Petites can wear almost anything as long as the fit is proportioned and the details, like pockets and buttons are scaled down. The goal is to simultaneously create the illusion of greater height and slimmer build. Here are some helpful tips:

1. More volume or fluff at the crown of your hair will add 1 to 2 inches.

2. Accessories near the face like a necklace, earrings and collars with interesting details will attract attention upwards to the face.

3. Wear the same color scheme from head to toe.

4. Want to wear contrasting colors? Repeat contrasting colors with at least two items like wearing a red blouse and earrings with a navy suit.

5. Wear one color on the inside with a contrasting piece on the outside like a black turtleneck, black trousers topped with a bright yellow jacket.

6. Avoid bold or large horizontal stripes and designs that interrupt your figure.

7. Wear cuffs on trousers only if you blend your hosiery and shoes to match the color of the pants.

8. Blend your hosiery and shoes to your hemline whenever possible.

9. Try on larger scale earrings that help to bring out the eyes and frame the face. Select earrings to balance the size of the face, the fullness of the hair style and the width of the shoulders.

10. Hats. Make sure the brim is no wider than the shoulders and is proportional to the face and figure.

11. Large print. Use the size of your hand as a guide.

12. Match oversized tops, blouses or jackets with a tapered skirt or pants.

13. Full or gathered skirts are fine if the fabric is lightweight and soft. Avoid bulky and stuff fabrics.

14. Avoid heavy fabric that gives a bulky look.

15. Avoid using high contrast colors in separates, like white blouse with black skirt. That can cut your figure in half. Add a third piece like a jacket or sweater in the same color as the bottom garment.

16. Do wear vertical designs or patterns.

17. Keep the belt the same color tone as your outfit. Avoid heavyweight fabrics, bold block patterns and designs/patterns that draw the eye to the waist or hip. The clothes should not fit tightly. Jackets that hang lower than the hips are more flattering.

18. Styles are usually well suited to petites in Asia. There are great selections of shoes, trousers, jackets, suits and undergarments. So next time you travel there, budget in some fashions.

19. Full-figured petites should avoid heavyweight fabrics, bold block patterns and designs/patterns that draw the eye to the waist or hip. Jackets that hang lower than the waist are the more flattering.

20. Those under 5 feet should not wear large bold patterns in strong contrasting colors and should pay extra attention to scale and proportion. The clothes must fit very well especially at the sleeves and shoulders. Shorter length jackets look excellent.