https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 20 May 2026 21:49:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1556638 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 09:06:07 +0000 shoppingisfun 1556638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Man pussy bows and ruffles are back?! I seriously only got rid of most of mine mine like 2 years ago! I am a late adopter but still. Weren't there items like, just in style fairly recently? I am thinking less than 10 years ago?</p> <p>Also, I am petite and totally dug this style just a few years ago. Ha ha! Love long bootcut jeans with tall shoes. I never even stopped wearing them in the first place. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1555637 Sat, 12 Sep 2015 02:34:17 +0000 shiny 1555637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>5'0 tall me agrees with you, yet sometime the last go around with 70s flirtations, I finally figured out how to get the flares to work for my proportions (still with hemming req'd) and was loving it. Then of course fashion took a turn.</p> <p>I do love the flares but honestly it's just not all that practical for my climate. Skinnies are still going to have a role in my closet because I need to tuck into tall boots for many long winter / snowy / cold and then splashy mucky months.</p> <p>Otherwise, I walked into BR the other day and couldn't help but think:</p> <p>"It looks like the 70s made love to the 80s and produced a 2015 love child"</p> <p>There's many 80s inspirations abounding, too. What's cool to me is &nbsp;mix-matching in same outfit. That feels fresh! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1555585 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 23:48:25 +0000 Anonymous 1555585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Retailers seem to overlook petite a when it comes to style, and you have to go on a safari hunt to get what you want. Truly it requires a lot of browsing at a variety of stores. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1555563 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 22:35:51 +0000 Dee 1555563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bettycrocker, I'm another member of the short-waisted petites so I share your issues with high-waisted pants. And I agree about not wanting to be stuck in that decade, just nodding to it.</p> <p>Shevia, I don't think I realized you were petite also until Angie's comment for some reason. Maybe I also just need to embrace a little more challenge/excitement in my fashion!</p> <p>Gigi, you're absolutely right about the proportions! I really hope we have petite options coming out in the next few months, because some alterations are difficult.</p> <p>Angie, you're right, of course. I need to go back through some older posts with an eye for these styles and get inspired. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1555434 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 17:44:27 +0000 ladyjules 1555434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think slim bootcut jeans or jeans with a bit of flare would look amazing on petite ladies. The key, I guess, is to have them very slim on the upper half of the leg. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1555362 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 14:08:20 +0000 Angie 1555362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dee, Aida has been posting '70s looks on this forum for years. Aida -<b>please </b>post some here to inspire the others. And Shevia, our Cullottes Queen is petite too. She wears culottes with panache. Very petite Lisa from NJ lives in flared bootcuts and fitted blazers and wears the formula with the best of them. I could go on and on!</p> <p>Oh my goodness. Petites have nothing to worry about. Truly. You're after just enough structure and you're good to go. And actually, Glam '70s fashion is very structured - more than we have been seeing in fashion over the last few years.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1555213 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 05:58:54 +0000 Gigi 1555213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't tried shopping for this style yet, but it sounds like it will be a challenge. I think that you'd have to insist on petite sizes, since the proportions will be very tricky. This is hard because so few interesting pieces come in petites'. I don't know how you like your tops (I am small-busted and so have other problems), but finding ones that have a band at the bottom can help rein in a billowy top like a peasant top. It would also make an untucked top look "neater." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1555111 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 01:34:49 +0000 Jaime 1555111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought of Aida right away too! At 5'3" I do find things like culottes more challenging than skinnies, but that is part of the fun for me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1555105 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 01:13:11 +0000 Anonymous 1555105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved the 70s, but I was 30 lbs. lighter back then. I'm a short-waisted petite &amp; now know better than to tuck tops into high-waisted pants like I used to do. The flared pants aren't difficult for me. My legs are on the longer side and I can make them work with my Dansko sandals. I try to wear my best versions of the 70s styles. It's doable if you don't try to look like you're stuck in that decade. The 70s but updated and better, if you will. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1555104 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 01:09:17 +0000 Dee 1555104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like I opened a can of worms here, oops! I didn't have time to check in today so I'll respond in broad strokes.</p> <p>I'm glad to hear I'm not entirely alone or at least that others are approaching this season cautiously too. Although some of my issues are compounded by the fact that I can't wear heels, making flares even harder to fit, and that I look young for my age, so I always worry about skewing too young with ruffles/bows/etc.</p> <p>Angie, I'm really hoping that some of the fabbers you mentioned post some 70s-style ensembles so I can get a feel for what's working. And it's promising that you've found some options that worked for your clients. Hopefully more petite options will appear in stores/online in the next few months. I just need to keep following PPP, which I should be doing anyway, but I currently feel more limited than usual.</p> <p>Abc, ambergreen and Maneera hit the nail on the head that fitting petite flares, even with alterations, can be tricky. Although Aida always looks fantastic proportion-wise and she and several others provided some great suggestions, so thank you!</p> <p>Jenn, I forgot how much I loved Mila Kunis in that, and she always looked great. </p> <p>Susie, care to share your magic flares? :)</p> <p>Isabel, aw, thanks!</p> <p>Caro, I haven't found any true culottes that work for me either. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1555034 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 23:28:56 +0000 Caro in Oz 1555034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing with the others about incorporating trends (or not) in a way that works for you. </p> <p>Not to hijack your thread but my frustration is with culottes &amp; wide-leg pants which I love. &nbsp;The best of these looks imo is always teamed with heels of some kind, which don't work for my very casual life grr.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1555024 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 23:16:22 +0000 tulle 1555024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not so sure...I'm 5'2", and in the '70s&nbsp; I was young &amp; skinny.&nbsp; I tucked in tops, wore wide-legged plaid pants, body-hugging ribbed sweaters, mini skirts &amp; maxi coats.&nbsp; I will NOT be attempting any of those this time around, thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1554974 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 21:37:41 +0000 Aida 1554974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another polite disagree-er here. The 70s are one of my main decade inspirations (I am, after all, Queen Modern 70s), and all of the things you describe are things I enjoy wearing: high waists, wide legs, long layers, chunky sweaters; I don't wear bows/ruffles, due to stylistic tastes but they're certainly doable. I am 5'3".</p> <p>HOWEVER. I definitely think that we petites will often need to adjust the proportions a bit to get the same overall feel (e.g. less wide wide legs, less flared flares, going a little higher with the high waist to elongate the leg a bit further, wearing shorter hemlines for skirts/dresses, etc.). Basically we need to compress a bit both vertically and horizontally to make sure we're not swamped. Alterations likely necessary. And of course some of those things can also be more or less challenging depending on body type. If you <i>love</i> any of those 70s elements we could probably help find a way to make it work for you. And if not, at least there are plenty of non-70s trends around :)</p> <p>As for how to deal with not liking the bulk of trends in a season, that can be tough if you're inclined towards a trendy style. I usually pick one or two elements from the predominant style and be sure to pair with items that represent my core style preferences (for example for me, I will struggle with the 90s trend items; haven't yet decided how to incorporate but most likely will just stick to plaids, which I already wear loads of). It is nice that the trends tend to last a bit longer these days, so if you're not into the really new stuff in a given season you will certainly still look plenty current without adding much "new". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1554864 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 18:37:22 +0000 Suzanne (ambergreen) 1554864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The one 70s trend that I find the trickiest is the flares, because of how they in particular are not good candidates for hemming and how rare shorter and petite-cut pants are, in any style.</p> <p>To my amazement, though, I found flares that fit like they're supposed to--not big at the knee! And even more unbelievably, one of my 2 pairs is short enough to wear with *lower* shoes. They're from Maurices, a junior-oriented line that has a number of styles and cuts of flares (including plus sizes for anyone who's looking for that)--and they come in *5* lengths (2 shorter and 2 taller as well as "regular")! The price point is rather nice as well.</p> <p>Note that anyone willowier than I (and I am not willowy) could be sized out in these. I have the Kaylees in size 0, the short and X-short, but the Ellies are straighter cut, so that could be an option to try. (For comparison, my Loft, Gap, and ON jeans are size 2.) One other point: I would say that the rise of these leans lower. I'm often frustrated even with half tucking, being big-busted (32F) and therefore effectively short-waisted, so I'm OK with the rise since it is likely to stay covered, but YMMV.</p> <p>Speaking of Old Navy and rises, I found a pair of petite corduroy bootcuts on the site that are a true midrise and very comfortable. The fabric and color are very 70s (well, except these are stretchy like the originals were not!).</p> <p>Of course, none of these pants are available for store try-on, another woe of petite life. I'm sure you're used to ordering a range of sizes at once to get free shipping and your best chance of fit. </p> <p>And, I'm not even going to try to find petite flares in fabrics other than denim due to the ridiculously small chance of finding such a thing, plus I figure I don't really need a lot of this trend.</p> <p>Wide-leg pants generally look terrible on me--totally wrong for my height, shape, and style. I'm OK with avoiding them. I've never liked bows, so I'll be avoiding those too. The occasional ruffle is OK, but I don't have many and won't be adding. One thing I am doing, though, is a 70s-flavored shorter skirt in earth tones with patchwork detail. It's a pencil rather than an A-line, but it works. Mostly, I'll pair taller boots with it. I think shorter skirt looks are something petites do well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1554823 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 17:31:17 +0000 Anonymous 1554823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dee, I think you could wear a version of any style of item because you're especially good at proportions and less is more. You appreciate some flash but you know how to get maximum impact out of your accessories without overdoing it or unbalancing your outfit.</p> <p>And I really like soft ruffles at the neckline on women with short hair!</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1554808 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 17:12:07 +0000 Maneera 1554808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Angie! &lt;kisses&gt; </p> <p>But I can understand if it is not everyone's cup of tea. Unlike the modern trends where figure flattery can be 'adjusted' or 'modified' for a modern, trendy look, I personal feel that 70s styles do need a bit more care given to figure flattery in terms of proportions and fits. It 'may' be harder to find the right pieces. So, it may not be for everyone. The trends are definitely more 'girly' for those who love androgynous styles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1554806 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 17:06:56 +0000 Maneera 1554806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Abc is bang on. I try to find flared jeans that don't require a lot of hemming. Otherwise - I lose the flare completely. I search ALOT. I tried Atleast 10 jeans and finally did find one that worked. </p> <p>The model here is taller than me so these pants are short on her. On me; they're perfect! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1554805 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 17:06:29 +0000 Angie 1554805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>High five, Maneera. You said it, and wear it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1554804 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 17:04:39 +0000 Maneera 1554804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another short, curvy, big bust, almost short waisted gal chiming in! </p> <p>I love the 70s style! I'm not tall....I barely reach 5'4", I DO NOT have relatively longer legs for my frame, and I have a large bust (34F and sometimes 36E) for someone with my frame. </p> <p>I love bootcut pants. I can't do dramatic flares, but I LOVE bootcuts with a bit more flare. Love jackets. Love ruffles (they have to feel slightly unexpected), love flounce and I wear my tops untucked almost always. I do wear bootcut jeans with flat shoes....and I can vouch that it works if you wear a faux tucked or welted blouse. </p> <p>I don't agree that 70s style requires you to be tall and willowy. As Jenn points out, Mila Kunis looks really great in That 70s Show! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1554800 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 16:55:29 +0000 abc 1554800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess the key for the wider bottoms is to find them in close to the length you need, bc if you have to cut too much off you end up losing the cut/line of the pant.</p> <p>Good luck, nothing is impossible!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1554756 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 15:49:21 +0000 Angie 1554756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Woohooo. Thanks for chiming in Jenn, Susie and AM.&nbsp; </p> <p></p> <p>Bootcuts are structured on the thighs and can be worn by all.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1554750 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 15:45:22 +0000 Susie 1554750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Although I'm not petite in the strict sense of the word, I am definitely short and short waisted. I was thrilled to find flare jeans in a short length and I love wearing them! I also got the flare style in black pants that have to be hemmed such a small amount that it doesn't affect the leg line. I do like wearing at least a bit of a heel with flare legs. </p> <p>I've given up trying to wear wider leg pants because I just never feel fab in them so I will pass on that style. I rarely tuck any of my tops so I'm fine with wearing everything untucked. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1554724 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 15:05:15 +0000 AviaMariah 1554724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a petite and enjoy wearing flares. &nbsp;I am high wasted and long legged for a petite but, to Angie's point, I always wear tops either untucked or faux tucked. &nbsp;Of course I do this with all my pants so I don't think too much about it. &nbsp;I do have my flares hemmed to wear a low heel (about 2 &amp; 1/2") which means I don't wear them quite as often as my other pants. &nbsp;I'm on the lookout for some pointed loafers (1/2" heel) and when I find them I'd like to try them with flares to see how they look.&nbsp;</p> <p>ETA - Sometimes hemming does reduce some of the flare but sometimes this can be helpful because a "smaller flare" isn't as overwhelming on me.<br />&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1554712 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:45:43 +0000 Jenn 1554712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was just thinking of Mila Kunis and Laura Prepon on That 70s Show. I think Kunis is 5'4" (she may have been even shorter back then... she was only in her early teens) and Prepon is 5'10". They both wore the '70s styles well, just in different ways. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1554695 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:21:13 +0000 Angie 1554695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I disagree with the lot of you. OF COURSE you can wear '70s styles when you're petite! </p> <p>I'm putting those looks together with clients right now. It's a question of fit and proportion. Short waisted ladies can wear their tops out. Culottes and flares - look how many petites have been rocking them on this forum. 5ft Rute springs to mind right away. Diana, Aida and Debs from Oz too. Suz is petite, and look at her rock flares. Diana too.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for chunky knits, bows, long layers and ruffles, I'm not petite, but my frame is slight, and wear these looks without looking like they're wearing me when the fit and proportions are right.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for fitted blazers - they were made for most petites and very '70s.&nbsp;</p> <p>If the '70s look is not your thing - by all means sit it out. But if you like it, you CAN wear the looks as a petite. No problem at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1554645 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:59:17 +0000 Diana 1554645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree completely. 70s styles are not the best for our petite, no-heels crowd. I guess I can get away with the pants bc I have relatively long legs but then my upper body looks like it's 5 inches long. </p> <p>No great loss for me as I don't really like the look for myself anyway. I might dip my toe into individual item trends but I won't be doing head to toe 70s. It'll be pretty toned down for me. I do like some of the long layering looks. I like some flounce and ruffles but not the really archetypical 70's ones, and i'd like some new bootcuts if I can find some that aren't high rise. (Maybe it's just me, but proportion issues aside, I find high rise pants SO uncomfortable and constructing....) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1554630 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:37:45 +0000 Shelly 1554630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, I'm 5'3" so feel your pain height-wise.</p> <p>The last time I dressed for the 70s I was willowy and managed to wear the flares with platform shoes. But I am not interested this time around.</p> <p>I am going to do ruffles if I can get something suitable. Soft and light fabrics help with this. I do hope to get some high-waisted pants,, hopefully nice flat fronts. The low-rise pants at the moment just do nothing for me and being short-waisted I prefer a nice clean line through my mid-section and squishy muffin top and button and zip in the middle of my tummy leaves me cold. </p> <p>There is always next year...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1554624 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:27:47 +0000 shedev 1554624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm also sitting this one out. It just doesn't appeal to me. Your list of issues resonate with me, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1554544 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 05:05:27 +0000 Aziraphale 1554544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You're completely right, 70s styles tend to look better on taller, more willowy frames. They definitely don't work for me, style-wise or figure-wise. It's not great loss, as I don't care for pussy-bows or ruffles, and chunky sweaters don't work for my climate and lifestyle. Flared or wide-leg pants are OK but I have two pairs and that's all I need. They are just not useful in the rain! </p> <p>I'll be sitting out the 70s revival, for the most part. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seventies-style-and-petite-problems#post-1554508 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 03:16:15 +0000 Dee 1554508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I got a Nordstrom catalog and an issue of InStyle in the mail this week and the seventies influence was everywhere! I haven't been feeling the trends lately and this didn't help. As I skimmed through them, I finally realized what some of my issues with this are: many of these styles don't feel petite friendly to me.</p> <p>High-waisted pants that require tucking don't work when you are short-waisted and. Wide-legs? By the time I hem them to my height, the proportions are off. Long layers and chunky sweaters feel overwhelming. And bows and ruffles strike me as too busy on my 5'2" frame.</p> <p>I'm not saying that these styles aren't fresh and I can see them working well on many people, but I finally understood my frustration with this season's fashion. If nothing else, it means I'll be extra-picky this year, which isn't a bad thing. </p> <p>Anyone else have this reaction to this (or a previous) year's style? How did you deal with it? Did your eye adjust or did you just sit it out? </p>