The Best Fashion for Petites

O, The Oprah Magazine | From the February 2008 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

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.

Dress, BCBG Max Azaria Petites. Shoes, Christian Lacroix. Earrings, Giles and Brother by Philip Crangi. Clutch, Rodo. Rings, H.Stern, David Yurman, and Zasha Signature Jewelry.