Dress your shape ... petite

Expert fashion advice on dressing to make the most of your figure – no matter what your shape

Make the most of a petite frame

Role models: Sarah Jessica Parker, Madonna, Audrey Hepburn, Kristen Scott Thomas
  Sarah Jessica Parker

Do

We know this is obvious, but it's best to buy from petite collections. Clothes that are specifically designed for women under a certain height will fit in all the right places. Try Principles and Precis Petite.

Keep it neat. Choose fitted styles to show off your figure and flatter a small frame. A stylish shift dress, or cropped jacket and pair of Capri pants will always look good

Stick to knee length skirts, anything longer will make you look shorter

Don't

Feel that you have to wear high heels to add extra inches - this emphasises your lack of height. Try a medium heel instead or go for ballet flats and Capri pants Audrey Hepburn style

Wear loose fitting layers, long skirts or wide trousers, these swamp a tiny figure

Leave things to chance. Shop at the start of each season to make sure you get the best clothes in your size

How to dress:

A boyish figure

An hourglass figure

To flatter big boobs

To flatter a larger bum