Petite And Can’t Wear Heels?

Q. Hi, Deborah! Can you give some advice to short women who can’t wear heels anymore? Because of foot and knee problems, I’m married to flats for life, which always has me wearing slacks. What’s a girl to do? And being only 5 feet tall makes it even more challenging to look and feel fabulous…Help!!! Thanks, Janine

Hi Janine,

Do you have good legs and slim ankles? If so, you can still wear a shift dress and flats and look FAB! If not, you should stick with pants, but you can still have fun with your shoes even if you only wear flats. Here are some tips:

• Keep colors monochromatic. In other words, keep your shoes the same color as your pants ( and top, too, if you can), and you will appear taller!

• Buy the prettiest flats you can find and create an outfit around them!

• Have you tried low wedges or a chunkier heel? These might offer a tiny bit of height without hurting too much.

• Find an attractive jacket and keep everything underneath all one color to slim and lengthen. Make sure your flats are simple with this look so as not to take away from the jacket.

• When you see a woman on the street or at the mall with similar height and body type, and you like how she looks, take note of what makes her look good. Better yet, go up to her and ask where she shops! Women love to share their beauty secrets and are always flattered to be asked!

• FIT is super important. You probably already have staggering alteration bills, but don’t forget to keep the sleeves on all jackets and coats altered, so they are not too long. The proper fit is half the battle to looking and feeling FAB regardless of height.