What's the 411?

There are two things I love in this world. Finding clothes that fit me, and bad puns.
All my life, I have fallen into the "petite" category. I never even got to go through a phase where I was average-sized and then fell behind. At a max adult height of 4'11", I am chronically small.

While being small does have notable advantages (airplane seats will never cause me to have leg cramps, and I always get to be in the front in pictures), it's not a walk in the park. I also have to deal with people picking me up, patting me on the head, and asking how old I am. All. The. Time.

But by far the most challenging aspect of being a child-sized adult? Finding clothes. As a mini human, I have three options:

1. Buy regular-sized clothes and pay to have them altered
2. Buy clothes from the very limited Petites section
3. Buy kids clothes
4. Go naked.

#4 isn't really an option, so that's still just three options for those of you playing along at home.

Anyone who has ever shopped the Petites section knows that it's easier said than done. Petite clothes tend to be frumpy, limited selection, or just nonexistent. Most companies don't carry their Petite line in stores, so you have to order online. And even worse, many Petite collections are subject to vanity sizing... so even the Petite Extra Extra Small looks like a tent on small frames. Yes, PXXS is a real size, and yes, it can be too big for me.

We Petite Peeps have even worse luck with shoes. Size 5 or under? Dream on! Most shoes (at least the ones worth wearing) start at a 6 now. Shop in the kids department, you say? Sure, let me just rock these sweet Barbie light-up Velcro sneakers at the office.

I'm the short one in the middle. Yes, those are supposed to be shorts.

As I start a new job in the event planning world, it's becoming more and more clear to me that my current wardrobe is just not up to par. The few good professional pieces I've been able to snatch up over the years are getting worn out from being worn out. I've always intended to dress the part of a successful young professional, but I feel like people just look at me as the girl who doesn't know how to dress herself. The girl who dresses like a kindergartner on Thursday and a grandma on Friday.

So I'm making a vow to myself: I am going to learn how to dress this weird little body I have been given. I am going to master the art of dressing well, shopping well, and looking great for every occasion. Not to impress anyone else. Just for myself.

And anyone who is under 5'2" is welcome to come along for the ride.
Here's the 411 on dressing for 4'11".