IAMPETITE GUIDE TO WOMEN'S PETITE SUITS
Maggie Paige, April 2009

Every woman should have at least one tailored suit. Here is a quick guide:

Best color for a suit: Your best choice of colors is black as it is easier to match with other colors and the color will stand the test of time.

Fabrics: Choose a suit made of good quality fabric that maintains it's shape and is good for any season.

Harve Benard Petite Striped Seersucker Blazer $104	Petite Anne Klein Ruched Red Skirt Suit $320	Tahari by ASL Petite Pinstriped Grey Skirt Suit
The perfect workday staple from NY and Company $42	City Style Summer Stretch Suit from NY and Company $42	Kay Unger no-waist suit $49

Types of Suits:

Petite Skirt Suits

When choosing petite skirts, the perfect length is three inches above the knee, to the knee or three inches below the knee. A skirt that is too short or too long may look awkward. Choose a-line and straight skirts rather than full or unstructured styles that may overwhelm your frame.

Petite Pants Suits

Select pants that have a lower waist to give your torso a longer appearance. Avoid cuffed pants that make you appear shorter. Choose pants with a hem that covers your shoes to make your legs look longer. Stay away from cropped pants that shorten your torso.

Petite Suit Jackets

Choose simple styles and silhouettes with clean lines that go to the upper thigh. Full figures can be hidden with a jacket that flares out slightly toward the bottom. Slender petites can add bulk with a double-breasted jacket. Avoid cropped jackets that make your torso appear shorter.

Petite Suit Selection Tips

There are some general tips that will help you select the ideal petite suit for any situation:

select suits with vertical pinstripes to make you look taller;
stay away from anything cropped including jackets, pants and tops;
heels that are 2” or higher add height and lengthen your legs;

• Avoid contrasting colors such as a white top and navy skirt
• Choose a monochromatic color scheme for a continuous flow from head to toes use light material for layering so you don't appear too bulky
• Closely fitting clothes add height
• Tuck your shirts into your pants for legs that look longer
• Avoid shirts and jackets that are longer than mid-thigh






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Latest News & Updates

3/17 - Petite Sophisticate website is now closed! Find out more here.

3/16/09 - America's next top model - petites? Read more about the casting here.

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