Hey Petite! Are you feeling bored and uninspired when you open your closet because the pieces in there are outdated, don’t fit your post menopausal body, or no longer work for your relaxed lifestyle?
Have you tried shopping but when you got to the store the petite section was limited to two racks of clothing and you drove home feeling super frustrated because you made the effort to drive over an hour away only to be let down.
OR have you have you recently walked into the store and felt super overwhelmed with amount of choices and have no clue how to wear these new styles?
I got you!
Today, I’m kicking off a 4 part series diving headfirst into the 2024 spring/summer trends and how to wear “or not wear” as a petite.
Updating your closet with a new spring look will be so much easier once you know what the trends are and how to navigate which ones BELONG in your closet.
1. Neutral Wardrobe Basics & Quiet Luxury
Spring 24 runways saw a strong leaning into sustainability. The quiet luxury look is still going strong. QL is a simple and classic look, with clean lines in high-quality, beautiful fabrics. It’s the best way to elevate your every day.
Not only that but simple silhouettes typically are great for petite figures.
Runway designers also emphasized neutral wardrobe staples confirming the universal trend towards conscious consumption and sustainability. Mix and match pieces make dressing effortless. The best part? You can add a pop of color for vibrancy and avoid looking washed out from wearing neutrals head to toe.
2. Corporate Corp
More and more people are returning to the office, hence a renewed interest in office-appropriate attire with a modern twist. Bermuda-length shorts and classic button-up shirts are still hot as well as wide-leg trousers and timeless pleats.
When it comes to bermuda shorts, go a little shorter than the traditional to the knee length. A couple inches above the knee still gets you that look while being more flattering on a shorter frame. Whether they work for you or not as a petite has more to do with your leg proportions than your overall height.
Example: If you have shorter legs and a long torso, longer shorts are not as flattering.
3. Prep School/Uniform
Love that classic preppy look? Channel your inner private school with prep school cardigans, collared shirts, and button-up shirt dresses. So many of these styles have stripes, so let me give a few tips for petites.
As a petite, thinner stripes are generally more flattering. Striped tops work better on a petite if you have longer legs or wear high rise pants to look more proportional. And if you’re an oval shape, I recommend avoiding horizontal stripes or breaking them up with a second layer like a vest or a cardigan. (See video)
4. Utility
Utility-inspired pieces continue to dominate the fashion scene, from cargo pants to long trench coats. But here’s the deal: rocking wider leg pants as a petite can be a bit tricky. Opt for “slimmer” wide-leg styles or try a utility jacket. Just remember the bit pockets will draw attention so if they are too big for your scale and overwhelm your petite figure – pass.
5. Denim
And of course, we can’t forget about jeans! This season, it’s all about wide-leg, barrel, 90s straight leg, and flare styles. Popular colors are white, ecru, dark wash, and gray for a fresh take on denim. And don’t be afraid to experiment with white denim jackets for an unexpected twist!
Inspired for more: SEE COLOR TREND FOR 2024
Phew, that was quite the trend roundup, wasn’t it? Now it’s your turn to sound off!
PLEASE COMMENT:
Which spring trends you’re dying to try and which ones are already staples in your closet.
If you’re a midlife petite who is feeling overwhelmed with an overstuffed closet but have nothing exciting to wear. This is likely because:
- You constantly shop but the pieces you bring home don’t work with what’s in your closet and you just can’t figure out how to wear the cute new top or modern pants.
- Your body has changed after menopause and you’re too scared to buy anything because you don’t know what is flattering or age appropriate.
- You don’t know how to look put together in casual clothes because you’re used to an easy mix and match corporate wardrobe.
If any, or all ,of the above leaves you feeling unsettled and lost in your style I invite you to book a style strategy session with me.
On this quick complimentary call I will help you figure out how to navigate the trends and share any tips or resources that will be most relevant to your current styling needs. Find a time on my calendar here. I have 3 spots open starting next week.
Please Share