When considering the different body shapes, it is important to understand that each body is different and the way each feature is dressed gives each body of woman the attention it deserves. Clothes for short waisted women can be a struggle to find, especially ones that make them feel more elongated and make their body more proportioned. However, there are numerous outfit ideas that can help you improve your wardrobe and learn to dress to your body shape. In this post I will focus on clothes for short waisted women and provide tips for dressing for each season, so that you can feel comfortable, self-assured, and fashionable throughout the year.
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Understanding the Short-Waisted Body Shape
Now, before we get to other posts with more specific outfit suggestions, it is more beneficial to understand the fundamentals of short-waisted bodies. Short-waisted simply means that the area from the bottom of the bust and the top of the hips is significantly shortened. This creates the perception of a smaller torso and can make it tricky to find clothes for short waisted women that fit well and feel comfortable.
For a shorter waist, the objective is to achieve the appearance of a longer torso whenever possible. For women with a shorter torso, the focus is on torso elongation. Maintaining balance and symmetry in the overall silhouette is equally, if not more, important. Fabrics cannot be bulky, and torso sections cannot be cut bluntly or sharply with abrupt styles. Rather, one should opt for shapes and lines that highlight the natural waist and make the torso appear longer. Lines, shapes, and accessories invested in waist focus will accomplish the look you set for.
Clothes for Short Waisted Women: General Tips for Dressing
There are a few primary guidelines that can help short-waisted women in dressing for their body. These will help in the primary structure for the outfit ideas planned for later.
Buy High-Waisted Bottoms
High Waisted Pants and Skirts are essential in dressing for a short-waised torso. They elongate the torso and the legs, and a balanced silhouette is achieved. Higher waisted bottoms should be paired with tucked in tops and blouses for waist highlight articulation.
Choose Vertical Stripes or Patterns
Wearing clothes for short waisted women with vertical stripes or patterns can make your body look longer. Vertical patterns make your body look taller because they stretch your torso which makes your body proportioned. Whether it’s a striped blouse or a pair of striped pants, the stripes help make your torso look longer.
Avoid Low-Rise Jeans or Pants
If you wear low-rise pants or jeans, it will make your body appear even shorter because they cut the torso line at the middle of the waist. To have a more balanced look, wear mid-rise or high-rise jeans or pants.
Layer with Long Jackets or Cardigans
Layering is a great way to visually lengthen your torso. Long jackets, cardigans, or coats will elongate your torso because they draw the eyes down. Be sure to choose non-cropped jackets because they create a harsh line which Shorten your waist.
Emphasize Your Waist with Belts
A natural waist will help define your figure and create the illusion of length. Longer belts or wrap-around belts will help define your waist and create the illusion of a longer torso.
Outfit Ideas for Short Waisted Women: Spring and Summer
With warm springs and summers comes light and flowing fabrics. Here are some clothes for short waisted women that are comfy and will flatter your figure in the warm months.
Flowy Dresses with Empire Waistlines
Short waisted women will love empire waist dresses. The waistline sits just below the bust and makes the torso look longer. Also, with the dress flowing over the hips, a more balanced silhouette is created. For a fresh spring look, go with your style and pick a floral print, or choose solid colors.
High-Waisted Shorts and Crop Tops
For a trendy and summer ready outfit, throw on a cropped top and a pair of high waisted shorts. It will emphasize your waistline, too. The high waisted shorts will elongate your torso, and the crop top will pull the attention to your torso. Keep your outfit light and comfy with fabrics like cotton or linen, to give you a breezy effect.
Customized Jumpsuits
For shorter waisted women, jumpsuits are an amazing choice to get that classy chic vibe! Pick a jumpsuit that has a high waistline with a cinch at the natural waistline. This cinch with the fitted top elongates the torso, and the full-length pants complete the look with an uninterrupted line to the legs.
Adding A-Line Skirts
Another great choice for shorter waisted women is the A-line skirt. A-line skirts add balance to the figure as well as draw attention to the lower half. A classy look would be to wear an A-line skirt with a fitted blouse and a waist-cinching belt to create that elongated torso effect.
Outfit Ideas for Short-Waisted Women for Fall and Winter
With the chillier months, layering becomes essential. These clothes for short waisted women are perfect for body-flattering winter wear that will keep you warm.
Long Tailored Coats or Tailored Outerwear
For shorter waisted women, long tailored wool coats and outerwear are top choices. Opt for coats that fall just below the waist to avoid giving the body a truncated look. A double-breasted coat is perfect for defining the waist and giving the entire look shape.
High-Waisted Trousers with Sweaters
High-waisted trousers with a fitted sweater or turtleneck is an effortlessly chic outfit combination. The high-waisted trousers lengthen the waist and the sweater can be tucked in to cinch the waist and define the silhouette. You can also layer a long cardigan over the top for style and added warmth.
Midi Skirts with Fitted Tops
For fall and winter, a midi skirt and a fitted top or blouse creates a versatile look. Midi skirts elongate the legs and with a fitted top tucked into the waist, the outfit creates the illusion of a longer torso. For extra warmth, go for knit tops or something sweater material.
Peacoats and Structured jackets
Peacoats and other structured jackets are great for short-waisted women, as they add shape and definition to the figure. Make sure to pick a coat that hits at your hips or just below to help create a longer and streamlined look. For the most flattering effect, pair with high-waisted pants or skirts.
Accessories That Flatter Short Waisted Women
Accessories can help short waisted women balance and elongate their torso. Here are a few accessory ideas that will help complement your outfits.
Statement Belts for Short Waisted Women
A statement belt can help shape your waistline and help your torso appear longer. For contrast, select a slim to mid-width belt in an opposing color. This will help draw the eye to your natural waist. A belt where the buckle is positioned slightly off-center will add some visual interest and help highlight your form.
Long Scarves for Short Waisted Women
Long scarves draw the eye to the the upper body and help create an overall longer silhouette. This is an effect best achieved with a loosely hanging scarf, as opposed to one tightly wrapped around the neck. This will create a better balance overall.
Long Pendant Necklaces for Short Waisted Women
Long pendant necklaces are great for helping to create the illusion of a longer torso as well. For the best effect, choose necklaces with a pendant that hangs below the bust. This will draw the eye downward and help create a vertical line that will add length to your body.
Conclusion
For short waisted women, finding the right style is simply figuring out how to embrace and celebrate what you have. Balancing an outfit after all is easy, and it boosts your confidence to know that you look stylish too. Whether it is spring, summer, fall, or winter, the trick is to play around with fitted high-waisted bottoms and defining, tailored pieces.
Highlight the good points! Choose clothes for short waisted women that suit your figure and fit. With the ideas from the previous sections, you will have an easily customizable wardrobe while also having clothes that will fit your style and shape.
FAQs
1. What type of pants should short-waisted women wear?
Short-waisted women should wear high-waisted pants to help lengthen the torso and create a more proportional look. Low-rise pants are a no-go, as they will shorten the torso which is what we are trying to avoid.
2. Can short-waisted women wear crop tops?
Of course! Crop tops are easy to style, especially with high-waisted bottoms, which help to create that overall balanced look. For added length, you can choose a crop top that is a little longer as this will help to lengthen the torso overall.
3. What dresses are good for short-waisted women?
Empire waist dresses are good for short-waisted women. They are worn just below the bust. This adds length to the torso and gives the illusion of a longer waist. A-line dresses also work well because they help to balance and create a sense of flow.
