Being 5’2″ has always presented me an extra challenge when shopping for clothes. For decades, I tried only buying things that fit perfectly off the rack, but it was uphill battle, resulting in an accumulation of pieces that almost fit right. I didn’t feel great or confident wearing these “almost-fitting” items, and often times they were only worn once or twice before ending up in the back of my closet, forgotten forever. Obviously, this is not very cost-efficient, so I started getting these garments altered in an effort to get the most out of my purchases. When I got them back from my tailor, wow, the difference was incredible! I felt like a million bucks because now these clothes were custom fitted for me and me alone, not a generic size chart.

Visiting my tailor is now a regular occurrence. I’m all about clothes that make you feel your best, so to me, the added cost of alterations to achieve a flattering and flawlessly fit justifies the extra expense. This applies to everyone, by the way, not just petite ladies like myself. 🙂

As I’m very petite, I always have to be watchful that my waist is defined, otherwise the eye is dragged downwards, making my body look especially short and stumpy. Adding a belt is an easy trick to create this definition, but when a top is too bulky, sometimes a belt isn’t enough and a trip to a tailor is in order.

I absolutely adored this top from Zamrie (um, hello, that neckline!) but the torso area overwhelmed my petite frame. After a few key alterations, the top fit me like a glove, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I had the sides taken in and darts added to the back. I didn’t want want to alter the V-shaped hemline since it was another reason I loved this piece, so I used my belt trick to make sure my waist was still clearly defined, post-alterations.

These jeans were also altered. I had to get them hemmed because they were about 4″ too long. Luckily, they were a super skinny cut to begin with, so I didn’t have to get them tapered like I usually do with other pairs of jeans.

I wasn’t in the market for another new pair of shoes, but when I put my feet in these babies, it was like putting them the softest pair of gloves ever, and I had to have them. (I now completely understand where this whole “fitting like a glove” saying came from!)

I’m curious, do any of you get your clothes altered? I’d love to hear your experiences!

Outfit details

Top: c/o Zamrie
Jeans: Zara
Shoes: Vince Camuto
Bag: Phillip Lim x Target (old)
Accessories:
– Bracelets from Stella & Dot, Jawbone and c/o Ashley Schenkein
– Forever 21 belt (old)
– J. Crew Factory earrings
– Rings from Melinda Maria (old), Svelte Metals, Gorjana

Photographer: Nicole Jeanne (aka elegant lil lady)