Wearable Spring Fashions for Petite Bodies

While you may be all warm and cozy in your favorite wintertime sweater, the truth is that Spring is just around the corner - at least in the fashion world. In fact designers are already displaying their spring must-haves on the runways. Have you ever wondered how you can get the same look as a 5'11 runway model when you barely reach 5'2? Well, here are some wearable pieces that mimic the runway trends but are sized to fit the petite body perfectly and they won't cost you the price of a new car.

Breezy Bohemian and Military Styles

Seems to be a juxtaposition in terms, right? Spring is bringing back a little flair and some structure as well. Bohemian can be tricky to pull off when you have a small frame, but Banana Republic makes it happen with their Petite Accordion Pleated Skirt ($89.00). The skirt has a bit of sass and movement, but does not overwhelm a small stature. Their Petite Funnel-Neck-Blazer ($150.00) makes the perfect contrasting partner by toning down the flair on the bottom and bringing some architecture to the top. When you combine the two the petite frame can definitely pull off these two runway styles. Find these styles online at www.bananarepublic.com.

Black on White Print

There is a little store that is very well known that has a handle on this color scheme. White House Black Market has been concentrating on this design concept since 1997. The store does not have a petite section nor do they sell items in petite sizes, but they have a top that is cut just right that would suit most petite customers. The Mum Print Cardigan ($88.00) is a high contrast floral print that is not too overwhelming and starts in size XXS. The length of this cardigan sits high on the hip for the average customer, but for a petite woman the cardigan will fall about 1 - 2 inches longer. In my opinion, this is a perfect length for maximum coverage considering the waistbands of our pants keep getting longer and longer. In addition, this piece of clothing would also look wonderful with the Banana Republic skirt that was mentioned above. Find this style online at www.whitehouseblackmarket.com

Trench Coat

The trench coat is a classic staple in the wardrobe-conscious closet. With a classic structure that is always suitable for many occasions one wonders how it could possibly be making a comeback - hasn't it always been here? Well, designers such as Tommy Hilfiger have been using luxurious fabrics to make the trench more breathable for the spring. Think fabrics like silk and satin. Nordstrom's has a beautiful short satin trench , the Hilary Radley New York Satin Trench Coat ($138.00), that embodies springtime with its' beautiful opaline color. And for a short time, the coat is actually on sale for $46.90. What an amazing deal for a classic look that will last you for many years and outlast any trends.

Hot Pink and Neon

I saved the best or worst for last. In case you are scared of an 80's comeback that goes beyond the junior section, don't freak out quite yet or go borrow your daughter's leggings. This color comeback can work for you if you pick the right fashion. A little bit of color on a small frame can really make you stand out. Try a pair of beautiful sandals with a little color peeking out from beneath a slim, neutral-color pant or if you are very daring pair them with a little black dress for a spring evening out.

Kate Spade has a lovely pair of sandals that are appropriately called "lovely." They are a hot pink color with a wrapped heel that will definitely give you some height with the 3.5 inch heel. They are available at Nordstrom's and do come with a more liberal price tag ($298.00), but a well-made shoe will last you for a long time and while hot pink may be out-of-fashion before this posts online an accessory that gives a little color will survive the death of a trend.

Being short doesn't mean you have to be limited on your clothing choices or shop at stores marketed for pre-teens. You can wear what your more leggy friends wear, you just have to find pieces that have the right cut, dimension and structure.

Some other stores you may like that have stylish and petite fashions include: Ann Taylor Loft, New York and Company, and Kohls Daisy Fuentes and Vera Wang Petite Fashions.

www.bananarepublic.com

www.whitehouseblackmarket.com

www.nordstrom.com

www.anntaylorloft.com

www.nyandcompany.com

www.kohls.com