Classy and Comfortable in Our Casual World -Over 60 Petite Spring/Summer Fashion Tips
- belindaodell
- Apr 21
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 19
Let's discover how to elevate your petite fashion to a polished, casual style to make fashion in your 60's one of the best fashion time periods of your life. Oh yes! So you are a ‘baby boomer’? Now is the time to let your hair down and embrace one of the best seasons in life- over 60. Composing over 20% of America’s population, baby boomers are striving and enjoying those long awaited retirement years. Many of these women are finding themselves in the petite category (5’4” and under) for the first time in their lives since many women decrease in height as they age. At 5', I clearly benefit from shopping the petite line of clothing.
Coming from a time period when women dressed up for their career to a time period when it is stylish to be casual, women are making a transition to a polished, casual style as they partake in the latest social events, traveling, and even out to appointments.
Even though your day no longer requires professional attire, there is no reason to run around in athletic pants and T-shirts. With just a few changes and learning to wear petite-friendly clothing and accessories, you can continue to be stylish as you enjoy your leisure activities from dining at a favorite restaurant to hiking to a waterfall or riding your bike.
Lululemon Shorts
Let's dive into some tips for petites.
Wear clothes that fit your body and accentuate your figure. It really is worth shopping at stores that specialize in petite sizes to assure that clothes are proportional to your body frame (appropriate sleeve length, waistline, and hem length). J Crew, Ann Taylor, and White House Black Market are some of my favorite stores to shop petite sizes. Most department stores, including Dillards, Macys, and Nordstrom, offer a petite section with a wide range of budget options.
Know the difference between petite sizes and short sizes. Petite sizes fit smaller than regular sizes all over. Short sizes fit regular size except the hemline is shorter. Sometimes petite women can wear petite sizes and short sizes. Be prepared to go a size bigger if you transition from short sizes to petite sizes. You can also wear regular crop jeans and pants as full length on petites. All stores have a slightly different fit. When possible, try two different sizes to identify the best fit in a particular outfit.
A monochromatic (same or similar color) for top and bottom helps to elongate your body.
Keep dress hemlines above the knee or 3 inches below the knee. Hemlines that just cover the knees or are full length are not flattering on petite women unless they are slim-fitting and have a knee length slit to break up the abundance of fabric
Choose tops with V-necks for a lengthening look, especially if you have a full chest. This helps to make your chest and body appear smaller.
Keep your accessories small. Choose stud earrings or small hoops over large earrings. Trade that oversized open handbag for a small purse with a clasp. For casual outings, use a small crossbody bag that matches your outfit. Make sure your sunglasses fit your face.
Pass on those popular crop jeans and opt for full length jeans and trousers for a taller, leaner appearance.
If you are not a fan of shorts, choose lightweight cargo or linen pants paired with a slim top or an above the knee well-fitting dress made of a breezy fabric, preferably with a belted waist.
White House Black Market Jeans High waisted wide leg jeans are a sure way to be fashionable, especially when paired with a skinny belt. It will accentuate your waistline and lengthened the look of your legs!
Choose a high quality linen for trousers, shorts, tops, and dresses. Linen is a step up from denim and is a great way to be ‘dressy casual! It works well at social events and dining.
Choose solid colors over prints. If you choose a print, make sure it is a small print. Add a touch of print to give your outfit a pop without it being overwhelming to the eye.
Add some height with 1.5 to 3 inch heels with your favorite wedge sandals or thin strap slide. I have found 2.5 inch heels to be my favorite heel height; it adds height and I can still walk comfortably. I even wear this height with shorts for a polished look. A thong sandal is more slenderizing than a wide slide that looks bulky on your feet. Avoid heels over 3 inches and shoes with extra straps. Nude colors and clear straps add an elongated look to legs.
Pair crisp, white sneakers that hit below the ankle with jeans, cargo pants, and even casual dresses for casual attire. Platform sneakers are tempting to add height, but the bulkiness of these shoes look awkward on petite women. Likewise, avoid sneakers that rise above your ankle. Instead, choose sneakers that have a slimming effect on your feet, so your feet will match your small frame.
Better yet, choose sneakers with a touch of gold for a little pop of color.
Add a pair of pointed comfortable leather loafers with a touch of gold to add elegance to jeans and trousers.
Play with proportions by wearing fitted tops with loose jeans.
J Crew Linen 3” Shorts Edited Pieces Reversible Leather Belt Pair long sleeves with shorts in a crisp cotton or linen fabric.
A blouse with vertical stripes is an extra bonus for elongating your figure.
Wear long vests with shorts paired with a wedge heel for a modern, sleek style on a warm day.
Don’t forget skin care to keep your skin glowing to enhance your fashion. Consistent skincare paired with strengthening exercises and proper nutrition help to decrease the dreaded crepey skin and cellulite that creeps up on many women in their 60’s.
Remember when you were a busy career woman dressing for your job with that thought running through your head ‘dress for the job/promotion that you want’? The same is true for these golden years. Even though we are not striving for a particular job or promotion, we still want to be respected and admired by others. With a few staples of petite clothing, you can pull off that ‘put together’ look quickly whether you are running an errand or going out for a last minute dinner date with your husband or friends.
If you are interested in collaborating or sharing comments, please leave a comment below or send a DM to Instagram@BelindaAnnslp. For more petite fashion ideas, follow along at www.journeywithodells.com (Dress)
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