You don’t need a perfect closet❣️

Just one that’s growing with you! 🗞️

Hey Shortie,

Has this ever happened to you? You set out to shop for something specific, and for all the fashion out there in the world… you still can’t find it. The more detailed your vision, the less likely it seems to exist—and as time passes, that perfect piece starts to feel almost mythical.

When I think about the items I love most—or the ones that get the most compliments—they were rarely planned purchases. I wasn’t actively looking for them. I just stumbled upon them.

Which makes me wonder–how effective is it to shop with a list? Wish lists are one thing, but I mean lists of specific garments, down to the design details.

Right now, I’m upgrading my activewear. I want stylish pieces that flatter my body, because the better I look, the better I feel, and the better I feel, the better I perform. My non-negotiable is that they must be black. I prefer to camouflage my sweat. Here’s what I’m looking for:

  • Tanks: Long enough to keep my belly covered during dance cardio, preferably not tight around the torso, and ideally with a built-in bra.

  • Full-length leggings: Usually, that means a 7/8 cut for me. I’d love for them to hit right at my waist—but that’s a tall order. High-rise styles often sit too high, and mid-rise ones fall just below.

So far, I’ve found a couple of tanks and one pair of leggings:

If I’m honest, I only love one tank:

Free People Workout Tankk

The other is cute but a little too tight, but unfortunately, it was final sale:

Girlfriend Tank

The leggings are a prime example of why a shorter inseam alone isn’t enough. The rise extends past my natural waist, so the waistband rolls down. And the ankles are loose and baggy because the leg shape isn’t tapered for a snug fit.

I’d hoped to find a completely upgraded workout wardrobe, but after shopping every activewear site I know about, I only have a few better pieces. I feel defeated.

I get why a wish list feels more satisfying– it’s a checklist of existing items. Shopping lists, on the other hand, are challenging to complete. It’s a roster of apparel with requirements that meet your needs: body shape, style, comfort, and budget.

I realize the rush to upgrade my workout gear isn’t helpful. Good things take time—including a stylish, functional wardrobe.

Closet edits can bring up a similar feeling. You’re excited for a fresh start, but quickly feel stalled by what’s available—or what’s within budget. It’s tempting to settle, but great wardrobes aren’t built in a day. They’re the product of years of thoughtful curation.

In the meantime, we might need to hold onto some of our oldies until the right upgrades come along. There’s value in pausing to reflect on what no longer serves us—did they ever, really? And why not now? The insights can help us make better choices in the future.

A great wardrobe isn’t a destination—it’s a journey. The key is patience and knowing your worth.

Sincerely short,

Lwany

Lwany

P.S. A great wardrobe isn’t bought in one go. It’s built over time❣️

Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It’s not about brands. It’s about something else that comes from within you.

RALPH LAUREN

SHORT READS

– Shopping: Pants

The 5 Best Brands For Petite Trousers, According To A Fashion Editor

By Daisy Maldonado for Refinery29

By Melony Forcier for InStyle

I'm Swapping My Jeans With These 8 Comfy and Elevated Petite Pants for Spring

By Olivia Cigliano, InStyle Editor

I'm 5-Foot-4, and I Found 6 Petite-Friendly Spring Pants From $15 on Amazon

By Isabel Bekele, InStyle Shopping Writer

I Live in These Expensive-Looking $38 Yoga Pants That Come in Petite and Tall Sizes

By Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle Updates Editor

By Stephanie Maida, PureWow Senior Commerce Editor

I'm a 5-foot Traveler and Found 11 Petite Pants That Don't Need to Be Hemmed Before Your Trip — From $14

By Melony Forcier for InStyle

I’m 5-Foot-3, and I’m Buying Amazon’s 5 Most Comfortable Petite Pants Under $40

By Taylor Jeffries for Shape

Calling All Petite Shoppers: 13 Linen Pants You Won’t Have to Hem, and They’re Under $40

By Mina Hochberg for Real Simple

I’m 5-Feet Tall, and I Found 12 Petite Dress Pants That Require No Hemming

By Melony Forcier for InStyle

– Shopping: Round-Ups

By Stephanie Maida, PureWow Senior Commerce Editor

7 Best Petite Coats and Jackets, According to Celebrity Stylists

By Laura Beck for Parade

I’m a 5’1” Fashion Writer, and I’m Eyeing These 13 Petite Spring Staples—Up to 78% Off

By Kelsey Fredricks, Real Simple Home Writer

I’m 5’1", and I Curated a Wrinkle-Free Wardrobe for Petite Travelers, Up to 60% Off

By Kelsey Fredricks, Real Simple Home Writer

Reply

or to participate.