Here’s a DI-lemmer, chickadees!
I do not serve in an ordained capacity – I teach undergrad religion courses at a denominational liberal arts college while I am completing my dissertation at [Big Name Div School] – but I do consider the vocation of such teaching to be an important reflection of both the church which as called me and the God whom we serve. So, I really appreciate the advice on your blog.
I have a question about finding age-approriate, professional-looking clothing in small (but NOT petite) sizes on a grad-student/adjunct professor salary. I am not tall, but I guess taller than average at 5’6″, and I can sometimes hold up a size 4. But sometimes not. Clothing manufacturers seem to assume that to be my size means to be either pre-pubescent or geriatric. I rarely have the liberty of being particular about the style of clothes – I struggle to just find something that will stay on.
I have learned that skirts work better than pants. But I’d love suggestions on places that sell nice clothes in small sizes at regular lengths.
Thanks for all you do. You are not only helpful but an absolute delight to read.
Grace and Peace,
D.
Hi D,
Hey, first of all, did you check the petite section archives? I know you’re not a petite gal in height, but there might be some good conversations there that address your fitting challenges.
The trick, which I assume you have figured out already, is to know which manufacturers cut clothes really slim. Top Shop in the UK is one store but you’re in the U.S. so that’s not very helpful. Have you tried H&M? They seem to cut clothes for slim figures. Let me post this on the blog and see what the readers come up with. What you want is body-conscious designers at a good retail rate that you can find at TJ Maxx or Filene’s (or whatever discount stores you have in xxx) so you can go in and not waste time trying on garments that are cut more generously. You can zip through the racks and go, “Ah, yes, Calvin Klein cuts things really close to the bod, let me yank this sucker and try it on.”
Fabrics and material are super important for you, too. Look for a bit of spandex in everything you wear so that garments don’t go all floppy. Belts are also great for super slim gals; look into a kind of heavy cowboy-ish belt to wear with pants and skirts, they look amazing on really lanky bods.
Work toward a long, lean look. The lean, you already got. The long means that you don’t chop your body up with heavy tweedy blazers or chunky sweaters. Go for long, lean and elegant but not boring. Make sure you’ve got some volume in your hair. Wear it up and messy if that’s possible. And girl, send me a photo!!
Skirts are indeed a good idea, and I would think you could totally rock out the maxi skirt look. The trick is to find simple clothes that fit well on your willowy frame and ground them with heftier pieces like belts, boots and bold jewelry.
Let me know if this helps. Smooches, PB
Both Banana Republic and J Crew have some very small sizes, and I think they both offer discounts to teachers.
I’m technically petite at 5’3″, but I have long legs and require regular length pants in the 2/4 range. I’ve found that sometimes it’s just not possible to shop at discount retailers like Kohl’s, since they seem to stop at a size 6 on the lower end of the size scale. In addition to J Crew and Banana Republic, I’ve had good luck finding clothes at Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, The Gap, Target, Eddie Bauer and Nordstrom’s.
I’ve found that Gap jeans fit me like a dream, but their slacks and khakis make me look dumpy. They must use different fit models for each type of pant, I’m guessing. The only place I’ve found good khakis that are small enough and look good on me is Eddie Bauer. Target has clothing that goes down to a size 2. I wouldn’t construct an entire professional wardrobe, but they have very reasonably-priced basics.
I agree with both posts. J Crew is my go-to. Their pants are expensive but you can consider them solid, classic investment pieces. Watch for their sales or go to an outlet if necessary. I am 5’6″, 100 pounds. I wear their size 0. Over the years, I have purchased four of their trousers (gray, black, blue and brown), and the oldest of these pants (7 years old) looks as good as the newest (2 years old). Good luck
Sounds crazy, but Victoria Secret cuts clothes very slim and tall. And they sell not only sexy stuff, but good professional pants/jackets/skirts.
My small framed, petite co-worker used to buy pants at Express.
Yes to Banana Republic, especially if you can 1. Find an outlet (“factory store”) and 2. Sign up for their credit card, which gets you great bonus dollars & discounts.
I’m small, too, and over the years I’ve filled my wardrobe with classy looking (I hope) professional pieces from BR (my parents live near a BR outlet, which makes it easier) — including lots of pants in size 2S (short, rather than regulars, whose inseam is too long on me. In BR terminology, “short” is different than petite sizing).