Hi Shortie,

How’s it going? I've been thinking a lot about makeovers. There's something undeniably inspiring about a before-and-after transformation—the kind that makes shows like What Not to Wear and Queer Eye so satisfying to watch.

It’s a bit saddening to learn that participant satisfaction is often short-lived. It makes sense, though. When a transformation is done for someone without their active participation or within a tight timeframe, the change rarely sticks. It's easy come, easy go. If participants don’t understand the why behind their makeover, how can they maintain the after?

The book Atomic Habits comes to mind. The author, James Clear, proposes a compelling approach to creating real, lasting change. He argues that transformation comes from small, repeated actions, aka habits.

The author highlights the importance of developing habits rather than setting goals. I love his idea that every action we take is a vote for the person we want to become.

This is exactly why I’m building an educational component, a sort of masterclass, into my personal styling service. I want to equip you with the tools to refine your style over time—not just provide a number of looks and send you on your way.

I definitely won’t be calling it a “masterclass,” though. I don’t think style is something you can master. It’s an ever-evolving craft—one that gets better with time. After all, style isn’t about reaching a final destination but the journey.

Sincerely short,

Lwany

P.S. Have you read Atomic Habits?❣️

SHORT QUESTION

Q: I just turned 29, and when I tell people my age, they think I’m way younger.

I feel like petite women often struggle with looking younger than they actually are and although it’s flattering, I also don’t want to get mistaken for a teenager. How can I dress older while still dressing in a way that’s not super conservative or boring?

– Secret Shortie

A: This is such a valid question—one that so many of us Shorties can relate to.

I was first interested in petite fashion because, thanks to petite sizing, I experienced that fits-like-a-glove feeling. But what hooked me was the positive effect that appearing taller had on my life—I felt better, and my interactions were of higher quality.

I sometimes see comments from petite women frowning upon any advice on dressing to look taller. Some feel it’s an attempt to deny or “fix” our short stature. I spent considerable time processing my motivation and came to a different conclusion.

For me, petite fashion isn’t about negating my height—it’s about learning how to dress my body in a world where stylish petite women are rarely represented. Looking taller isn’t the goal—it’s just a natural consequence of creating harmony in an outfit.

And let’s be real: in photos or videos, these styling choices might make us appear taller, but in real life, our height is what it is. No one’s out here fooling anyone!

That said, appearing taller has advantages in today’s world. It’s not just our perception—studies show that taller people get paid more and are often taken more seriously.

I see petite fashion as a way to mitigate some of the disadvantages of being short and a tool to cultivate confidence and presence.

Your question about looking older without losing your style is at the heart of my upcoming petite personal styling service. The answer is complex and should be custom-tailored to your taste and lifestyle.

Here’s an overview of what I’ve learned about dressing for power (so far!):

1. DRESS LIKE THOSE WHO HAVE HISTORICALLY BEEN IN CHARGE.

Think structured pieces, tailoring, and elements of business attire—styles reminiscent of power suits. Whether we like it or not, we associate authority with businesswear, and incorporating those elements into your wardrobe can project the same influence.

2. WEAR WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL POWERFUL.

Not everyone resonates with suit separates, and that’s okay! Instead of focusing on how others perceive you, shift your focus to how you feel. For me, that’s a heel—even a low one.

It’s not just about the height boost. It’s about the way it changes my posture and energy. When you feel empowered, you carry yourself differently; people respond to that confidence!

3. IMPROVE YOUR POSTURE.

Good posture isn’t just about spinal health or standing at your tallest point—it has been proven to increase confidence. And the more confident you feel, the more authority you project.

4. TAKE UP SPACE–PHYSICALLY.

Power posing—a concept introduced in a TED Talk years ago—suggests that making your body appear more expansive can increase feelings of confidence and presence. It’s a subtle yet effective way to command attention.

I’m still developing a few other theories, which I’ll share as soon as I can! Petite fashion is a powerful self-care tool that helps us move through the world more confidently—not just in our careers but in all life areas. I can’t wait to share more!

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