Restyling A Mannequin- Maxi’s For Petite Women?

Happy Wednesday, ladies. I wasn’t intending to restyle a mannequin this week, but I could not pass this one by.  I thought she was wearing a dress, until I frisked her, and discovered it was a smocked peasant top and matching smocked waist skirt.

I initially thought this outfit was a styling decision made by the local staff. But when I looked it up online, I discovered that it’s a look the brand is showing on their website and promoting. Let me just start by saying it’s certainly not for me, and it could be limiting for many women.

Because you asked…here I am wearing the mannequin’s outfit, without the belt. The outfit is more flattering on her because she’s at least 4″ taller than me and has even narrower hips than I do.

First, I tried to save the skirt. I have narrow straight hips, yet this skirt makes me look, hippy. The smocking is nice for the waistline but then it flares below like a dirndl skirt. The horizontal lines in the pattern make it appear to have tiers, but it’s a solid piece of fabric.

I tried it with a  simple tank and cardigan so they could smush down some of the gathers from the skirt. I think this looks bulky and rather matronly on me so I tried tucking the tank into the waistband. The improvement is minimal, perhaps because this makes me look shorter than I am.

The subject of maxi skirts came up in the comments yesterday so I wanted to talk about wearing them for petite women. Skirts with gathered ruffles, horizontal lines, and patterns, draw the eye side to side which tends to make you look shorter and wider. Petite women are more flattered by midi and maxi skirts that lay closer to the body in a solid color that matches your top.

Here’s another doubtful outfit. The deep cuffs on the cropped jeans shorten the look of my legs so the peasant top looks even wider than it is. This top would have better balance with medium wash slim jeans or pants that are full length. This style top can add visual weight to well-endowed and broad-shouldered ladies. Peasant tops are never a flattering choice for me and this top is no different.

Here are a few other things that caught my eye at J. Jill

What say you? Would you put these pieces together?

How would you style the skirt?

Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.