Fashion Rule: If you’re 5’4″ and under, NEVER wear Culottes, A-line Skirts or anything that stops right above your ankles. Rules are meant to be broken.
There’s this huge misconception in the fashion world that people under 5’4″ should avoid clothing that stops at our ankles because it will make us look short or as if the “outfit is wearing us.” While, this is true. If done right, you CAN wear such pieces if you’re 5’4″ and under; you just need to know how to do it. I’m no expert, believe me. However, speaking as someone that happens to be 5’4″, I know all too well about what works and what doesn’t. Whenever I do wear pieces that sit just above my ankles, I usually do the following:
- I make sure the skirt/pants sit right above my waist and tuck the blouse in.
- Since I’m small chested, I can get away with blouses that have ruffles etc. but I make sure that the design doesn’t swallow my waist as this is the area that I want to accentuate. However, I usually stick to a top that’s fitted and that I can easily tuck in.
- I usually wear pumps/stilettos and avoid shoes that wrap around my ankles. I never wear boots because it really does shrink me. However, I have seen short women pull this off effortlessly; it just doesn’t work for me.
- Avoid things that will make me look frumpy and shorter than what I really am.
However, I will say this: YOU have to know your body – what works and what doesn’t. In the end, wear whatever the hell makes you happy!
“Fashion is about dressing according to what is fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.” – Oscar De La Renta
Outfit Details
Now that we’re done breaking rules, let’s talk about today’s outfit. That top was actually a steal because I bought it at Goodwill for $3.49 BRAND NEW WITH TAGS. (My gut feeling tells me that this was purchased from The Limited’s liquidation sale from last year and since items were final sale and you could not return them, the buyer donated it to Goodwill. Why do I think that? There were a ton of The Limited items at Goodwill that day, lol.) Anyway, back to the outfit. Originally when I purchased it, I thought I was going to wear it with jeans but when I saw my velvet culottes, mind changed. I love playing with different textures and patterns and mixing these two together really made the outfit stand out. This top is the perfect cocktail dress replacement. You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort because you can still be a standout with this piece.
I’m a huge fan of navy and black combination and this was the perfect outfit to mix those two colors with. I accessorized with a black and pink clutch; I just loved the pop of color. The shoes were another steal: $1.39 at the Goodwill Outlet O_O BRAND NEW! These were the perfect evening shoes for the perfect evening and I didn’t have to sacrifice comfort.
ReChycd 