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Long stuff for short people

catgirl

Veteran

I love Janet's long jacket, Firecracker's long cardi, and so many other dramatic long pieces. But I'm short! Are there long pieces out there proportioned for short people in not so classic styles? So many petite items just don't have the edge I'd want...

Dressing

17 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

gryffin

Veteran

Una - I am only 5'3" and I love long anything. I do have long legs, and in discussion with Suz, we were wondering if that was the difference. Where is your height? Torso or legs? Also can't you just modify where long hits? There are a lot of 29" jackets, okay not a ton but more than the 33" I go for, would this length work for you? Same with long cardis? PS I just bought the EF maxi cardi and that hits at lower calf and I love it. Curious since you know I adore this silhouette. You seem like you'd have a perfect silhouette to carry it off. So curious!!

catgirl

Veteran

Maybe I should post pics. I think I''m pretty proportionate in leg length and not easily overwhelmed because of my shoulders. The question isn't so much whether I can wear them as where to find them! Long petite blazers are not easy to find.

Would love your suggestions!

Dee

Veteran

I don't have any suggestions, but if am eagerly following this thread. I love Firecracker's cardi but it would probably be ankle length on 5'2" me! And I completely agree that petites can handle basics (at the best of times) but rarely anything edgy. I wonder if EF petites has any good options at the moment?

gryffin

Veteran

Hum, first in addition to looking for jackets labelled blazers, look at jackets marked toppers and car coats. If they are light enough in weight they can often be worn as blazers. I have this blazer - very elegant and light weight the Theory Marcela Urban. (bloomingdales had it and I think shopbop). The next is the helmut land crux leather sleeve blazer. It's TDF cool although it's not technically long long (28" front 26" back) For me long is over 30" and finger tip length is 33" I find that a sweet spot but since you are a smidge shorter this might really work for you - tailoring is incredible and edgy. It's available at saks.com http://www.saksfifthavenue.com.....38;PRODUCT Okay, now I'm surfing Nordies have not tried these on: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/pi.....ersonalize might be too heavy but looks promising. Oohh score - the smythe blazer is new! http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sm.....ch-persona This theory blazer is also new. Stunning tux it
doesnt' say but I would estimate 30" Wow, wantsies!! http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/th.....&cont I just bought the EF charcoal tweed jacket (I posted on that). It's quite long but lovely. That's a quick search. I google, shopstyle, surf the majors - saks, bloomies, nordies, NM. I won't buy zara anymore due to quality but they do have some long blazers. Hope that helps!!

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gryffin

Veteran

Una - don't over look Ann Taylor, nothing calling to me right now but their toppers can often be used as blazers. That long vest/faux leather came in petite. You can check out loft too.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Petites can wear long things - just not too long. Keep the jackets well above the knee.

catgirl

Veteran

Gryffin, you are a rock star! I want something like Janet's jacket proportioned for me. Will check your links. Alas AT is not an option for me with shipping costs.

Angie, makes sense! The question is where these items are hiding in petite proportions or if it matters.

catgirl

Veteran

Oh the Smythe is TDF - not a color I can wear though. *sobs pitifully*

DonnaF

Veteran

Eileen Fisher? She has knee length and almost ankle length cardigans at Nordstrom. Not super high drama, but at least scaled for Petites.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ei.....s-_-1_12_A
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ei.....ts-_-1_6_C

dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

Una, After lusting over Helmut Lang jackets/card is, I bought two colors of this wool cardi from Icebreakers and think it's the best thing since sliced bread, as you can wear it multiple ways and choose asymmetry or not. Soft as can be and in your favorite color

http://us.icebreaker.com/en/wo.....C201%7C401

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Following with great interest. I love the white one Gryffin posted above.

catgirl

Veteran

Oh, Dashielle, what a fun wrap! I wish they had more colors... I have so much black and grey. It gets incredible reviews.

abc

Veteran

I've always longed for long items too. Loving some of the items on this thread. Keep us posted if you try anything, Una, please.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Una, are you sure you could not wear Janet's jacket? That jacket also looked good on Diana, if I recall correctly. Or maybe I am thinking of another one.

I do hear what you are saying, though. It's tough to find stuff that reads that dramatic.

Gryffin, I think for me it is slightly proportionately short legs....but also, just not being used to the silhouette on myself and/ or not being able to style it all that well.

Una -- you're already a pro at it from tunics/ skinnies. (This is a look that doesn't seem to suit me all that well -- it's to do with my thigh shape, I suspect. And if makes me sad because I love it!).

catgirl

Veteran

Suz, you are so smart! Looking at my tunic lengths should help me find a good blazer length. I don't want a blazer that's long because just plain too big for me, as many are. I think between 29" - 32" should be right. The one I'm wearing today is 30". 34" is dress length on me.

And I don't know what you're talking about with your thighs! I'd bet you if we measured you'd be no bigger than me, probably smaller... Seriously.

Diana

Veteran

Una, Suz is right. The Janet jacket did work on me too, even though I'm 4 inches shorter than her. She and I are similar shapes though. I have really long thighs, which helps with this kind of thing. Anyway I think it's worth a try. It did not seem overly long on me.

I find with long toppers like this jacket and my long vests, it helps if they don't need to be worn closed. The problem often arises when I have to button it, and then it's really obvious it's designed for someone taller or more long waisted since all the buttons, waist, etc are in the wrong place. My new long vest actually does have a zip closure but I can't use it bc it's a good three inches too low. So I just wear it open. And this isn't going to be an issue for you but for me not closing it means I don't have to size up for my hips which makes everything else look way too big.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I don't think it matters for you, Una. Your broad shoulders and bust line make regulars fit quite well. Sleeve length is usually an easy adjustment, so really, - it's all about watching the length, wearing heels, and making sure the bottoms are right.