Michelle

Dressed-Up Denim
Jessica Matlin
Beauty Editor
26, 5'3"

"When I find pants that fit my butt, I'm swimming in them everywhere else."

• Express's special shorter-leg version of jeans are ready to wear.
• Dark-wash denim always elongates the leg more effectively than the lighter kind; it's dressier and more versatile, too.
• A good crop? No such thing if you're petite: It "chops" you at the calf or ankle. For a sleek, continuous line, the hemline should cover the top of your heel.
• A high-belted top makes legs look longer, as do the heels—but for comfort's sake, "maybe I'd do pointy flats instead," says Matlin.

Jeans, Express, $60. Top, Charles Nolan, $258. Shoes, Jimmy Choo.


Saturday Casual
Sophie Acadine
French Singer-Songwriter
27, 5'4"

In France, Adadine's native country, petite isn't a special category (European sizes are already smaller).

• In the U.S., "Petite women have made great strides in denim," Dahlman says. Witness these upscale boot-cuts.
• Sophie gets away with horizontal stripes because she's slight.
• Flats aren't illegal, but the pared-down proportions of ballerinas are more in sync with a small frame than a big, clunky sneaker.

Jeans, Paige Petites, $215. Tank, Cherry Tee, $23. Bangles, Sequin. Pendant necklace, Gabriella Kiss. Flats, Brian Atwood.

The Anytime Dress
Sophie Acadine
French Singer-Songwriter
27, 5'4"

A stress-free transition from workday to party is the point of Acadine's multitasking sheath.

• Monochromatic dressing—one shade, head to toe—is always flattering. "Anytime you chop up your body with color, it's not going to be good," says Dahlman.
• Luscious charmeuse fabric makes it dressy; interestingly textured python accessories steer it in a casual direction—and you can always add a jacket for the office.
• Such a classic shape would look just as good with lower shoes.

Dress, Ann Taylor Petites, $188. Belt, Ann Taylor Collection. Shoes, Cesare Paciotti. Earrings, H.Stern.

The Flattering Wrap
Susan Lhota
Marketing Specialist
54, 5'3"

"I can still get away with regular items that run small."

• The classic wrap dress is very friendly, says Dahlman, "because it paints a vertical line on your body."
• Wear a camisole to provide age-appropriate coverage of the V neck.
• Size up prints by holding your fist against the fabric. If the pattern is the same scale or smaller, okay. If it's bigger, it will overwhelm you.

Dress, Diane von Furstenberg, $365. Camisole, Only Hearts, $40. Bangles, Melissa Joy Manning, Marco Bicego, Jamie Wolf Fine Jewelry. Ring, H.Stern. Shoes, Brian Atwood