What to Wear in Formal Dress for Petites
Fashion Advice for Prom, Homecoming and Semi-formals
Feb 5, 2009
“I think personal style is so important,” advises Christa Jean of petitefashionista.com. “Why blend in, when you can stand out and show your true colors?” She recommends petite teenagers dressing for a formal event such as prom or homecoming consider bold colors and accessories with a flattering dress.
Choosing a Formal Dress for a Petite Frame: How Long Is Too Long?
While some girls show up to proms and semi formals in ball gowns, a petite should think carefully before choosing a floor-length evening dress. “Long dresses do have the potential to make you look short,” writes Christa Jean on her website. “An above the knee length (less then 4") will be youthful, classy and fun.”
“The exception to the rule is for any petite body type who chooses a floor length gown that has a halter neck feature,” adds Christa Jean in an email. “This will elongate her frame by bringing the eye up.” She gives Nicole Richie as an example of a petite who has pulled this look off.
More Tips for Flattering Petite Prom Dresses
Christa Jean also recommends the following:
- A high waistline to make legs appear longer
- Vertical detailing through buttons, seamlines, or trimmings
- A solid color, preferably an amazing vibrant color flattering to the petite’s skin tone. (“Now, if wearing a Little Black Dress feels true to your style – then go for it!” she adds in an email.)
- Busty petites should show either leg or cleavage, but not both
How to Save Money on Formal Dresses: Thrift Stores, ASOS and Nordstrom’s
A petite girl deciding what to wear to prom or a semi formal doesn’t have to spend a fortune on her dress. “Check out the local consignment shop or thrift store for unique dresses that can fit even the tightest budget,” recommends Christa Jean. “You can get away with a dress, dry cleaning and alterations for under $100!”
Petite girls that prefer to buy online instead of at thrift stores can check out ebay for some deals. For petites that want to buy a brand-new formal dress, Christa Jean recommends online stores such as ASOS or www.edressme.com. “In store and online I love the selection and the price point of the Junior section at Nordstrom’s,” she adds.
Prom Jewelry and Other Formal Accessories for Petites
After selecting the perfect dress, the petite girl must also decide what jewelry, purse and other accessories to wear. “For formal affairs I love a long drop earring for an elongated neckline and a simple bracelet,” suggests Christa Jean. “Be unique in the details. Choose accessories that are conversation pieces, like an amazing and big cocktail ring! Choose a bold color, but balance the loud color with a classic and streamlined dress.”
While bright, beautiful costume jewelry and a gorgeous petite prom dress don’t have to cost a fortune, Christa Jean does recommend petites invest in a few fashion items. “It's a smart idea to spend more on your coat and shoes for a formal event and save on your dress,” she says. “Choose a classic dress coat that fits you perfectly and shoes in a neutral color with a solid heel. The coat you can wear for years from casual to dressy and shoes can be paired with dresses for all the formal occasions to come.”
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