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Finding the perfect petite wedding dress can be a much more massive task than it first sounds. Petite women are often thought of as delicate little dolls. However, weight and looks have nothing to do with being petite. Petite simply means a women who is 5'4 or shorter.

GENERAL RULES

Petite women face many fashion challenges, since most garments are made for different body proportions than theirs. This becomes apparent nowhere more than in wedding gowns. In fact, the first rule for shopping for a petite wedding gown is to expect to need alterations. However, just because you'll be getting alterations doesn't mean you can pick any old dress.

Certain styles flatter a petite frame much better than others. Because wedding dresses tend to be lavish pieces, you need to watch out for any style that overwhelm you or makes you look like your drowning.

A general rule of thumb for petite fashion is always less is more. Extra fabric and accessories tend to overwhelm a short stature. You can still have a beaded pattern on your wedding dress, just keep it in proportion to you. In other words, pick a delicate pattern as opposed to one with flowers bigger than your head!

Petite brides should forgo high, frilly necklines or massively puffy sleeves. These embellishments will throw your proportions out of whack and make you look downright silly. Horizontal stripes are another no-no, since they cut your silhouette into too many sections, minimizing your height.

UNFLATTERING STYLES

A petite bride should never wear a long, mermaid-cut gown if she wants to look good. The tight hips and extreme flare of a mermaid skirt cuts your small frame into too many pieces and can make you look even shorter.

Empire waisted gown tend to look more like nightgowns than dresses on petite women. Again, by cutting up your frame in an odd place, it makes you appear shorter and absolutely swallow up your torso and legs.

BOARDERLINE STYLES

Ball gown styled wedding gowns can be a do or don't for petite women depending on a few specifics. First of all, these gowns tend to have flared skirts that drown out your waist. By using a slightly dropped skirt and a "V" shaped waistline, petite women can show off their waist without seeming overwhelmed.

Petite women should also steer clear of floor-length skirts or long trains. Keep the dress at any hem from the knee to just above the ankle. This will cut the baggy effect and keep the skirt tailored enough to be flattering. A strapless, ball gown-styled wedding gown with a mid-calf

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