Is it possible to look stylish and elegant when you’re short and dumpy?

[MaryAndGerryLivingInDerry]

NYR is to lose the frumpy leggings and trainers and start making an effort.

But I have no idea how to make myself look better. I am 5’2”, size 12. Small boobs, belly, broad shoulders, very short cropped hair. Very small budget but I feel if I had some images of good looks for my size/shape I can start looking in charity shops for things that are similar. Would prefer not to wear heels too. Am I asking too much?

Unfortunately when you're short it's harder to look "in proportion", so another NYR might need to be to exercise more and lose a little bit of weight, not masses but even a dress size can do wonders! What sort of clothing do you wear at the moment say to go to work in? Though if you work at home I guess this isn't as important, I feel that a smart outfit can make me feel more productive.

Also no need for heels, flats are in at the moment, so a nice smart pair of flats and some trainers should be all the shoes you will need on a budget.

Get yourself on 'Pintrest' if visuals work for you. Search, "dress my body shape" or similar and you'll see loads of do's and don't. Tops with a fake wrap, side tie, wrapover, ruched at the side to front cover tummy, slim or skinny type jeans, can flatter, scarf or beads take attention from bust. Good luck, I'm determined to the same!

@MissCruellaDeVil

Unfortunately when you're short it's harder to look "in proportion", so another NYR might need to be to exercise more and lose a little bit of weight, not masses but even a dress size can do wonders! What sort of clothing do you wear at the moment say to go to work in? Though if you work at home I guess this isn't as important, I feel that a smart outfit can make me feel more productive.

Yes I’m hitting the gym too to work on the “proportions”

I work from home so leggings and comfortable tops suffice. It’s not a desk job so office wear wouldnt be appropriate.

Thanks @VioletLemon I will try Pinterest.

I’m happy to still wear my leggings for working. But I seem to have nothing else for occasions that require a bit more effort. I have one pair of jeans and instead of trainers with them I only have a pair of converse style shoes. Not exactly elegant or stylish.

I am 5 foot 1 so understand when you are short you often look stumpy. I found wearing a dress when I go out looks better than trousers which emphasize my short stumpy legs. A dress below knee length covers them up. A nice chunky necklace draws the eyes to your neck not legs. I wear shoes with 2 inch heels but only when out in evening. I grew my hair so got focus on that too.

@caringcarer

I am 5 foot 1 so understand when you are short you often look stumpy. I found wearing a dress when I go out looks better than trousers which emphasize my short stumpy legs. A dress below knee length covers them up. A nice chunky necklace draws the eyes to your neck not legs. I wear shoes with 2 inch heels but only when out in evening. I grew my hair so got focus on that too.

I second wearing a necklace, it draws the attention up to your neck. Some nice earrings too, growing your hair can help but only if you like it, short hair is quite fashionable at the moment but not everyone can pull it off, I certainly can't! I find a long coat and some thick heeled boots make me look taller too!

I’m 5’ with big boobs and hips and a small waist. I’ve long given up on elegant but have found that jeans and trousers with a flare balance my proportions out best and for some reason (despite all advice going against this ) mock neck, straight tops and jumpers look good. Also chunkier style shoes balance my proportions out and having longer hair also makes my shoulders look narrower. I’m aiming to lose a stone next year but even at my optimum weight I can’t pull off elegant. I have found the nearest thing I get to it is in a jumpsuit which really elongates and makes me feel more put together.

I follow dresslovingmum on Instagram who is 5’3” and a size 14 and she always looks amazing. Maybe try a few dresses and find a style that suits

It's harder for sure. I'm 5'1'' and about 9 and a half stone and I have to work much harder at looking stylish than a tall woman. Regardless of weight.

Any prizes for dressing well should be given out to the smaller women!!

@Sunshinedreaming2022

I follow dresslovingmum on Instagram who is 5’3” and a size 14 and she always looks amazing. Maybe try a few dresses and find a style that suits

I can't find this account, could you link it?

Thanks all. I’m not on Instagram but I am on Pinterest.

It’s dresslovinmama I think

Find your true body shape as per Susannah and Trinny.

I sound similar to you. I wear a padded bra and live and look best in above the knee dresses - well actually they are tunics that are dresses on me as I'm so shot.

I'm a true apple shape so tiny hips and big tum. So straight tunics, V necks or cowl necks look best.

I can't wear flat shoes.

If you have good legs flaunt them!

It’s quite a specific look spoiler alert mostly dresses!
I like aj wears clothes for some things and Kirsten ortez is also shorter and curvier
I’m not sure that as a 5ft2 size 12 I can do elegant in the Audrey Hepburn style but I can look really good!
I accept that what suits tall and willowy is not what suits me. So if dressing well means dressing like Olivia Palermo then no.
But what do you feel good in?

I quite like a denim or patterned skirt, black tights and a jumper.
Or a dress with black tights.
I avoid bulky cable knitwear, anything that cuts across the widest part, fit and flare styles, and I also look daft in wide leg jeans or trousers.

@MsAnnFrope

It’s dresslovinmama I think

Can't find this either!

Oh yes sorry it is dresslovingmama
instagram.com/dress_loving_mama?utm_medium=copy_link

Size 12 is not dumpy even at 5 foot 2 .

@IamGusFring sadly that depends on whether it's a vanity size 12 or a true size 12 old body shape!!

[quote Sunshinedreaming2022]Oh yes sorry it is dresslovingmama
instagram.com/dress_loving_mama?utm_medium=copy_link[/quote]
Thanks. She does look lovely. I used to live in dresses, now I just seem to live in leggings after spending the pandemic pregnant and on maternity leave.

I’m the same height but with big boobs and a size 10. I do agree that loosing even 5lbs can have a huge effect on how you look when you’re short.

With broad shoulders you need to balance them with flared trousers or A line skirts/dresses. At the moment my fav outfit over Xmas has been flared cords, a polo neck with a short cardigan which finishes at the waist.

*losing

[quote RandomMess]@IamGusFring sadly that depends on whether it's a vanity size 12 or a true size 12 old body shape!![/quote]
I would say the same for both.

@IamGusFring

Size 12 is not dumpy even at 5 foot 2 .

I think it’s maybe just what I’ve been wearing that’s given me that idea of how I look. Unflattering stuff.