As a petite woman, finding the right ethnic outfit that flatters your frame can seem tricky. Kurtis, the staple Indian tunic, can look boxy and overwhelm a shorter figure. However, with some smart styling tweaks, you can make kurtis work for your body type. Here are some kurti styling tips to help short girls appear taller instantly!
Focus on Length & Silhouette
Avoid voluminous and shapeless kurtis. Instead, opt for well-fitting kurtis that skim your body without drowning you. The perfect kurti length hits between mid-thigh and knee level, exposing some leg length while balancing proportions. A slightly flared skirt also creates the illusion of height. Structured kurtis with princess seams add shape too. Stay away from kurtis that stop right at the hip line, as they shorten your overall appearance.
Monochrome is Your Friend
Stick to monochromatic looks when wearing kurtis. Choosing self-print kurtis or pairing solid colored kurtis with matching leggings or churidars visually elongates your frame. Mixing and matching draws the eye to breaks in color, making you appear chopped up. Streamlining your look with one color makes your body seem like one continuous line.
Say Yes to V-necks, Scoopnecks and Mandarin Collars
Crew neck, high neck and boat neck kurtis usually overpower petite girls. Instead of closing up your neckline, create the illusion of a longer neckline with V-neck, scoop neck or mandarin collar kurtis. Deep V-necks that extend into the bust work well too. An open neckline leading downwards tricks the eye into thinking you have added inches to your upper body.
Cinch In Your Waist
Define your waistline with kurtis featuring cinched waist details, fabric ties or attached belts. Accentuating the narrowest part of your torso creates curves, adding femininity. This proportion play balances out wider hip and shoulders, making you appear leaner and elongated. Sitting above the natural waist, empire waist kurtis also draw attention upwards for added height.
Say No to Bulky Fabric
Avoid heavy fabrics like velvet, thick cottons and brocade kurtis which add visual bulk to your frame. Lightweight, flowy options like chiffon, georgette and crepe de chine drape well to kiss the body. Their barely-there feel presents a tall, lean silhouette rather than large, boxy one. Transparent fabrics also give the illusion that your legs start higher up when paired with skin-tone leggings.
