Ironically, this was the most difficult of all shapes for me to dress. You’d think that at 5ft 2″ I’d know all about this one but sometimes it’s most difficult to be objective about your own body! Many people assume that the biggest challenge for the petite is length - constant hemming is required. And indeed, a friendly tailor is a must-have.

Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple. You see, petites have different proportion all over. The distance between the waist and crotch of a pant is smaller and the distance between shoulder and waist of a fitted jacket is smaller too. Petite clothes are not just shorter versions of regularly clothes; they’re tailored all over to fit a diminutive frame.

The worst thing a petite can do is wear clothes or patterns that overwhelm her body. Also, colour-blocking, which works so well for the tall figure, can make petites appear smaller. Instead, head-to-toe co-ordination will lengthen and streamline your silhouette.

For evening, take a cue from diminutive starlets like Natalie Portman and Audrey Tatou and go for shimmer and sparkle. This will also trick the eye into making you appear taller. And finally, heels are always a good way to actually add inches to your frame.

Read my other What to Wear blog posts