I'm short. I don't think about it often, but other people have a habit of mentioning it. In fact, I'm quite sure that in my absence, I'm constantly referred to as "that small one." Yes, I'd like longer legs. No, I don't like having pictures taken with my tall friends. But in general, I'm cool with it; 5-foot-2 is just fine.
Fashion used to be so prescriptive, didn't it? We all got used to irritating statements like, "If you're pear-shaped, try a high waist," and, "If you have big boobs, don't you dare think about wearing a high-neck top." Thankfully, in 2016, people (and clothing) have loosed up.
As a tiny person, I like nothing more than an extra-large item, like a pair of jeans that covers up my sneakers or a giant hoodie. If left unmonitored, I start to resemble my twin brother circa 2005. Big, long, comfy, and loose-fitting pretty much sums up my style — all things typically associated with looking and feeling "sloppy."
But I like to think there's room for an amount of "disorganized-togetherness," as I'm now calling it; a way to walk into a meeting with your hems-a-dragging and shirt half-tucked while still feeling like business. Extra-long tailoring, asymmetric cuts, and sportswear-as-workwear has never been more acceptable — or polished. And even if you stand under 5-foot-5, it is possible to wear big stuff and still look good. Shorties, unite (and click ahead to see how).
Streetwear is trending, and this holey sweater is ideal for toughening up any summer look when it gets a bit cold on the rooftop bar. Coordinate the lengthy silhouettes by pairing with extra-long trousers that look just as good with a pair of heels as they do with slip-on Vans.
MISBHV Kurt Ripped Sweater, $200.74, available at MISBHV; Aries pants.
Photographed by Leonn Ward.
These bottoms are case-in-point that bagginess can be refined. To expose the ripped-up hems, pair them with something more tailored, like a structured coat with interesting colors and proportions.
Kenzo coat; Marques'Almeida pants.
Photographed by Leonn Ward.
This asymmetric jacket with a trailing chiffon arm and the loose-fit trousers are how to do after-dark dressing in an unexpected way. I used to feel self-conscious about my height at fancy get-togethers, but I love wearing slip-on sneakers with something like this to throw off any high-heel predictability.
Nafsika Skourti jacket and pants.
Photographed by Leonn Ward.
Hoodies can be worn anywhere now — and that is sweet, sweet music to my ears. Dress yours up by wearing it with some unexpected hot-red silk trousers.
Ashley Williams sweatshirt; Nafiska Skourti pants.
Photographed by Leonn Ward.
When loose, this dress shirt almost touches my knees. But despite the extra-large finish (and the equally as oversized, very '90s denim), I still feel (and look) extra-polished.
Nafasika Skourti top; Marques'Almeida pants.
Photographed by Leonn Ward.
A chunky knit that can be worn untied or knotted at the hip? Ywp. A puffed-out, witchy skirt? Done. This whole look is far from a pencil skirt and cardigan — and that's a good thing...I think.
Whistles Tie Front Rib Knit, $180, available at Whistles; Ashley Williams skirt.
Photographed by Leonn Ward.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Confession: I Wear Glasses To Look Cooler