Hello Caryn,
My sister is having an evening wedding reception & I don’t know what to wear!! I am only a size 6 & 5′2″ & don’t feel comfortable in shoes/sandals & would like to wear boots with a calf length dress.
Would this be too much? I’d also like to wear either a pink or black dress which adds curves as people are always commenting on how ‘thin’ I am.
Please help!!!
Thank you.
Caryn replies:
Boots to a wedding worn with a dress will look odd. If the lack of support in shoes bother you why not try a subtle wedge which is more comfortable and will give you the height and the stability, there are so many around in the high street. If you need a specialist fit then look in our petite section in the shopping mall.
Gosh it’s irritating when people feel they can comment on your shape, but you can easily use a few of the features I outline in my body shape e-book for ‘petite and slender’.
But here’s an instant tip, to add curves to your petite frame go for the garments that have volume such as ruffles, a tulip shape dress or a dress with an a-line skirt, in particular one with an all over print on it. What this will do is give you an hour-glass figure as long as you make sure you pick a design that has definition at the waist.
Check out Principles in the petite section who have a print embroidered prom dress with a big bow detail or Warehouse who have a fabulous black twist bow mini prom dress, not specifically for petites, however it is short in length and comes in a size 6 so worth trying on. The bow is over the bust area and adds volume and perceived height. Great with simple accessories and pumps.
Miss Selfridge also have a short pink polka dot tier dress currently in store great for adding volume and glamorous for a wedding. All these dresses will need a wrap or cropped jacket and that can add extra volume.
Final tip – there’s nothing like dressing up at a wedding so why not invest in a fascinator (rather than a hat that will swamp your small frame), available from department stores like John Lewis in our shopping mall – great for adding height and a bit more colour!
Enjoy that wedding.
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7 responses so far
1 Sue Daniels // Jun 23, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Caryn – Have just read the mail re what to wear to a wedding and it has prompted me to ask if you can help with a suitable outfit for a wedding in August for me. I am attending a relative’s wedding and need something to take me from service to reception and evening – however I am 4ft 11 and a size 10 or 12 (depending where I purchase my outfits) – but the
main problem is I am a (lady) of a ‘certain age’ and I am suffering with ‘flushes’ so need an outfit which is cool !! I should imagine the weather will be good (fingers crossed) – I have read my e-book Petite and Apple Shaped but I’m still confused and cannot find anything which suits me!!
Would appreciate it if you would point me in the right direction – many thanks!!
2 Caryn Franklin // Jun 23, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Sue you need soft layers rather than tailoring. A floral print dress with a fascinator will give you all the stature you need then you can add a layer like a wrap or bolero style cardigan, which can quickly be removed when you get hot.
I’ve seen a lovely petite floral dress in Next and they have a great selection of wraps. shawls and fascinators too.
Visit our shopping mall where we have a specialist petite section and have a look online first to save your legs.
Karen Gillam and Petite Affair two of my favourites.
3 Christine // Jan 24, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Caryn, I wonder if you could advise me also on a suitable wedding outfit. The wedding is in July. I am extremely thin with bony shoulders, thin arms and legs. I cannot wear low necks or sleeveless outfits. I tend to always wear trousers and I have to be careful because I trip up in long skirts or wide leg trousers. Fitted jackets and clothes seem to suit me best. I would prefer trousers I think, but want something a bit fancy and special and maybe colourful as it will be Summer. I can’t wear high heels either. Could you please point me in the right direction? I don’t know where to start looking! I am size 8/10 and 5ft 3 ins tall. Many thanks!
4 Caryn Franklin // Jan 27, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Hi Christine, can you resend that to ‘ask Caryn,’ on the main site, we are just doing out reader questions today and tomorrow.
Caryn
5 Carol // Mar 11, 2010 at 1:36 am
Hi Caryn
I was at the wedding Show on 7 march and I was asked to be part of your show and given a make over by your team. I was mother of the groom.
I would just like to thank you and the team for giving me a wonderful experience. I felt ‘fabulous’ at the end of my make over and felt myself walking taller as I walked around the stands with my new hairstyle and make up. A few people commented on how lovely I looked. So thank you all sooooooo much.
6 Caryn Franklin // Mar 15, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Chuffed to bits Carol. Can we use this as a testimonial on our site please?
7 Carol // Mar 16, 2010 at 12:57 am
Caryn
I would be more than happy to let you use my comments.
Carol
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