The Bold One
Lisa Perry
Designer, with her own line
49, 5'2 3/4"

"It's a myth that petites can't wear intense color or graphic patterns. It's just got to be done on a figure-flattering shape."

  • Show some part of the body so you don't get lost in your clothes." This trapeze dress is short enough to give lots of leg.
  • "As long as you don't look like you're going to fall over, you can pull off a big bag. But you need heels to offset it."
  • "I believe in three-quarter sleeves—you don't want to look as if you're wearing your father's jacket."
  • Vintage can be a great resource. Lisa loves '60s designers: "I think they cut things smaller then."
Dress, Lisa Perry, $1,095. Stockings, Wolford. Shoes, Manolo Blahnik.

Flattering style strategies for women 5'4" and under

The best labels for petites

How to dress for every shape and size