anything too bulky or stiff that adds volume.

Colors and Prints For Slimming Effects

Use dark colors and muted prints to recede problem areas:

• Solid black: Elegantly slenderizing and easy to match.
• Navy: A dark color that whittles the waist.
• Gray: Subtle way to streamline the midsection.
• Large prints: Keep prints proportional to your petite height.
• Monochromes: Wearing one color creates a vertical column effect.

Stay away from bright neons, horizontals, or small prints that can overwhelm a compact shape.

The Right Shorts For Your Body

Showing some leg during warmer weather? Opt for shorts styled to flatter.

• Bermuda length: Hits just above the knee, ideal for petite frames.
• Trouser cut: Crisp front pleats add structure and elongate.
• High-waisted: Come to the smallest part of your natural waist for a leggy look.
• Cuffed hems: Keep them wide and statement-making.

Avoid short shorts which tend to shorten the leg line even more. Low-rise shorts also accentuate the tummy area.

The Most Flattering Skirts & Dresses

When choosing skirts and dresses, look for styles that highlight your shape in the best light.

• Fit and flare dresses: Slim through hips and flare at calf for balance.
• A-line skirts: Flatter fuller hips and thighs.
• Pencil skirts: Curves hug hips before tapering.
• Wraps: Create an hourglass silhouette.

Steer clear of skirts and dresses that cinch at the fullest part of your hips or float away from your waist. The key is accentuating those beautiful curves!

Selecting the Most Flattering Pants

With pants, clean tailored lines and stretch fabrics work best. Look for:

• Bootcut: Balances out curvier hips and thighs.
• Wide leg: Flow gracefully from the slimmest part of your waist.
• Straight leg: Give a trim, tailored appearance.
• Stretch ponte: Hugs curves without pulling or sagging.

Avoid anything too baggy around the rear or tight in the thighs. The goal is elongating your leg line.

How to Wear Jackets and Coats

Jackets and coats give you the chance to play with proportions. Try these tips:

• Go for longer coats hitting just above the knee.
• Cinch waists with a belt or fitted silhouette.
• Look for small collars and lapels in proportion to your stature.
• Add heel boots to balance an oversized coat.

Avoid boxy coats that overwhelm your petite frame or cropped jackets that cut your body in half visually.

Choosing the Right Shoes

Don't be afraid to wear heels! For short curvy girls, heels can actually make your legs look much longer. Aim for:

• Chunky, sturdy heels to support your frame if needed.
• Ankle straps which delicately flatter the ankle.
• Pointed toes for a slimming effect.
• Neutral colors to extend the leg line.

Skip flat shoes or flats with a round toe shape. Heels that are too spindly can also throw you off balance.

Accessories to Elevate Your Outfit

Classy accessories like belts, scarves and jewelry can really polish off your

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.