Draw attention to your top half

See how Amy Poehler draws attention to her awesome red outfit by matching the dark color of her tights and rock star-worthy boots? That’s what you should be doing. (Especially when it’s so cold outside that your street look consists of a buttoned-up coat and shoes!)

Shop petite

If you want blouses, pants, and dresses that are tailor-made to your smaller frame, buying clothes from petite collections is the smart way to go.

These specially sized clothes have shorter sleeves, higher knee positions, and narrower shoulders. They’re often the same designs as the store’s regular collection but made with your smaller dimensions in mind.

Translation? They look better and frame nicer.

The following retailers have petite lines:

• Anthropologie
• ASOS
• Banana Republic
• Eddie Bauer
• J.Crew
• Loft
• Lord & Taylor
• Old Navy
• New York & Company
• Nordstrom
• Ralph Lauren
• Topshop

For a comprehensive list of stores that service petite shoppers, see InStyle’s guide to petite shopping. Also, check out junior apparel or larger kids’ clothes for similar styles (often cheaper, too!) that fit just right.

Thoughts?

Are you 5’4” and under? What are some difficulties you have shopping for and dressing up your petite figure? What are your favorite styling tricks? Would you recommend any specific styles or products?

Comment below!