The Best Fashion for Petites

The Downsized Gown

Candice S. Cook
Attorney and Writer
29, 5'3 1/2"

"I have to tweak every outfit to make it work," says Cook. Not this gown, which disproves wisdom that short women shouldn't do floor-length.

• Empire waists raise the focus to bust level, so your torso and legs suddenly seem much longer—that's one reason this dress works.
• It helps that the fabric is sinuous rather than bouffant; plus, the drape from the bust to her shoes makes a vertical statement.