Dressing for Your Frame: Why Size Isn't the Only Factor

Have you ever slipped into a pair of jeans that were "your size," only to find they didn’t fit quite right? You tug, adjust, maybe even question your body—but let me stop you there. The issue isn’t your body. It’s the clothing. More specifically, it’s how the clothing aligns with your frame and proportions, not just your size.

Understanding how to dress for your frame is the key to unlocking effortless style and true confidence. And guess what? It goes beyond knowing your measurements. It involves knowing your height category, your proportions, and how to make clothes work for you—not the other way around.

1. Know Your Height Category

Before you reach for those wide-leg pants or longline blazers, it’s important to understand where you fall:

• Petite: 5'3" and under

• Average: 5'4" to 5'7"

• Tall: 5'8" and above

Each category comes with its own styling considerations. Petites often benefit from cropped or high-waisted pieces that create the illusion of height. Tall women might need to find brands that accommodate longer inseams and sleeve lengths.

2. Proportions Matter More Than Size 

When clients come to me feeling frustrated about their wardrobe, 9 times out of 10 it’s not because their clothes are the "wrong size" – it’s because the clothes don't suit their proportions. Do your pants hit at an awkward length? Does that blouse drown your upper body? These subtle imbalances throw off your entire look.

Start paying attention to where things land on your body: hemlines, waistbands, sleeve lengths. When they align with your proportions, you’ll look and feel more put together instantly.

3. Tailoring is a Game-Changer

Perfecting the fit of an existing item often costs less than replacing it with something new. A great tailor can turn an almost-perfect piece into one you never want to take off. Hemming pants, taking in a waist, or shortening a sleeve can make a dramatic difference.

4. Balance is Everything

If you’re petite, avoid oversized pieces that can overwhelm your frame. Instead, opt for fitted silhouettes and defined waistlines. If you’re tall, embrace long lines and larger prints—but still be mindful of fit. Proportion is all about balance: tight vs. loose, short vs. long, structure vs. flow.

When you start dressing for your frame, your style becomes more intuitive, your shopping becomes more intentional, and your confidence skyrockets. It's not about following trends—it's about following yourself.

And if you're not quite sure where to start, that’s what I’m here for. Book a Style Assessment with me, and let’s figure out what works best for your unique frame and lifestyle.

You deserve to feel amazing in your clothes. Every single day.