FASHION SOLUTIONS FOR THE SHORT WAISTED WOMAN
Yesterday, there was a lot of good feedback regarding “should I tuck or not.” I think that a lot of us struggle with the middle-age spread, so tucking your shirt in might make you self-conscious. In many of the comments, what really stood out to me was that you struggled with this issue because you are short-waisted. So, today, all of you short-waisted gurls are going to have the blog tips dedicated to you.
The first thing that we need to determine is if you are long or short-waisted. Grab a measuring tape and get ready to take a couple of measurements. There are a couple of different methods that you can use to measure yourself.
Am I short-waisted or long-waisted
Measure the distance from your underarms to your natural waist. To determine your natural waist, look in the mirror (without a shirt or with one that is tight) and bend over sideways. The spot of the bend is your natural waistline, and it is normally a few inches about your belly button. Then, measure the distance between your natural waist and your hip bone. If the distance is longer between the arm and the waist, then you are long-waisted. If the distance is shorter between your arm and your waist, then you are short-waisted.
I prefer this way to measure; maybe it is because I have too many rolls when I bend to the side to figure out which one is my natural waist. Lol! Measure the distance from the crown of your head to your crotch. (I placed a book on my head to get the idea of where the top started) Then, measure the distance from your crotch to the floor. (I held the measuring tape between my feet so that I could pull it up) If the measurement is longer from the head to the crotch, then you are long-waisted. But, if it is shorter from your head to your crotch, then you are short-waisted. This tells you if you have a long or short torso, and normally, it correlates with a long or short waist.
I am long-waisted, which I had always thought, but now I have the numbers to back up my claim. Several of you mentioned that you were short-waisted in the comments on yesterday’s post, which got me thinking that you might like a short “tips and tricks” type of post of how to dress if you are short-waisted.
What clothing does is camouflage and trick the eye. I can style things to help me appear taller and thinner and make it appear like I have a waistline. If you have a short waist, you might actually have longer legs, which is a good thing. However, if you are petite, then your legs might not be long, but we can still make them “appear” longer.
TIPS FOR DRESSING WHEN YOU ARE SHORT-WAISTED:
V Neck Tops
You hear me repeatedly say that a v-neck is so flattering because it elongates your neck. It brings the eye down, and the neck looks a mile long. You appear taller and thinner just by wearing a v-neckline.
Wear Long Necklaces
Tricking the eye is something that I do all of the time. Wearing a long necklace will give you the same effect as the v-neck top. It brings the eye downward and gives you a long vertical line that is flattering, especially if you are short-waisted.
Longer Tops
When you choose a top, if the top hits you below your waist, it elongates your waist. Even though crop tops and crop jackets are having a “moment,” I would steer clear of them. A cropped top would emphasize the short-waist.
Wear Your Tops Untucked
This is the same concept as wearing longer tops. When you tuck your shirt in, then it calls attention to your shorter waist. Leaving the top untucked tricks the eye into thinking that your waist is longer than it is.
One Piece Items
Dresses and Jumpsuits are great if you are short-waisted. Separate items break the body in half, but a one-piece garment creates one long, lean look. You can trick the mind into thinking you have a longer waist with a one-piece outfit unless the garment has a drawstring or an elastic waist.
Monochromatic Style
Dressing in all one color, or at least in the same color tones, will elongate you. I use this trick all of the time to appear thinner and taller. When you break your body into two separate colors, then it draws attention to the break line. If your eye doesn’t see the line break, then it helps you to appear longer. A column of color with a different colored cardigan is fine.
Things to Avoid:
Don’t pick anything with an empire waist; this will make your waist look even shorter. But, a drop waist would be a great choice. Avoid wide belts, even if they are what’s in style. A wide belt will make your waistline look even shorter. A skinny belt would work much better or wearing a belt that matches the color of your shirt. You don’t want to draw attention to your top half, so avoid things like large pockets on tops and jackets.
I hope these tips helped. Since I am not short-waisted, I am not an expert on this topic. So, experiment and see what you like and how it makes your waist appear.
Even though I do not have a short waist, I am still using a few of the above tips. I have on a v-neck top that is longer and untucked, and the long cardigan hides my natural waistline placement.
This is one reason that I don’t like shopping from my closet. This gorgeous baby blue cardigan is a previous purchase, and it is no longer available online. So, instead of linking to one item that you can see me wearing, I will link to several similar items for you to choose from. These items are available in the blue color, but I couldn’t get one of the items to show that color for you.
This outfit started with a basic 3/4 sleeve v-neck white top. The top is a thick tunic tee in 100% Pima Cotton, and I like that you can’t see through it. The front panel is shorter than the back, and you can see the two slits that run down each side. I am wearing a medium in this top, and I think it fits me fine, and I still have room to spare.
As you can see from the back view, there is no visible back fat showing. That is a win for me.
These linen-stretch slim-leg pants in a tapestry print are super cute. Do you like wearing prints on your bottom half? Many people prefer to wear prints on the top half of their body and wear solid colors on the bottom half.
This pair of printed pants reminds me of the beach and would be great for taking on a summer vacation. They are ankle-length and sit below the waistline. They are also almost sold out, so I’ll link to other pants that might give you a similar look.
I styled the look with two separate shoes trying to see which ones that I like the best. My choice was the Sperry Crest Vibe sneakers! How in the world did this lover of high heels suddenly start loving sneakers??? Something is wrong with this picture. I did size down in these sneakers to an 8 1/2 instead of my usual size 9.
If you don’t have or don’t like the longer cardigan, I styled the look also with a classic jean jacket. This is an old as the hills jacket that I had before I started blogging. This one is from Old Navy, and I’ll link to a few similar ones for you.
The widget that I use to create the Shop The Post won’t work for today’s post, so that is why you don’t see one today. Hopefully, I will be able to get one working for tomorrow’s post.
I am celebrating this month because it is Joe’s Birthday month. He told me that I couldn’t make a big deal out of his birthday. I don’t think that announcing for the entire world to see is making a big deal. Lol! So, randomly, each week, I am going to pick a winner for a gift. The gifts will vary in size and price, and I will pick the winner from the comments that I receive during the week.
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To God Goes The Glory!
Hebrews 12:14
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Empire dresses are awesome for short waisted women. They hide many figure issues and showcase the breasts
I am 5’5″ and short waisted. Most of your comments were correct and made sense except drop waist dresses look horrible on short waisted ladies.
I agree with you Tanya, the top and patterned pants would be perfect for a beach day. The combo reminds me of spring.
Thank you for the tips! I couldn’t remember if I was long or short-waisted, so I tried the measurement techniques that you suggested. It answered my question! A very happy birthday to Joe!
I love those printed pants on you – they look so stylish! Thanks for the tips!
Love the pants with the jean jacket and the sneakers on you!
Yep! That’s me! Short waisted. Thanks for the styling tips. Any further tips on this would be appreciated!
I love today’s outfit and I’m short waisted. So it’s a win win!!
I am short waisted girl. I am also considered petite. This can be a challenge as alot of clothes are to big or need hemmed. Luckly I learned to sew way back in Home Ec. Class! I am at the stage in my life comfort has taken over but still be stylish. Thanks for the many ideas you provide.
It just never clicked why there were cute clothes that looked ridiculous on me- kind of like they were a shelf for my boobs, i.e. paperbag waisted pants and high waisted jeans. Crazy, I never realized that I was short waisted until I was 56 years old and a stylist told me. Learning that made a huge difference in how I dressed.
You’re the best Tania! Thanks for the suggestions. I also appreciate that you show many different body shapes on your blog. It gets disappointing to only see some bloggers only show “model” sizes. We are all beautiful and we all want to look beautiful in our clothes, not dream about it. Thanks again 😊
I always enjoy your tips and I look forward to your Blog daily!
Thank you!
Cute outfit especially with the Jean jacket Tania!
Happy birthday month, Joe!!🎂
This post was very helpful-I am 5’8” and very short-waisted.I have learned to check the length of tops when I order online.28” is just okay,30-32” look more graceful.Given the range of our heights and proportions,statements like”hits at high hip” just don’t cut it!
Thanks for your practical,thoughtful,and fun blog!
I never knew how that was determined…interesting. I’m long wasted like you . Your Sperrys remind me of a new pair of skip on shoes I got about 2 weeks ago called “hey dude” brand. These things are so comfortable! And I don’t like wearing shoes;I’m a flip flop gal
Love the outfits, and especially the helpful info for short
-waisted girls like me!
Thanks for the tips – definitely a short-waisted gal here! And at 5’2” – tips for short ladies are helpful too! Appreciate the help! Happy Birthday Joe!
Great post! Pretty sure I’m short waisted. Great to know there’s a way to find out. Thank you for all the great tips. Am going to checkout the top – love the sides and description of fabric. Pants are so cute but wouldn’t look good on my “rear” side. They look great on you!
Love the items from J.Jill. It’s my favorite place to shop for relaxed looks. They always have good sales too!
Love your outfit!! You look great in the floral pants! I wish I could be one of those gurls that could wear florals on the bottom half!
THANK YOU! I am short waisted and have struggled with certain things that were in style for years. You have confirmed several things I figured out on my own. And given me a couple of new ideas. When I try to wear a belt at my waist, it always looks too close under my boobs, lol!
I’m camp short legs. I don’t wear prints on the bottom unless I can cheat them (read skirts). I’m a short legged pear, any attention I can draw away from the bottom 1/2 is a plus!
I do love the look of plaid pants in the winter and fall though! Argh!
Don’t even talk to me about skinny jeans! I’m camp bootcut all the way.
Thank you for the short waist tips. Another one that I’ve noticed. If you want to tuck tops in and you’re short waisted, choose bottoms that are a little lower than mid-rise or at least dip in the front. As a short waisted girl, I front tuck but only if I’m not wearing high waisted bottoms.
I love posts like this – instruction on something I should have known all along! Thank you.
Love this blue and white and yes it would be perfect for a cruise at some point. Too bad the pants were all sold out.
I’m going to have to get out the measuring tape and find out if I am long or short waisted. Love the cardigan.
Thank you for all your tips…I’m 5’1” and always want to look good in my outfits and am getting more V-neck shirts!!! By the way, no flab on you dear gurl!! 💃
Love all the ideas. Thank you.
A jean jacket is a definite go-to item in my spring and fall wardrobe. I have a medium-dark one that fits, but I’ve seen others wear shorter, tighter distressed jean jackets. I think they look cute, but how about for a 60+ lady? I think that sometimes dressing too youthful can actually have the opposite effect on me.
Such a cute outfit! And thanks for the great tips. I’ve always thought I was short waisted butbnowvIll have to measure and find out!
I am long waisted but enjoyed reading all these tips and I never knew how to measure to determine if a person is long or short waisted! Who knew?! 🙂 One thing I did hear from a store clerk was that if you wear a longer cardigan, your top underneath should be a shorter top. Not a top that is about the same length. Loved your look today also!
Most short waisted women have learned a few of these tricks! But thanks for the reminders😉also high and especially high waisted pants are difficult to style, short and short waisted problems!
Great tips. Thanks for the tips on how to measure. I love that you are always listening to us and make your post informative and fun! Happy Birthday to Joe. I am a March bday too, celebrating all month!!
Great ideas. I have never thought about whether I am long or short waisted. Might have to find out.
Love the cardi.
Happy Birthday to Joe, and thanks for thinking of us short-waisted gals! The struggle is real!
Thanks for this post. I’m only 5’2” tall with a DDD bust. Many years ago, a long-waisted friend suggested I tuck in my shirt on this particular outfit I was wearing. I did, and you should have seen the look on her face. She immediately told me to untuck it! The struggle is real for us short-waisted folks. 😄
Thanks for the tips on how to measure! I am long waisted, pear shaped and as adorable as those printed pants are on you, I think they would bring more attention to my bottom half — I would wear a print on the top and a solid on the bottom, but the outfit (ALL!) looks great on you! Thanks for the styling tips!
Thanks for the tips on how to determine if you’re short or long waisted. I’m new to your blog and really enjoy it!
I’m tall and very long torso/waisted, but the measuring tips are good to know. I like this outfit as it looks very comfy and the sneakers are on my fashion wish list.
I don’t think I need to measure, I wear all the items from your tips for short waisted! That’s what I must be!
Thanks for the validation.
Love the blue and white look. It is fresh and spring like.
Happy Birthday, Joe! I love when Tania tells stories about you. You sound like a fun kind of guy.
Today’s outfit looks fresh and I love wearing patterned bottoms!
I would gladly get rid of all my high heels because my 68 yr old feet don’t love them anymore. But I know as soon as I do I will need them. Loving all kinds of sneakers and mules!!!
Love the pants.
Recently started following you, and I am hooked! Have you done on posts on undergarments?
Yay! Let’s hear it for us short waisted girls !!! Thanks so much for including us in your blog….and in Joe’s birthday celebration giveaway ! And one more word of gratitude …I so look forward to reading your scripture quote at the end of each blog.
Love the measuring tip. I’m short and short waisted! So this is very helpful. Thanks!
I know I am long waisted but I’m going to try out your measurements tips anyways! I love that you tailored your post based on the comments! I noticed them too. They didn’t apply to me but it showed me how you really do car for your Gurls! Thanks!
Thanks for the measuring tip in determining a short/long torso. I’ve always considered myself to have a longer torso, now I know it to be true.
Thanks for the great info. I love your blog!
This measurement should be helpful. Thank you!
Loved today’s blog. I too am short waisted and also petite. I love empire waist on me! Oh no
I am one of the short-waisted and your tips are very helpful; but I also have to keep in mind my pear shape bottom as to where my tops have to hit so that a longer top doesn’t hit at my widest point…LOL Oh my…I love this powder blue color you have on and I like your sneakers with your outfit the best.
Love the sneakers!
Good information today on the way to measure. I’ll have to do it when my spouse is not around he might get too much entertainment from that!
I hadn’t heard about measuring to determine If I am actually short wasted! I am going to grab my measuring tape today. I appreciate the ideas to keep I mind when styling my looks.
I am short waisted so I loved this blog. Thank you for the hints!!
Great post with very helpful tips.
I love the 3/4 sleeve top from J. Jill. Everything I have purchased from there has lasted a long time.
Thanks for your blog.
I love your blog.. but I do find I order way to many things that i love.. Happy belated birthday to me.!!!
As much as I hate measuring tapes, I might have to pull one out to try. The Sperry shoes are on my shopping list; very cute!!
Thank you for the tips for those of us that are “short waisted”…so appreciative! ❤️
I just love your blog I read it everyday. And try to pick my outfits with your tips. Thank You
Good tips for determining waist length. Never really thought about that before.