• If you’re petite (5’4″ or under) or tall ( 5’11” to 6’3″)  you know the challenges of finding clothing that not only fits perfectly but creates a stylish look. In the last ten years or so manufacturers have started creating styles for petite women and tall women but still don’t have it right just yet. Since petite and tall women aren’t all the alike it’s sometimes difficult to find the right fit even in the petite or tall section. I’ve found that many women are not only disillusioned with finding the right fit but are downright frustrated.

You can look stylish at any age and any size. It’s just a matter of knowing what you’re looking for. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Bring attention upwards – to your face. Makeup, jewellery and your hair all attract attention and if you’re petite or tall you’ll want attention drawn to your face. Makeup is the finishing touch to any great outfit. Jewellery – earrings, a necklace or brooch (in your favourite metal or colour) will add a splash of colour near your face. A fabulous hairstyle, one that does not overpower your frame will accent you look.

• Limit details – if you are petite this will create more height for you. When choosing clothing with lapels, buttons, belts and pockets think of your height  so they balance your frame and height. Watch if you have a fuller figure as too many details will make you look fuller and appear shorter.

• Use fabrics to your advantage – and appear thinner. The textures you choose to wear are very important. Smooth textures and light to medium fabrics are the best choice for a small frame. They add less bulk and therefore make you appear smaller and slimmer. For a fuller figure choose fabrics and textures that are firmer, medium to large prints are flattering for your curves. And wear colour’s that make you look fabulous!

• Create vertical lines – and look taller. The eye naturally follows line direction so it makes sense to use vertical lines to your advantage. Create vertical lines with colours by wearing the same hue from head-to-toe. This way of dressing is very slimming, making you appear slimmer and taller.

• Create a hemline – that keeps the eye higher on the body. Wear skirts, dresses, and 3/4 trousers, shorts just on the knee or just below the knee. Create a longer line by wearing pantyhose and shoes the same colour as your skirts, dresses. Also, wear skin-tone shoes to create the look of a longer leg.

Very few women can actually find off-the-rack clothes that fit them perfectly. That is why it’s good to have a seamstress you can trust.