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Gator Glam: A Petite, Curvy Girl’s Guide to Fashion

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UFL chapter.

As much as people applaud Kim Kardashian and beg to look just like her, those of us who share her short and curvy body know the true struggles of looking good and dressing fashionably. I used to hate my height and, even more, my wide hips. Over time I have grown to love my body, but that doesn’t mean I still don’t have to be careful with what I wear. Here are my tips to help you look your best and rock your petite, curvy figure.

1. Tops and necklines
As much as you may hear advice to wear low necklines as a curvy girl, I’m here to tell you to also consider high necklines. What’s great about a high neckline is that it can dress up a look, while a low neckline tends to look more casual. Another great style to wear is embellished shoulders. Both of these looks can help make broad shoulders look more narrow.

2. Fitted clothing
Cropped blazers and jackets are great for curvy bodies to show off the curves, not making you look shorter than you are. Keep in mind to balance your outfit. If you are wearing a flowy skirt, be sure to pair it with a tighter top, and if you’re wearing a loose shirt, wear a more form-fitting bottom. By balancing your outfit you can ensure that you won’t look boxy and bigger than you are.

3. Bottoms
A great way for a petite figure to look taller is by wearing a great pair of pants. By choosing high-waisted pants, you portray the image that you actually have longer legs. High-waisted bottoms are also great for curvy bodies to show off their small waist without looking big. Wearing bottoms that are dark-colored is also great to appear slimmer; it works the same way as wearing a black top.

4. Shoes
Most short girls think they always have to wear heels, especially when going out, but I’m such a klutz that I try to avoid a shoe with any type of a heel on it. Ballet flats can be a great alternative, especially when trying to look professional. The trick to wearing flats as a petite girl is pointed toes! Stay away from flats with a round toe, as they can make you look stumpy and square. Flats with a pointed toe don’t take away from your height and don’t make you look bigger. Plus, pointed flats can give your outfit a chic look. So trendy!

5. Maxi skirts and palazzo pants
I’ve heard mixed reviews about maxi skirts and dresses, specifically for curvy bodies, because they can make you look bigger. I’m personally a huge advocate for maxi skirts because they always make me look taller and thinner. They also show off my curves because the waistline is so high, hanging right at my waist. Palazzo pants are usually rather high-waisted as well, so they also give off the similar effect of long legs.

Being curvy doesn’t mean you have to wear super tight clothes, and being short doesn’t mean you have to always wear heels. With these tips, you can be sure to rock your body, no matter what type of figure you have. Embrace your unique body, and never loose your inner fashionista.

Photo Credit: poppybarley.com

Maxine Grossman is a second-year Public Relations major with a concentration in business at the University of Florida and is so excited for the opportunity to do what she does best for Her Campus UFL: write about fashion. When Maxine is not staring at Pinterest fashion boards or wandering around shopping, she can be caught eating sushi, devouring cups of coffee and tea, or munching on some delicious macarons. Besides writing for Her Campus UFL, Maxine is also an active member of UF’s Panhellenic life and enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, and painting.