Petites.
When most people encounter this word, they usually think of women who are short and slender, pixie-like and waif-ish…like the Olsens.
{via Buzznet}
However, the term, “petite,” encompasses so much more than this narrow view.
Petite women are defined as women under 5’3″ no matter their age, clothing size, ethnicity, or body shape.
Despite what fashion magazines and online advice columns may suggest, being petite is not a body type. Petites come in all shapes and sizes and we should embrace that diversity. We petites have been invisible long enough. As a petite, I know the fashion industry doesn’t exactly cater to my height. I also realize that I’m a minority within the petite population, sized out of many apparel brands to the point of being considered a negative or three-digit clothing size.
But all is not lost because the petite fashion experience is changing.
{via Fashionista 101}
Since the emergence of reality television, there is more variability in petite body types represented in the media. I know several petites approve the rise of the Kardashians, even if only for fashion inspiration. They look to the Kardashians to discover how to dress stylishly while embracing their curves. The same goes for the girls of Jersey Shore, albeit, the fashion and style choices are more geared towards sexy, night-time looks.
Nevertheless, petites are getting more visibility and the fashion industry is starting to listen.
{via MamaPop}
The petite fashion industry is growing every year and they’re still trying to assess the demand. There has to be more petite-friendly clothing brands aside from petite blogger faves: H&M, LOFT, and GAP.
If you’re a regular reader of Stylepint, you know that I’m always looking for petite-friendly clothing brands to share with you. It may be small, it may be out of the US, but they’re out there. If you know of any great brands, please share your knowledge in the comments.
Additionally, I am starting a spotlight series, “We Are Real,” to showcase the diversity of petites. I hear a lot of people complain that they simply do not see their size represented and I’m giving YOU an opportunity to change that view and make a difference. Armed with a camera and a blog, I’m looking for petites of different ages, body shapes, clothing sizes, and ethnicities who want to share their fashion, shopping, and styling knowledge.
So if you are interested in being featured or know someone who is interested…please spread the word.
Petites are real women too.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Last week on Pretty Shiny Sparkly Christina spotlighted a few prominent petite bloggers! This is a fantastic post, because it goes to show you that just because you are petite it does not mean you cannot be glamorous. It also does not mean everything has to be cute with bows and trimmings! But you did forget my favorite petite star…Eva Longoria
Excellent! I love it! It’s so true, the petite community needs more diversity and to share experiences from a wide range of petite women. Wonderful idea and I wish you the best of luck finding your ladies.
i hope there are more brands that carry petite clothing. ann taylor and gap are pretty expensive for my budget, so I have to just deal with going to regular stores and picking the right pieces.
http://www.petiteandhungry.blogspot.com
Great post, Jess. I’ve been hearing a lot of feedback as well that “petite” is often being misinterpreted to mean waif-thin and/or super short. That is far from the truth and I’d love to read more about a more diverse representation of petite women. I look forward to this series!
This is great Jess! Looking forward to reading up on this series!
Thanks for the post, Jess! We really need to get it out there that petite doesn’t mean short and size 0. Unfortunately, a lot of shorter women don’t admit that they’re petite, because they, too, believe that you have to be smaller than, say, a size 4. We also need more ethnic diversity in the petite blogging community. It seems that those who’re the most active are, on average, Asian, 5’1″ or so and under 100 lb!
Awesome! Can’t wait to see more shapes and sizes
America Ferrera is another good example of a non-size-0 petite who dresses really well for her body.
Exactly what we petites are looking for! Looking forward to reading submissions and how they deal.
Great post, Jess! This is exactly what the petite community wants to get out. We need to tell everybody that petite does NOT mean being a size 0! It’s about your height!
Great post and great idea. Petites are definitely misrepresented. I can’t wait to see your featured posts.
Wonderful post. This is actually why I’ve been trying to launch my own petite blog for ages now (if I could ever find time between bouts of illness :/) I know I’m not the only size 6 petite.
Yay!!!
Such a great inspirational post!
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