4 Must-Have Winter Accessories for Petites
When choosing accessories, it is important to remember to choose one which will be a main focal point and the others either smaller or lesser in degree. Too many focal points is confusing and leads the eye in too many directions. The accessory you choose as your focal point should lead the viewer's eye where you want the focus to be. For petites, a great option is to lead the viewer’s eye up to create elongation. Check the placement of your accessories. Are you leading attention up, drawing attention to places that lift and lengthen the look, and emphasizing areas you want the viewer's eye to go?
The best time of year to buy winter accessories is in January and February because they often go on sale around this time at the close of winter.
My 4 must-have winter accessories for petites with tips for each are below.
Hats:
Look at yourself in the mirror and check to make sure it is flattering from all angles. The hat should be flattering in the front, sides, and back.
When wearing a wide-brimmed hat, don’t go so wide that it makes you look small under the hat.
To add height, opt for a hat with a crown. Flat-topped hats “press” you down and make you look shorter.
The crown of the hat should not be longer or wider than your face. If it is, the hat is too big.
A hat should never be wider than your shoulders or narrower than your hairdo.
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Scarves:
Questions to ask yourself before buying scarves:
Is the size of the scarf and pattern of the scarf scaled down to my height and frame?
What colors are present in the scarf? A scarf is a quick way to add color, pattern, and visual interest to an outfit. It is also a great option to wear up near your face in your best colors. Try a scarf in one of your personal body colors. For example, try to match one of the colors in your eyes or choose a color that complements your hair for a harmonious look.
How can the scarf be worn with pieces of clothing I already own?
Wearing a Scarf:
Preferably in soft and lightweight fabrics
An oblong scarf worn hanging with ends down and loose draws attention in and adds body-thinning and lengthening vertical lines.
Wear a contrasting neck-tied scarf. The contrasting pop of color at the neck draws the eye upward and gives the illusion of height. If the eye is guided up, it is an instant lift!
Make it the focal point in your outfit. Wear it in place of a hat, necklace, or belt.
Drape a square scarf at the neck in place of a necklace or wear it tied WITH a necklace
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Necklaces:
A necklace that ends at the low midriff is especially great for petites and adds elongation.
A necklace can create a great vertical line. The best necklace for a petite is generally 20 - 30 inches in length (measured from end to end). Go longer or shorter for style and personal preference.
Avoid wearing a choker or necklace that cuts off a V-neckline.
Avoid wearing necklaces that stop at a full breast line.
Go for warm metals and seasonal tones. Pearls, gold chains, semi-precious stones, and jewel tones.
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Earrings:
Earrings catch attention and hold eye contact. If using as your main focal point, choose at least a medium size (size of a quarter) or slightly larger.
Choose earrings in seasonal tones like deep reds, emerald greens, metallics, or pearl accents to tie in with winter hues.
Consider your face shape and neckline. For a round face, opt for oval or elongated. For a narrow face, rounder and wider can look great.
Avoid hanging earrings that hang too low or that look outsized next to your face.
If you have a short neck, overly long hanging earrings will call attention to it.
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