Fashion Dos and Don'ts for the Short, Curvy Woman
By Jaynie2000
Style Tips for a Sexy New You
Fashion Dos and Don’ts for the Short, Curvy Woman
Let’s face it ladies, no matter how hard we work out, how hard we pray or how much we will ourselves to be different, some of us were born to be short and curvy. We’re not super models. We’re normal, beautiful women that, while lacking in height, are not any less spectacular than our leggy counterparts. That being said, there are a few fashion tips that we can use to minimize our curves and maximize our stature.
Before anyone gets carried away, let me be clear. Curves are AWESOME!! They are sexy and guys love them. I love them too. But after a couple of kids and nearly a decade after achieving certified “couch-potato” status, my once hot curves had begun to roll in all directions, making me appear a bit more like a Cabbage Patch kid than the sensual woman I was meant to be.
I am proud to say that I got that under control real quickly with a moderate regime of exercise and an improved diet. I didn’t go crazy on the diet end. I love to eat. But I did transform my life and worked it so that I was typically burning more calories in a day than I consume. But enough about me.
Over the years that I have been back to my (almost) goal weight, I learned a lot about how I should be dressing and accessorizing in order to make the most of what I’ve got and minimize the areas that aren’t quite what I’d like them to be.
Here are a few of the things I’ve learned. Hopefully you’ll find some tips here that also work for you. Then go out and rock those curves!!
1. Heels are good. Yes, they were invented by sadists of the male gender who got off on the image of having their dates towering precariously above them. I think it had something to do with having their eager noses at bosom level. At least that’s what I’ve heard. But seriously, heels about 2 to 3 inches in height serve to elongate the legs, stretching the calves and accentuating the calf muscles. This makes the legs appear longer, leaner and sexier. Once I lost the weight, I was much more comfortable in heels. I found them to be actually quite a bit more comfortable than I had anticipated. I tend to buy most of mine at Ann Taylor. They have a sexy, stylish selection and they are moderately priced. If you’re not into spending roughly $180 for a pair of shoes, don’t despair. They have awesome sales on a regular basis and you can usually get fantastic shoes for about 1/3 that price or less!
2. Shorter skirts are best on shorter legs. This sounds a bit counterintuitive, but it’s true. Most women who have stockier legs, like myself, will probably attest that their fattier deposits are located at the top of the inner thighs. The upper thighs also tend to be where cellulite forms, if you’re unfortunate enough to have some, which I’m betting most of us do. I mention this because even a skirt that is cut about 2 to 3 inches above the knee will hide these more unflattering areas. If you show a little more leg, it gives the appearance of being somewhat taller and shows off the more narrow, attractive part of the leg. Legs tend to narrow right above and below the knees but widen again at the calf muscle. If you cover everything except the wider calf muscle, you’re only showing the stocky part of your leg. Hence, you will appear somewhat heavier than you probably are. When I first read this tip years ago, I was skeptical. My legs are short and stocky. I have some cellulite and no shortage of scars. I even have a new varicose vein, which is devastating! Never-the-less, I wore a new skirt (yes, from Ann Taylor) to my 25th High School Reunion and one of the men from my class actually told me that I had beautiful legs. To be fair, he was wearing thicker glasses and I think he was a bit off his face (intoxicated), but hey, I’ll just chalk it up to my choice of skirts, and leave it at that.
3. Wear shirts and jackets with tapered waistlines. If you have curves, you’re likely sporting a waistline that is significantly smaller than your bust and hip lines. I know I am. I have a very distinctive hourglass figure. Yeah, I know. I should stop bitching because that is supposedly the ideal. Yet those of us who boast the hourglass figure know what a train wreck it can be to go shopping and find clothes that actually fit all over. I mean seriously. You buy a pair of pants to fit your curvaceous booty, and you’ve got like 5 inches of open space between the waistline of the pants and your actual waistline. As gratifying as it would be to be able to go out and chow on a double cheeseburger, onion rings and a chocolate shake (only so that you can fill in your jeans, of course) the cruel irony is that your ass might spread, but your waist will remain anemic in comparison. Life isn’t fair. But I digress. This isn’t about jeans, it’s about shirts and jackets. The tapered waistline is enormously flattering because it shows that you have a waist. Women with curves tend to wear boxier style shirts because they equate curvaceous bums and breasts with being fat. NOT so! The properly chosen attire can accentuate your assets without making them appear freakishly out of proportion. You can always refer to a style consultant if you shop in department stores, or ask the sales clerks or your best girlfriend for honest advice. But trust me. Do not downplay your sex appeal. Embrace it!! You rock!
4. Solid dark colors are often more flattering than bold patterns. I’ll admit, I bought a lovely dress from Ann Taylor (yes, I know. I should buy stock!) It had a swirled black and white pattern, was sleeveless and cut about 2 inches above the knee. I loved it and I thought it looked pretty good on me. But when I saw myself in pictures later, I thought “Good Lord!! I look like a Rorschach blot!!” Had the dress been plain black, I would have been better off.
5. If you are going to wear patterns, consider the following tips. Polka dots really don’t flatter anybody. If you’re going to wear polka dots, at least have the decency to accessorize properly. I’d recommend a pair of size 22 red shoes, and a red ball on your nose. Maybe throw in a rainbow wig. Seriously, polka dots are just ill advised. If you just have to have them, go for the smaller dots. The bigger ones will just make you look like you’ve failed miserably in a game of paint ball. Stripes are less offensive than polka dots, but only if they’re pointing in the right direction and are of the proper width. Wide stripes in a vertical pattern will make you look like a referee. Wide stripes in a horizontal direction will make you look like an escaped convict. Thin stripes in a horizontal direction will make you look like a television with bad reception. Slap some rabbit ear antennae on your head and you’ve got a clever Halloween costume. Thin vertical pinstripes have a lasting classic appeal that never goes out of style, so they are your safest bet.
6. Low riders, hip huggers or full-length jeans? That is the question. Of course if you’re 21 or younger, it’s not really a question at all. Anyone under the age of 21 that isn’t wearing low riders was probably found on the doorstep of a convent in infancy and raised by a bunch of nuns. Okay. Maybe that’s not fair. One never knows what the nuns wear under those habits! I’ve tried on countless pairs of jeans in my lifetime and I can tell you that I consistently get the slimmer, more streamlined look with a boot cut, low rider jean style. They admittedly don’t make my legs look longer, but they do make my upper body look a bit longer and they tend to make the butt look great. Just be sure that you do a bit of bending and stretching before you buy to make sure that you have just the right fit. Accentuating your beautiful hips is okay. Showing your thong and/ or butt crack is just plain icky. Especially if you’re old like me. At my age, the tramp stamp you used to show off no longer looks like the tight, bright piece of artwork it once was. Now it looks more like someone tossed a bucket of paint at your backside and it is making a desperate attempt to flee south of the border! And for heaven's sake, don't get your jeans too tight. Every self-respecting woman needs to beware of the dreaded camel toe, but don't forget to also be aware of 'spillage.' What is spillage, you ask? Spillage is that inevitable baggage that hangs over the waistline of your pants if you buy your jeans too tight. Even the fittest among us needs to be careful. Spillage is not attractive on anyone, skinny girls included.
7. Another trick for elongating the leg is to wear french cut panties and swim suits. Most of us don't think about that because the only pictures we typically see of women in french cut bottoms are those that gallop about on long and lean stilt-type legs. But a nice french cut can add inches to your legs. Give it a try. Wearing sexy underwear, even if you're the only one that sees them, can boost one's self confidence. So get your radiance on and try the french cut!
8. Accessories are as important as clothing. For a thinner, more appealing look try the following: wide belts instead of thinner ones help to minimize the appearance of large hips; thin dangly earrings can help elongate the neck; shorter haircuts can actually draw attention to the subtle nuances of your face and make the face and neck appear thinner; supportive bras help to keep the bust line and waistline separated. If they are too close together, as they are on so many short waisted gals, you will appear heavier. Hoist the sails and you'll be amazed as you rediscover your midriff!
So ladies, I hope you’ve found my tips helpful. Now go out there and do your part to stimulate our economy. Your sexy new wardrobe is waiting! Happy hunting!
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Comments
We definitely each have our own preferences. I know I look like Bozo when I wear them! And the skinny girls look good in just about anything! Gosh darn them!!! Thanks for weighing in with such a quick read! Have a great day!
I definitely agree about the heels! I love wearing them, they really do make your legs look so much better! tried and true
Thanks for the great hub!
Raju don't flatter anybody." Hmmmm, I don't know if I agree or disagree. That's one for the dressing room, but I can see where you coming from
great advice, i've bben trying to avoid skits because i thing they are terrible on me despite encouragement from other people. i've got to try them one of these days. thanks
Great tips. I think these translate to all body types in some way.
Thanks so much for all the great responses. I had fun writing this little hub and it's chock full of personal experience because I am a short, curvy gal. I curse my genes, but choose my jeans wisely. ( -:
This is interesting! I usually write about brands and unique, great dresses and shoes available at the stores lately- those which are different as well as chic! But I haven't yet come across anybody with knowledge like yours. You know a whole lot- And you know how to use it!
Thanks Nikita. I lost a lot of weight several years ago and finally had fun shopping again. Once I could pick out great clothes, I learned a lot about what does and does not flatter a body and about what fun it is to shop! I am a complete freak for Ann Taylor! Happy holidays!
I am neither a woman nor one with a curvaceous body (!?) but I liked your breezy style of writing with a good mix of humor!
Thanks so much C.V. I appreciate that.
Great Hub!
Thanks Maranda!
Interesting, funny, and informative hub. :)
Two women in my office are short and stocky and have the same build/height. I noticed that the one wears shorts skirts a lot, and when she does it look so much sexier and appealing than the other one who wears trousers or a 3/4 length skirt!!!
Here in Japan we don't really complement office women on appearance though, they see it as sexual harassment.
Thanks for weighing in Leann and Hezekiah. There is definitely something to the short skirt even for heavier girls. Some people might consider compliments sexual harassment here in the US as well, but here most like to receive compliments. Whether or not they're considered harassment is typically all in the delivery.
i'm not a woman but this hub is informative. congrats. youre too much
Thanks! I appreciate that.
Great hub, I am 5ft!
Thank you! I'm only about 2-3 inches taller than you. It sure is challenging for shorties like us!
My buffoon hat is tingling!
Madam, I bow to you and the handy and accurate advice you provide in this article. You're not only parting with great tips, but you're doing so in a way that doesn't have women BE in a certain manner, you're rather explaining how to be THAT way AND look good at it. My bestest compliments, may the world have more of this way of thinking!
Oh, and funny too! This Buffoon is charmed :)
Thanks Buffoon. Something tells me you are so much more than your "name" suggests!
Great, funny, insightful hub! I'm 23 and 5ft... Thanks for being honest!
Thank Melanie. I appreciate your feedback!
So informative! Will remember this when I go shopping!
Great! I'm glad you liked it.
Good Hub. I am going to save this for my spring shopping spree
Thank you!
haha i agree with most of this and have similar problems but with out the flab for the most part but it is so hard to get things that fit all over not just in sections but you have encouraged me to go shopping thanks to your tips!!
Great! Have fun shopping.
In all seriousness, is curvy being used as a euphemism for obese and out of shape? Or another word for voluptuous where curves are appreciated by everyone 9 times out of 10?
Great advice. I picked up a few tips. Thanks
Bronson, if you've read the article, you'll know that it is NOT a euphemism for anything. You can't wear the clothes I'm talking about if you're obese and out of shape. I'm talking about curvy women with hour glass figures who have difficulty finding clothing that fits well and looks good. Curvy is not a dirty word; it's a reality for a lot of beautiful women.
Good hub, it really is difficult to try and make your legs look longer. I find that not only do wearing the short skirts and shorts help but also when you buy curvy fit skinny jeans. They don't squeeze in your butt and thighs too tightly and they make the leg seem longer but on heels with a pair of those and you are smokin'.
Good idea TV. Thanks for sharing.
I enjoyed reading your hub. I started my hub 8 mths ago and I finally had the chance to start on mine. Your hub was the 1st page that captured my attention. I am 5'2 with curves and a mother of three. I can relate to how we have to shop in order to get the look we desire. Great hub, look forward to following more.
Thanks so much! That's quite an honor. I was destined to write this hub because I can also relate to the difficulties we short curvy gals face in shopping for the perfect outfit!
Jaynie, you were practical and sincere in your writing. Inner beauty only is enhanced by outer look, so all people women and men need to feel good about themselves on the inside first. But to all you women keep looking for those great outfits.
I was very pleased to find this site.I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every
little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.
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Well said, pepalive. And pandorastoreuk, thanks for sharing your information.
Yeah, if it fits around the bust or the bum, it gapes at the waist for us hourglass girls. That's where knowing a little about refashioning can really help! Thanks for the tips and the laughs - I know exactly where you're coming from on this hub!
Great Hub, Great tips....I am a curvy and short women, so It has been very useful for me to read theis hub... thanks for the tips
No problem. Glad you liked it and found it useful!
Cheapsk8chick...you are soooo right. It's so frustrating. And the ironic thing is that there are far more girls like us than there are stick people out there, so why can't designers get it right?
Thanks for the great hub!
Helpful Hun
This is interesting
Thanks for weighing in guys. I'm glad you liked the hub.
Thank you for all th tips and suggestions, I'm short and curvy, so I can use all the advice I can get. Thanks for an informative, well written read. Awesome Hub!
Great hub! I completely agree about the shorter skirts, heels and fitted tops. I love boot cut jeans as well. Have to stay away from the skinny jeans though... make my hips look larger than they are. Thanks for the other ideas as well!
Thanks so much Becky and Writing_Wine. I'm happy that you both enjoyed the hub.
Loved this. Great fashion tips for women like us that pack some extra weight
Thanks Sarah! If that's really you in your picture, you're not packin. You look great!
hmm, french cut undies, let me try that to give some inch to my legs. thanks!
Good luck! They'll look great and you'll never go back.
My boyfriend is always laughing at my flat buns, Although I know he didn't mean what he said, I'm sad! After signing up for a gym club and keep an eye on the diet, I feel much more confident now! Every woman is pretty princess when she shows great confidence in her body and herself!
You are so right. I love your attitude.
Love your page here, I have always been the more curvy one for sure, not really short about average height the curves can make some looks on you not too flattering. This is helpful,thanks.
Thanks, Fluffy. I'm glad you found it useful. Curves are great if you know how to dress them.
Loved your hub. I learned a lot of the tips you mentioned from "What Not to Wear" on TV. Everything is true. Thanks for the useful info.
That is so great to hear! Validation is is quite rewarding.Thanks for letting me know!
I'm short but short of nothing, for sure. i wear mostly pants because i dont think skirts fit me well. but the heels i can agree with, i wear them almost every where!
I prefer pants too. I have a bunch of skirts, but since I'm currently unemployed, I have no where to wear them. Pants are always more comfortable and luckily, heels go with both!
Great fashion tips, and a funny read too!
Thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
As a short, curvy girl and fellow Ann Taylor addict, I thank you. :) I also feel you on the print dress...been there, done that!
Thanks, Mandy!
Nice and interesting. Loved reading it. I like to wear pants and skirts for most of the time.
beautiful
hi nice hubs and funny and i love your attitude
The subject that you have explained in the article is too fantastic. It’s like a dream come true. You have bought the topic live in front of my eyes and made me think the same manner. You have just too wonderful ideas.
Thanks guys.
great hub
Thank you Terryandco.
I like your writing style. Very useful information and tips for those of us who are short and curvy. Great read, awesome Hub. Thanks.
Thanks, Becky. I appreciate that. Glad you liked it.
Great, I feel you have deep knowledge on the subject.
Thanks for the great hub!
Thanks Austin and Zesha. I appreciate that.
Very nice hub! There is one more thing you can do to make your legs look longer - use pointy shoes. Well, they are not trendy at the moment, but people can decide for themselves if they want to be trendy or look tall.
Thanks for sharing...and for reading!
Great Hub. I agree that polka-dots really don't work well for anybody. Stripes are kind of a hit or miss. I would definitely choose smaller stripes over bigger ones.
Thanks. I agree about the stripes.
Never mind that I'm a man. But this your article is mostly recommended for short ladies so as to know what they should put on.
Thanks crystolite.
heels help excercise my hips ,i love them
Good Said dear i like it
Heels are fantastic!
Great tips. I learned some new things and I found this to be a very valuable hub. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. I'm so glad you found it useful.
Good hub, especially the short skirt call. Hezekiah, I reckon you should say something to the girl in work. Just make sure you don't sound sleazy. :)
Fabulous hub.
Thank you both.
Polka dots are only flattering when it's an itsy-bitzy, teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini.
The article is very well written, I like it.
Ha! I like that. Thank you for the compliment. I appreciate that.
Wow this is something incredible fashion tips for the short women. I simply love this, thansk for sharing
My pleasure.
Oh my goodness - Amazing!! I really needed the advice in this article! I am a fan! :)
Thank you so much. I'm glad you found it useful. I'm a short curvy girl so most of this is based on experience and research so that I can successfully dress myself. It was so fun to write this because as you might suspect, I was feeling a bit playful and silly when I wrote it. I love good humor combine with sound advice.
I love your tips about the skirts! Now that the weather is starting to get warmer, I'm wearing more short skirts and loving the way my legs look in them! :)
I have extremely large boobs for my size and I have the hardest time finding shirts that fit and compliment me, one thing I have found though is that just wearing shirts that have a v-neck or even just a lower neck line can make you look thinner and your neckline look longer. And like you said, you can't underestimate what a good supportive bra IN THE RIGHT SIZE will do for you!
So true! I also have very large breasts, but my waist is small so I favor tapered waistlines and V-shaped button down blouses. Thanks for sharing that tip.
Jaynie, i have read all the comments on ur hub n i really appreciate all the hard work u have done 2 bring out this superb hub for woman with short height. Being a guy i hv a gr8 liking 2wards woman attire n fashion. woman r lucky 2 have so much variety for them. You have helped n given good advice 2 short woman. Its good to sense your own shortfalls n rectifying them with such good techniques. Ya, short women with big breasts is very awkward. They should wear a very good supportive bra so that the breast remain intact n tight. If i find any clue someday i shall share wid u. Take care.
Thank you. I would appreciate any advice!
This really covers all of the fashion dos and don'ts. I definetely agree with the heels one and also I like the polka dot one you pointed out too. Very well put together with a lot of tips!
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it.
Thanks for the article, very informative hub.
Thanks, Jason!
Idk about you guys, but I like polkadots. =)
To each his own. If you/ your girl can wear them, then wear them well. ( -;
with two sisters - no brothers --- four daughters - no sons and my ex was an awesome dress/maker designer .... all your tips are bang on.... one thing must be added.... when a lady has a great attitude and just a little self confidence (no matter her body shape) ... that with your tips will radiate sex appeal.... without the self confidence and smiling attitude... no change of cloths makes a difference. Great Job!!!
Excellent point! I completely agree. Thanks for sharing.
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Contrice 20 months ago
"Polka Dots don't flatter anybody." Hmmmm, I don't know if I agree or disagree. That's one for the dressing room, but I can see where you coming from.