Seventy percent of American women are considered by the fashion world to be "petite," or 5-feet-5 and under, according to Ann Lauren, president of USA Petites, an organization that seeks to promote a positive image for petites and fair representation in the fashion market.
Even though the average American woman is 5-foot-3, the fashion industry considers petite clothing a specialty market and, generally, retailers don't keep much of it in stock. This can make building a wardrobe of petite clothing a two-step task: Shopping for a regular-size item then taking it to a seamstress or tailor for alterations.
But all is not lost. Many large department stores do have petite sections, and some stores are entirely devoted to petite fashions. Specialty boutiques are also a promising source.
"Petites are looking for the style and fit of misses clothes, but proportioned differently," said Susie Forsgren, group sales manager of the petite department of Bullock's Mission Viejo store.
Proportion is what good fitting clothes is all about. Take the vest, one of the hot items for spring and summer.
"A regular vest would be too long and the armhole too big (for a petite woman)," said Deborah Kotchen, marketing manager of Women's Specialty Retailing Group that represents Petite Sophisticate. "Our vests are cut in proportion to fit the petite. Remember, petite is a height, not a size."
Here is a sampling of stores where petites can find stylish and well-fitting clothing at a variety of prices:
BULLOCK'S
Bullock's petite department carries some of the same lines as in the misses department, such as Carole Little and Liz Claiborne.
Go from errands to patio party in Carole Little's white denim cropped jacket and jeans. Embroidery, beads and lace dress up the collar and front of the jacket with gray and white, ethnic novelty buttons adding a subtle contrast ($118, Sizes 2-14). The jeans have a zipper fly, button front with one-pleat for a fuller cut. The two side pockets are edged with embroidery and beads ($68, Sizes 2-14). A ribbed, white T-shirt in 100% machine washable cotton has lace around the scoop neckline ($38, Sizes S, M, L).
Bullock's Expression Petite line offers a two-piece knit in cotton or rayon in this season's popular tonal dressing. The top is a short-sleeved tunic with a scoop neckline and has matching shorts, although the pieces can be bought separately. The shorts are knee-length with an elastic waist. Colors available are coral, peach, honey or black. The tunic top ($42) comes in petite one-size-fits-all. Shorts ($36) come in petite, small or medium.
Lizwear Smooth Sailing is Liz Claiborne's most casual grouping for the spring and summer. This three-piece outfit features a flattering, cropped jacket and a nautical look reminiscent of the 1920s. The cotton twill jacket is striped indigo blue and white with two gold buttons, chest pockets and slash pockets ($68, Sizes 2-14).
A sleeveless, cable knit, mock turtleneck goes perfectly underneath. The 100% cotton sweater is machine washable, as are the jacket and shorts. The mock turtleneck is mostly white with red and indigo blue trim on the neckline, sleeves and bottom ($46, petite small to petite large). A chambray, cuffed short comes in indigo blue or white. This soft, lightweight denim short is mid-thigh, has two side pockets, front zipper with two gold button closures and fitted waist with belt loops ($38, Sizes 2-14).
\o7 MainPlace/Santa Ana, (714) 547-7211; Mission Viejo Mall, (714) 364-3111, and South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, (714) 556-0611. \f7
FINICKY FOX
This shop specializes in career wear, casual weekend and special-occasion clothes with accessories and jewelry for just about every outfit, said owner Mary Kay Shelton. As an added service, Shelton will order items for her customers.
Combine business and comfort in a Joan Walters pantsuit made of 75% polyester, 35% rayon. The classic Shantung pant in seasonal colors is perfect for year-round wear.
For spring, the stitched-down, two-pleat pant with side pockets and matching belt comes in pearl blue, mauve or celedone ($38, Sizes 2-16). The matching jacket is a one-button, collarless V-neck cut to the hip line ($90, Sizes 2-16). Pair it with the washable rayon, print camp blouse. The floral print combines the pearl blue, mauve and celedone ($44, extra small to large).
If a wedding or cruise is in your plans, a Leslie Fay two-piece special occasion suit is a good fit. The jacket design is floral tapestry in soft rose, lilac and a touch of green against an ivory background. Pearl buttons and scalloped neckline complete the look of elegance. The A-line skirt is in a soft rose georgette and has an elastic waist ($120, Sizes 4-14).
