Tummy-Friendly Fashion❣️

Effortless, chic silhouettes to uplift you, literally and figuratively! 🗞️

Lwany from Petite Fashion Weekly™
October 10, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Hi Shortie,

How are you? I’m recovering from a stressful week, which caused the delay in this issue. I sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding!

Of all the content I create, writing to you feels the most special. I know how personal your inbox is, and I don’t take the privilege of being part of it lightly.

This week’s Shortie-submitted question sparked an idea to explore image-generating artificial intelligence. I’d love to be able to not only explain my recommendations but to showcase the styles and outfits I have in mind visually.

While I could style the looks on myself, I often receive body-specific questions from fellow Shorties with figures different from mine. Alternatively, I could create a collage of product photos, but we all know clothes usually look very different on us than they do in standard photography.

If you’d prefer not to see images created by AI, feel free to hit reply and share your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you!

Sincerely short,

Lwany

P.S. Petite clothing directory launches in 6 weeks❣️

❝

Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it.

—DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

SHORT QUESTION

Tummy-Friendly Fashion

Dear Lwany,

I love seeing how you dress because I’m a Shortie like you. My problem is that I’m 5’1” / 156 cm and 172 lb / 78 kg, and I don’t know how to dress without looking short and wide. My tummy area is where I carry most of my weight. Do you have any suggestions?

Gail

Hi Gail,

Thank you so much for your kind words—I’m truly flattered!

I completely understand how challenging it can be to find your style when fashion often lacks body diversity. The standard "tall and slim" image in fashion doesn’t resonate with most of us, and the further your body is from that mold, the harder it can be to find what works for you.

A lot of traditional style advice tells you to create an hourglass shape by emphasizing the waist with fitted silhouettes or belts—think wrap dresses. But I can't entirely agree that you have to highlight something you're uncomfortable with, whether in fashion or life.

Instead, I suggest focusing on styles that bypass entirely your tummy area, like:

Empire waistlines
Trapeze silhouettes
Longline tops

Opt for lightweight, flowy fabrics that move with your body. Cashmere and silk are perfect for colder weather—they drape beautifully and are two of the warmest fibers.

Stick to the classic petite-friendly style “rules,” such as:

Monochrome dressing
Vertical stripes
Strong diagonals (i.e., one-shoulder necklines)
V-shaped design features (i.e., necklines)
Balance oversized pieces with fitted styles

Lastly, footwear plays a significant role in balancing your look. For a sleek finish, go for streamlined, minimalist styles with pointed or slightly rounded toes.

Brands like COS, St. Agni, Dissh, and The Frankie Shop are known for their loose, effortless, yet chic designs. Below are a few outfit examples that illustrate the styles I recommend: