Happy Spring, Shortie!

Are you as excited as I am for our legs to feel the sun again? I don’t know about you, but I am so over wearing pants.

Recently, I had an interesting conversation with someone who did e-commerce styling for Vince. They mentioned that even the tall models struggled with their pant lengths, so they asked about the brand’s average customer height, assuming it skewed taller. To their surprise, the average Vince shopper is 5’3” / 160 cm.

Once upon a time, learning this would have sent me into a coma. But now that I understand sizing systems—and how economies of scale dictate so much of the apparel business—I’m not even shocked.

The reality is, capitalism is at the root of it all. Mass brands make sweeping generalizations about our bodies to appeal to everyone. We’re not alone. Most people don’t find the perfect fit off the rack.

If Vince truly designed for their actual customer base, they’d risk alienating anyone over 5’4” / 163 cm since you can’t make a garment longer. Instead, they default to longer proportions, leaving us with pieces that—at best—need hemming and—at worst—are completely off in armholes, waistlines, and rises.

Brands that know Shorties make up a significant portion of their customer base can and should do better. In my opinion, they should offer complementary tailoring beyond just hemming. Most people recognize when pants need shortening, but what about the subtler fit issues that make all the difference on a petite frame?

Then again, I sometimes wonder—do most shoppers even care about proper fit anymore? At this point, everyone’s just sweeping the floors with their pant legs.

Sincerely short,

Lwany

P.S. Next time you get dressed, take a moment to notice—does your waistband actually sit at your natural waist? ❣️

SHORT QUESTION

Q: I’ve been invited to a wedding with a cocktail dress code, but I’m not a dress kind of girl. Do you have any suggestions for a two-piece set?

I’m 4’10” (148 cm) with an athletic build.

– Michelle

A: You should never need to compromise your style or comfort for a dress code!

While cocktail attire typically means dresses, there are three great alternatives—a suit, a jumpsuit, or an elegant top-and-pants combination.

1 – SUITING

I love the idea of a suit! Not only is it a polished and powerful look, but it’s also something you can wear beyond the event—either as a full set for formal occasions or as separates for everyday styling.

Since your style leans more tomboyish, I recommend a boxy blazer paired with wide-leg trousers in a fluid fabric. This will keep the look elegant while complementing your athletic build.

What makes a suit look expensive is mostly the fit. I suggest ordering multiple options to try at home and choosing the one that fits your widest parts best—then taking it to a tailor for adjustments. Just be sure to factor in the cost of alterations!

I put together a shopping list a while back—while some styles may be sold out, it can be a helpful reference. If a brand carried those styles then, they likely have updated versions now.

Suiting Styles for Shorties

2 – JUMPSUITS

Karen Millen does petite cocktail attire best! To balance your build, look for styles with a wider leg shape and triangular necklines, such as a V-neck or halter.

Tailored Belted Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Petite Sized

$449.00 $359.20

The key to making a jumpsuit feel cocktail-ready is all in the styling!

• Pair it with a statement belt—don’t be afraid to go bold.

• For earrings, try an asymmetrical approach: a statement ear cuff on one side with a simple stud on the other.

• Sleek boots with a high enough shaft to go under the pant leg.

Straight Leg Tailored Jumpsuit

Petite Sized

$459.00 $189.00

If florals aren’t your thing, swap out the decorative rosette for an oversized, geometric metal brooch. Keep earrings minimal—perhaps just studs—and finish with high heels, whether strappy sandals or stilettos.

3 – ELEGANT TOPS & BOTTOMS

Another option is to create your own "jumpsuit" by pairing a top and pants in similar colors. The hues don’t have to be a match—make sure the fabrics contrast slightly to create dimension.

I’d suggest wide-leg trousers paired with a refined, asymmetrical top to balance your build. Here are a few pairings I’d consider:

Outfit Idea #1

Asymmetrical One-Shoulder Mesh Top

$98.00

Tailored Lace Detail Straight Leg Pants

Petite Sized

$289.00 $89.00

Outfit Idea #2

One-Shoulder Tee

$185.00

Mid Rise Wide Leg Pants

Petite Sized

$89.00

Outfit Idea #3

Silky Satin Top

$228.00

Sequin Tailored Pants

Petite Sized

$89.00

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