6 Options & Tips for Finding Knit to Fit: Sweaters for Petites
During these cold months, I am embracing sweater weather! Sweaters are a staple in a winter wardrobe. If you are petite, finding great sweaters for your shorter figure can be confusing and challenging. I am highlighting my top 6 sweater options and tips for a flattering petite fit!
Opt for a V-neck to elongate and lengthen your look. This flattering option adds visual inches to your height. When choosing V-neck sweaters, if possible, choose the petite sizing option. This will be your best bet as the sizing will be scaled down to fit your shorter proportions. A few things to note to ensure a proper fit: Make sure the V is scaled down to your size. It should not go below your bra line. If it is a wide V, it should not be so wide it appears to drop (or almost drop) off your shoulders. If you choose to wear a necklace with your V-neck sweater, be sure to choose a longer necklace. You don’t want to break the flattering elongating neckline with a short necklace or choker.
A mock neck style is a great alternative to turtlenecks for petites. This classic option is a great choice for your wardrobe and draws the attention up. If the eye travels up, your figure will appear taller. Dress your mock neck down with a pair of jeans, or pair it with slacks, a skirt, or over a dress for a more elegant office, evening, or event option. This is a great option to pair shorter necklaces with. Make the shorter necklace the focal point in your outfit, and the eye will continue to follow the neckline up to your face. Opt for light to medium weight fabrics to not overwhelm or add bulk to your shorter figure. Another option is to pair with a jacket, blazer, or coat to create a slim vertical line to draw attention to the center and up to the face - an instant lift!
Design details that create narrow vertical lines. Remember, not all vertical lines are slimming. Wide vertical lines draw the eye across the figure - making you look shorter and wider. Some built-in design details to look for in sweaters can include thin ribbed knits, cable knits, corduroys, and herringbones. These are great options as the thin vertical lines and details moves the eye up and down creating elongation.
A Wrap style sweater to create a visual line that draws the attention to the waist and back up to the face creating an elongating effect that adds illusion to your height. This is a great option as many have a V-neckline. Wrap sweaters are often in lighter weight fabrics and have a more tailored fit cinching at the waistline, which avoids bulk and can look smartly slimming.
A cardigan sweater worn open or closed can be a great addition to your wardrobe. Closures with a row of buttons add a vertical line and an illusion of height. Ensure buttons are scaled down so they don’t overwhelm your frame. A cardigan sweater worn open is again, a great way to create a center vertical line and the illusion of height.
Last but not least, try a Sweater vest. A vest is a smaller piece in itself, which is why it is a great addition for a petite figure. A vest with simple patterns (or solids) and simple textures are great to add a little extra interest to your outfit. Avoid a sweater vest that is too tight, as it will cheapen your look and a vest that is too large, as it may drown your shorter height. Some great options when looking for sweater vests include: petite sizing if you can find it, a V-neck is always more elongating than a rounded, and shoulders that cut an inch or two from the arm.
From versatile layering options and choosing the correct proportions, I hope with these tips and tricks, you can confidently choose the options which work best for you and your style. Here’s to staying warm, stylish, and finding knit to fit!
Shop Dacia’s picks and looks here: https://dressedbydacia.goodpix.co
