I received this question in the comments section of my blog today. I thought it to be quite pertinent so I decided to answer with a new post (hope you don’t mind 5′2″!)

“I am 5′2″ and 123 lbs. Would love to update my summer wardrobe. I work in the design field and can be pretty casual for work (skirts and t-shirts and sun dresses) What would be good for my body type? Also, looking for some cute summer shoes beyond the normal flip-flops. Just bought a pair of cute yellow peep-toe wedges that look nice with jeans. Also bought a couple of pairs of Theory trousers in navy and black linen to try to look a bit more professional and polished.”

Being only 5′3″ myself I would have to say that the most invaluable commodity us short girls have is a good tailor. I have spent (and will continue to spend) much of my life having things hemmed. While this can seem like a huge inconvenience, it has opened up a new world of dresses and pants that I may not have even previously considered.

That being said, as far as dressing for a petite body type there are a few rules of thumb that I follow; never wear anything that falls between below the knee and the floor. It just ends up looking frumpy. If you like your legs and feel comfortable – wear a mini, just not too super short. Maxi is fine as it will create the illusion of height.

I also like to avoid anything that could overwhelm a small frame; big shoulders, too much embellishment, etc. If you try something on and feel like it is swallowing you up, then it probably is. In addition to overwhelming, I try and avoid anything that is going to ‘cut’ the length of my body (or lack thereof) horizontally. What I mean by this is nothing that creates a hard line which ‘divides’ you. For example, I am not a fan of a shift dress that is color blocked; black to right below the bust line and then white the rest of the way down. To create an illusion of length, it is best to stick to dresses in a single color or pattern.

This poster is fortunate enough to have a casual work atmosphere which opens up a wide array of dress choices. I’ve tried to include ones that can easily work for the office, but that you wouldn’t mind grabbing a drink with the girls in later on. I’ve also added some sandals that would work for any height (and with the dresses) being that they are flat. They too can go from dressy to casual and will work with the pre-existing items that 5′2″ mentioned in her post. All of the dresses can be found at Nordstrom online, and the shoes at Endless.com. Hope this was helpful and happy shopping…LASM