17 Comments

It’s very hard for us short/petite people! I buy oversize blazers in petite whenever j crew has in stock. I also buy their jeans in a classic fit if they are 26-28 in length. Recently purchased mid rise dark wash , light weight jeans from JCrew. I’m very happy with them. I’m 4”11.

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Hi Wallis, I love your strategy! I stick to basic fit jeans as well, as much as I would love a big jean, they just never seems to work. Thanks for your comment!

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Keep an eye out for petite oversized blazers at Banana Republic and Ralph Lauren. I have purchased petite wide leg jeans at JCrew. No hemming required. Buy your size and a size down to see which fits best. Yes, us petite ladies have it hard! Especially if you aren’t shaped like a ballerina. I’m more like a mini Mack truck so it’s really hard for me.

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Boston Proper has petite boyfriend blazers. Check with Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft throughout the season.

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You've got it under control! Thank you!

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Sep 19Liked by Jolain Muller

I loved this! I'm a huge fan of oversized clothing because it suits me best, but I completely agree with you—if we’re not mindful of proportions, we can easily get lost in those oversized pieces. And we all know how risky it is to dress for trends instead of dressing for ourselves!

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So true Giulia, proportion is everything and remaining objective when it comes to trends. Always love your comments!

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Short muscular legs, my nemesis - except in sports. Image number three was what (for years) I tried to fit myself into and failed miserably. Discovering tapered legs was the key. Great work.

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Hi Patti, learning how to work with what we have and tune out all the noise telling us otherwise is key. So glad you enjoyed the post and can relate. Thanks for reading!

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Sep 20Liked by Jolain Muller

Ahhh this is such a timely topic as we move into cooler weather!! I love oversize everything, but it is such a balance when you’re shorter (and wider like I am hahah) ¯\_(ツ)_/ great examples here, will def be referencing it while dressing for cooler weather 💗 the olsens are masters at the balance, they manage to make v oversized layers work for their genuinely tiny frames quite well. Also loved Kelly’s recent post from the Midimalist on this topic!! (https://open.substack.com/pub/kdunniganwilliams/p/flash-some-skin?r=6fp&utm_medium=ios )

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Thanks for sharing the post with me! I totally adhere to the flash of skin theory, be it the ankles, neck, forearms etc. Though at this stage of the game not my middle!

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Sep 19Liked by Jolain Muller

This was great! So helpful to get practical styling advice, what looks best on our frames etc.

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Thanks Mary I appreciate your input and will keep it coming!

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I’m small and wide and this has been so helpful! Showing some ankle and tapered trousers really does work. When it gets colder I ditch my wide jeans as jumpers and jackets just make everything too bulky.

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Hi Alyson, Fall can be a challenge with more layers and bulk. Like you, I love tapered trousers and have found mixing fluid fabrics with heavy helps. Thanks for reading and commenting!

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I need a day off so I can address my wardrobe malfunctions &actually see what looks well on me instead of what looks..as though I have some idea of what I’m wearing!!! …style some looks,dig out accessories to make things “me” and seriously pare my wardrobe real estate..I LOVE what you write.I think I may develop some personal style!!!.

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new subscriber. I am enjoying this. Thanks. Those oversized pants with the flowing wide legs.... for 5'10" and taller models only,JMHO. Hard to navigate those wide legged pants going up and down stairs... I have always been a fan of the oversized blazer with a pencil skirt or a straight legged pant. Pockets for cell phone and a pen.... lots of room in the shoulders --when I am carrying files to court...yes I use rolling cart but it still has to lifted through the metal detectors....

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