I'm the wrong shape [she wails]

[BlueCowBackToWondering]

been trying to find a dress - I want a dress for the summer. But the waist is always at least 3 in too high. Why am I the wrong shape? Am I doomed always to wear separates? Not fair.

What am I doing wrong?!

did you mean to wail it quite so much .

Wrap dress? (shall I post this on your other two threads, too? )

I think I have the same thing as you - very long back?

I have extremely long back and extremely short legs. I am pretty much the same height sitting down as I am standing up.

Can never find tops long enough so am permanently showcasing my muffin-top.

me too policywonk - vests don't do their stuff to keep me warm when there's a gap around my waist.

sorry for multiple threads. It's never happened to me before (embarassed icon...)

It's annoying.

Someone on here the other day mentioned Hennes long-body tees (obviously not dresses but I pounce on anything that has 'long body' in the title). Haven't managed to get down to Hennes to check it out though.

Empire line dresses any good?

Actually, more annoying than dresses (for me) are wrap cardigans - the belt bit always comes in the wrong place.

PW, tell me all your successes, please! Or is it only (very limited) separates

Well I do the shortish-dress over jeans thing - but don't think I can get away with it for much longer (seems like a young woman thing really - student dressing).

Um, tunics? Although extra-long tops just seem to emphasise my extra-long body.

I had high hopes of high-waisted trousers but they just make me look completely ludicrous - like a toddler who has pulled her trousers up to her armpits.

Someone has told me that Next are good for long-waisted trousers. And yes, wrap dresses haven't presented me with any problems.

Are you very slim?

Most clothes are cut from a block pattern that is just enlarged for larger sizes, which would, I think, put the waist too high for the petite.

You could try looking at clothing from brands aimed at "younger" women, perhaps. Or perhaps buy a larger size and alter it yourself/get someone else to do it.

Altering something to take it in and up is easier than altering where the waist lies.

I'm not very slim, no . The OP might be though

Erm, can't find a link now but Boden's 'chic' dresses work well on me. (Apologies if you're a Boden-hater.)

Zena, er, not slim at all. Now (3 dc later) am 12 top, 14 bottom. And only 5ft2. Saggy tum, not much ass. Great legs as long as you only look from knee down

So petite is me! Can envisage lots of altering in the coming months. O level needlework was obviously not wasted (I got an 'A'

Policywonk - you are a genius! Just got 2 (2!!!!!!!) empire line dresses as you suggested, these from Monsoon. And in the sale. So only £32 for both. I am officially no longer the wrong shape. And very happy!

but it seems I can't follow instructions and do 'bold'

Ooh fantastic! Well done. I'm very excited as I think this is the first time anyone has ever followed my style advice!

Can you link to the dresses? I have a Monsoon card...