Confession time for your 5’3 tiny Sicilian fashionista. Growing up, being petite was my least favorite part of me. I hated the short jokes, the looking smaller than everyone else in group photos, and most importantly, I hated feeling like I could never find clothing and shoes that would fit me properly. Raise your hand if you’ve ever had to deal with extra long jeans, “mini” skirts that became knee-length, and worst of all shoes with gaps because of my narrow foot.
I’d like to believe that in the past couple of years I’ve grown into my petiteness and have come to not only accept it, but flaunt it. For day 3 of New York Fashion Week, I knew that I wanted my entire look to revolve around my favorite color – orange. It’s a color that has always made me smile and feel confident. I also wanted to ensure that I picked a shoe that I was comfortable in.
about the look
With this look, I aimed for 70s modern by pairing vintage gold pearl brooches and the orange with a modern white ripped jean and oversized sweater. What really tied everything together was the rose gold and orange on my Shoes of Prey block heels.
about shoes of prey
I am so excited to share the details of the project I have been working on with Shoes of Prey. I had the opportunity to custom design my own shoes just in time for Fashion Week! You get to pick the materials, style, colors, and interior message for my shoe. I think what is most special about their shoes is that they really consider how every single woman is unique. They offer extended shoe sizes – US 2 to 15 and in Narrow, Wide and Extra Wide widths in most styles. You can find my exact design here.
petite style tips
Over the years I have found what works for me when it comes to being petite. Here are a couple of my favorite (and not as well known tips)
- Shoe size isn’t just length – It’s not just about getting the right size shoe. You also want to focus on how the fit is around the ankle and if there’s a gap (or your foot is scrunched lengthwise) when you’re wearing the shoe.
- Visit the kid’s department – This is my best hidden style tips. I always check out the H&M, Zara and Gap kids sections when I’m in the store. Typically their sizes go up t0 14-16. This is the equivalent of a 0-2.
- Balance out volume – Right now oversized everything is trending. When you’re petite, wearing oversized pants with an oversized sweater can give off more “little rascals” than “chic fashionista” vibes. If you’re going to wear something oversized like I have in this look, make sure the rest of the look is more fitted.
photography: Karya Schanilec Photography
disclaimer: This post was created in partnership with Shoes of Prey. However, all opinions are my own.
Amanda says
Your style tips are so spot on! As with clothes, different shoe brands also fit differently. Love the gold tips on your Shoes of Prey!
Giulia says
Thanks Amanda!
Kairee says
Congrats on this collab Giulia. Shopping the kids department is a great perk of being petite and one of my personal favorite style hacks.
Giulia says
Thank you for reading Kairee! And I agree… I’m obsessed with the kids’ department!