When Christina Aguilera appeared at “Rock the Vote” in Beverly Hills last month, she wore a beautiful green maternity dress that was flattering in every way. We’ve checked out Nicole Richie and Christina Aguilera during the course of their pregnancies to see how petite fashionistas find attractive maternity clothes. Although it can be difficult, as we can see from Christina, it is not impossible to find petite maternity clothes that make you look your best during those nine months.

Christina chose her maternity dress wisely because she followed several suggestions for looking totally terrific when you are pregnant:

-The dress is a bold color that draws attention to Christina’s lovely eyes and hair. Wearing bold colors during pregnancy can boost both your mood and your appearance.

-The material of the dress is soft and touchable, adding an extra feminine touch for added appeal.

-The high neckline of the dress is ideal for professional social situations when you are pregnant. Having a low cut dress can reveal more than you want, especially if your breasts are swollen from pregnancy.

-The empire waistline is simply perfect for pregnant women. No matter how large your belly gets during pregnancy, an empire waistline gives you plenty of room to grow and always looks flattering. Your upper body is made to look smaller and your belly doesn’t appear cramped when you select a dress with an empire waistline.

With the approaching holidays, pregnant petites can take a few pointers from Christina Aguilera when they choose their party dresses so you can look your very best, too.

Our last blog entry showed the usually fashionable Jessica Simpson doing “my bad” when it comes to jeans. Jessica’s “mom pants” with a high waist were unflattering even on her perfect figure – can you imagine how disastrous they would look on everyday petites like us? Today we will celebrate Jessica Simpson, 5′3”, wearing jeans that look fantastic in every way.

-Jessica’s jeans fit snugly but aren’t too tight, making them an ideal fit. Body-hugging jeans are a fantastic look but if they squeeze you in rather than hug your curves, you have the wrong fit.

-From the rear view, Jessica’s jeans have the perfect size pockets. Wearing back pockets that are too small can make even a reasonable derrière look large. On the other hand, oversized rear pockets made your rear look small or misshapen.

-The detailed brown stitching on Jessica’s jeans adds a perfect amount of flair and the color is season-spanning. Adding a matching brown shirt and boots really highlights the colors of the stitching and brings the outfit together nicely.

When you compare our last blog to today’s blog, you can see what a difference clothing that fits properly can make. Even Jessica Simpson, a lovely celebrity with incredible features, looked awkward in the poorly-fitting ensemble featured in our last blog. Today Jessica looks fabulous because her jeans fit perfectly and she has chosen her shirt and boots to match, creating a lovely overall look.

Jessica Simpson is one of our favorite petites, standing proud at 5′3”. Usually Jessica is the portrait of a fashionista but everyone has bad moments, as evidenced by our photo of Jess today. In fact, usually the portrait of a “Do”, today’s “Don’t” happens to be of Simpson wearing those famous “mom” pants that can’t possibly look good on anyone.

Consider the reasons why this particular outfit just doesn’t work, even on pretty Jessica (who looks absolutely miserable in this photo – it must be the clothing):

-Commonly known as “mom” pants (no offense to all the stylish moms), these jeans are way too high on the waist. Because wearing low rise jeans is not flattering for all figure types, a mid-rise jean is the best option for just about everyone. Having your jeans tightly crimped around your waist like the ones Jessica is wearing only makes your stomach look larger. The white button holding these pants together looks completely strained and the pleats along the stomach look unsettled.

-The baggy legs make the high waist look even worse and give Jessica an undefined shape. The legs also seem rather long and should fit more tightly and be a bit shorter.

-The high-neck, too-tight turtleneck coupled with the high-waisted, oddly shaped jeans really makes this outfit awkward. Jessica almost seems to be tied up in these clothes – and from the look on her face, she can’t wait to get out! Turtlenecks look better when they have a mock neck or a modified neck that isn’t up to your chin.

Wearing clothes that fit properly is the key to looking good. Even a beauty such as Jessica Simpson looks less than attractive wearing an outfit that fit improperly, so always choose clothes that flatter your unique size and shape.

Even though the winter is upon us, you still need to think about being ready for a swimsuit. After all, you may decide to take a winter break and go on vacation to a warmer climate. If not, thinking of your swimsuit figure reminds you not to pack that second portion on your plate over the tempting holiday season.

Selecting a flattering swimsuit can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible as we can see from lovely Susan Lucci (5′2”) who is not only petite but was born in 1946! This leaves us with few excuses for not looking our best or finding a stellar swimsuit to compliment our unique shape.

When selecting your swimsuit, keep the following tips in mind:

-don’t imagine how the swimsuit will look when you lose weight and purchase a swimsuit that looks great on you right now;

-while horizontal stripes look fabulous on a slender figure such as Susan’s, if you are full-figured they will make you appear heavier;

-bandeau strapless tops and tube tops are have become increasingly popular but it is difficult for a large-breasted woman to find one that actually stays up and a halter style or bra top are better choices;

-if you have short legs, high cut legs on your swimsuit will give you the leggy look you want; and

-your swimsuit should fit properly so that no bulges hang over any of the elastic.

While we all may not be as slim as Susan Lucci, we can all choose an attractive swimsuit that will make us feel ready for fun in the sun.

Paula Abdul is America’s sweetheart when it comes to singing, dancing and judging future American Idols. However, the unfortunate truth about the petite Abdul (she’s 5′2”) is that she is often the example of fashion faux pas.

In fact, in 2004, Paula Abdul was voted one of the worst dressed women in America – not a title that many of us envy. No matter what size or shape you are, there are definite fashions don’ts for everyone to consider before they choose an outfit. Let’s consider this recent outfit worn by Paula so we can go over some of the fashion errors to avoid:

-the turtleneck does not match the rest of the outfit and is high enough on Paula’s neck to look awkward;

-the cropped jacket is busy and really does not match the rest of the ensemble;

-the pants are much too tight and we don’t know if the length is right because they are hidden by horrendous boots;

-the boots, as we said, are completely unflattering and would only work with a much more dynamic outfit; and

-too many different looks were combined, ranging from a classic turtleneck to an equestrian style jacket to funky boots.

Consider the ways to make a look work:

-a turtleneck should match your outfit and bring out a particular color – red would have been a better choice;

-colorful jackets should be paired with a plain outfit that is tonally the same from head to toe and matches the jacket;

-pants should always fit properly around your hips and waist so they do not look strained;

-keep funky boots for nightclubs and party wear; and

-stay consistent with the look you want – be classic or equestrian or funky but trying to combine these looks can be difficult for everyday people and even disastrous, as evidenced by Abdul’s attire.

By carefully considering the separates you choose, you can definitely look better than Paula recently did.

th Annual Emmy Celebration at Opera/Crimson on September 15, 2007. While sometimes petites have difficulty finding the ideal evening wear, Eva seems to have no problem and looks fabulous in well-fitted silky brown gown she wore.

When it comes to choosing your own evening wear, keep in mind a few tips:

-shop at stores that offer evening wear in petite sizes, such as Macy’s and JC Penney because you won’t need to have the length tailored;
-while you may be concerned with the length, also pay attention to the bodice and remember it’s not sexy or comfortable when you are falling out of your top
-evening gowns with a defined waist like the one Eva wore are great for all figure types because they create an hourglass shape, even if you weren’t blessed with one;
-select unusual, rich colors that attract attention like the warm, silky brown tone of Eva’s gown, which was absolutely perfect for a fall formal affair.

With a bit of careful evening wear selection, you can look as fantastic as Eva Longoria at your next elegant event.  By the way, this photo also features Eva is a dramatically gorgeous short dress, proving that both short and long gowns look great on petites for formal wear

Our last blog entry discussed the basics of selecting petite outerwear since the winter is near and the cold weather is upon us. This week we are inspired by the recent sighting of lovely petite Renee Zellweger, 5′4”, wearing a fabulous gray patent leather trench coat. A trench coat is an essential element in every woman’s wardrobe.

Because of her smaller stature, this dramatic patent leather trench coat didn’t look overstated and created an international fashion buzz of women seeking leather trench coats. Always a wardrobe staple, the classic trench coat is a fantastic style that is practical and always in vogue. A figure-flattering trench coat looks terrific while it protects you from the elements. You can wear a trench over jeans, skirts, slacks – any outfit you wear works well with a simple, stylish trench coat. Best of all, when you cinch the waist on your trench coat, you create the immediate illusion of an hourglass figure.

Short trench coats and pant length trench coats have a trendy edge that works well for both business and pleasure. Longer trench coats are ideal for career and professional wear. If you choose a longer trench, it is essential to shop petite retailers so the coat doesn’t go to your ankles. With retailers such as L.L. Bean, Eddie Bauer, Talbots, Macy’s and JC Penney, there are countless trench options for petites that will fit perfectly and flatter your wherever you go.

Seasonal trench trends for fall and winter, 2008 include patent leather (just like Renee), houndstooth, plaids and jewel colors. Both single breasted styles and double breasted styles are fashionable this year. Single breasted styles look best on heavier or busty petites while slender petites look great in double breasted styles. If you have a full figure, avoid the patent leather trench because shiny, reflective fabrics always make you appear larger than you actually are.

Whether you choose long or short, fabric or leather, you will enjoy wearing an attractive trench coat for years to come.

Now that we are past October, the cold weather is well on the way and along with it come thoughts of new, attractive outerwear. Recently spotted at the Teen Vogue party in L.A., Hillary Duff chose to wear a chic, cutting edge black trapeze coat which is particularly flattering to her 5′1” frame. Always a petite fashionista, the style and shape of the coat is modern, it suits her shape and Duff has a fantastic layered look going on.

All petites can look as pretty in their jackets as Hillary Duff. When you are shopping for your new winter coat or jacket, keep a few tips in mind to find the design that looks the most attractive on you:

-if you are a full-figured petite, choose invisible pockets that won’t make you look oversized;

-for slim petites, a double-breasted peacoat or jacket adds a bit of bulk;

-pear-shaped petites look terrific in coats or jackets with a flared bottom to offset the fullness of their hips;

-apple-shaped petites look best in swing and trapeze coats as well as empire coats that camouflage their roundness around the middle; and

-if you are a busty petite, go for single-breasted looks rather than double-breasted jackets that will add to your bust width.

Because you wear it over your clothes all winter long, everyone sees your coat or jacket so select one that makes the most of your unique size and shape so you feel great all through the season.

Women of all sizes and shapes realize the importance of exercise and petites know how quickly the pounds can pack on a small frame. One of our favorite petites, Jessica Simpson, was recently seen outside the gym getting praise for her toned, taut body. Down-to-earth Jessica says that her least favorite part of her workout is jumping rope because of her lack of rhythm – which is why her physical trainer makes her do the most sets of this activity. When we look at Jessica’s 5′3” frame, it is clear that working out has been a major benefit. But Simpson is not about all workouts and no food because she admits to allowing herself a couple of bites of her favorite foods to avoid irrational cravings – what a great idea!

To successfully engage in vigorous workouts like Jessica, we need to have the right athletic shoes for the event. With smaller shoe sizes ranging from 1 to 4.5 there are sometimes limited options, but remember to look for the following when selecting your ideal pair of athletic shoes:

- measure your foot to select athletic footwear in the correct size and don’t try to “make do” with another size;

- your athletic footwear should fit snugly but not tightly so that it cramps your toes;

- your feet should never slip out of your athletic shoes during vigorous activity because it can be very dangerous and cause injury;

- choose the right shoes for the fitness activity you participate in, such as a walking shoes for walking or running shoes for running; and

- select shoes made from quality materials and don’t cheap out on shoes that won’t stand up to the intensity of your workout.

With the right shoes and attitude, you will be looking like Jessica in no time!

Shopping for a petite bra can be challenging amidst the photographs of lingerie models bursting out of their bras. However, be reassured that when your bra fits correctly, you are not supposed to look like that anyway! When Britney Spears, 5′4”, goes for an impromptu swim in her pink bra, you realize it is totally possible for petites to find a sexy, well-fitted bra.

It is tough enough to find a petite bra without getting math involved, but there is a bit of measuring required to find out your proper size. Also, once you figure it out, remember it is perfectly normal for your breast size to change at various times during your life so you may have to be measured again. Certain bras feel more comfortable than others because we all vary in our breast spacing, shape and volume . However, your basic bra size is a great place to begin and all you need is a tape measure to get started.

To figure out your bra band size, measure around your body just under your arms with the tape meeting at the point above your upper chest. Do not hold the measure too loosely or too tightly. If you have an even band size, that is the number size of your bra, such as 32” or 34”. If you have an odd bra size such as 31”, round up to 32”.

To determine your cup size, measure yourself around the fullest part of your bust while you are wearing an unpadded bra. To figure out your cup size, subtract your band size from your cup measurement. A difference of less than 1” has a cup size of AA, 1” is A, 2” is B and 3” is C.

Most petite women prefer to adjust their bra straps to be short but remember that the back of your bra should not be higher than the front. Underwire bras should rest on your ribcage and not on your breasts. If you are an AA or A cup, an underwire bra is unnecessary because less structured bras actually offer better, more comfortable support.

Since 8 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong bra size, success starts with the right mathematics and ends when you find the bra that you feel most comfortable wearing on your unique petite shape.