5 Style Lessons All Women Under 5’2” Can Learn from Kelly Ripa
PureWow Editors select every item that appears on this page,, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Read the original article on Purewow.
It goes without saying that Kelly Ripa is a force. As co-host of Live! With Kelly and Mark (among many other talents), she is charming, hilarious and smart. She’s also petite—clocking in at just 5’2”, according to ye olde internet. Here’s the thing: I’m also 5’2” (on a good day, I get to boast an extra half an inch) and I’ve been keeping tabs on Ripa’s style—in particular, how she dresses for her shorter frame—for quite some time. After all, a hemline that’s off by an inch or a dress with too much volume can absolutely derail your fit. Here, five petite-friendly tips I’ve learned from following Ripa’s fashion.
1. Yes, You Can Wear Floor-Skimming Jeans
John Argueta/Getty Images
On a recent episode of Live!, Ripa stepped out looking professional and cool as a cucumber in denim that didn’t hit at her ankle, but rather skimmed the floor. Can a petite gal do that? Isn’t that breaking a fashion rule? It’s not, but there’s a method to this height-busting madness—and something several PureWow editors recently discovered in their own search for the perfect cut of petite-friendly denim. The trick is in the knee-less style, which gives the illusion of added length and height without tapering in at the wrong spot and wreaking havoc on the overall proportions. Additionally, while Ripa is wearing this style of jeans on the longer side, the hem doesn’t drag, which means it’s still a look that’s tailored to her frame.
Shop Jeans
Anthropologie Colette Wide-Leg Jeans
https://go.skimresources.com?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.anthropologie.com%2Fshop%2Fthe-colette-cropped-high-rise-wide-leg-jeans-by-maeve%3Fcolor%3D093%26type%3DSTANDARD%26quantity%3D1&xcust=kelly%20ripa%20petite%20style
130
Buy Now
Spanx Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans
https://go.skimresources.com?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fspanx.com%2Fproducts%2Fcropped-wide-leg-jeans-shaded-blue%3Fvariant%3D43015309459667&xcust=kelly%20ripa%20petite%20style
148
Buy Now
Veronica Beard Taylor Wide-Leg Jean
https://go.skimresources.com?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fveronicabeard.com%2Fproducts%2Ftaylor-cropped-wide-leg-jean-enough-said&xcust=kelly%20ripa%20petite%20style
298
Buy Now
2. A Midi Dress Won’t Overwhelm as Long as the Hem Is Right
Cara Howe/Getty Images
Sure, to pull off this style, Ripa adds a pair of what appears to be at least three-inch heels. But (!) the secret to the sartorial success of this midi-length pleated dress on Ripa’s frame is the hemline—it hits at the ankle, heels or not. In fact, a length that hits just above the ankle bone is ideal for anyone on the shorter side since it provides a slight break in the fabric (that skin peek-a-boo is elongating) and puts shoes on display. (Pro tip: Take your dress to a tailor if you have to just to get the length correct.)
Shop Midi Dresses
Self-Portrait Pink Chiffon Midi Dress
https://go.skimresources.com?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fus.self-portrait.com%2Fproducts%2Fpink-chiffon-tunic-midi-dress&xcust=kelly%20ripa%20petite%20style
495
Buy Now
Mango Pleated Midi Dress
https://go.skimresources.com?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fshop.mango.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fp%2Fwomen%2Fdresses-and-jumpsuits%2Fdresses%2Fpleated-a-line-dress_77030324%3Fc%3D85&xcust=kelly%20ripa%20petite%20style
100
Buy Now
Milly Melina Pleated Midi Dress
https://go.skimresources.com?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.neimanmarcus.com%2Fp%2Fmilly-melina-solid-pleated-dress-prod245840179&xcust=kelly%20ripa%20petite%20style
425
Buy Now
3. Ditto a Leg-Lengthening Midi Pencil Skirt
Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A blouse and pencil skirt that hits mid-calf is one of Ripa’s go-to style uniforms for Live!. But it’s the proportions of the skirt and. the tube-like fit that help make her appear taller than her 5’2” height. For example, with this cherry red option—not only is it a high-waist cut, it hits Ripa mid-calf, which draws attention to her lower legs, giving the illusion of a taller frame.
Shop Midi Skirts
Sézane Francine Skirt
https://go.skimresources.com?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sezane.com%2Fus%2Fproduct%2Ffrancine-skirt%2Fpeach%23size-XS&xcust=kelly%20ripa%20petite%20style
145
Buy Now
Alex Marie Josie Pencil Skirt
https://go.skimresources.com?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dillards.com%2Fp%2Falex-marie-josie-long-pencil-skirt%2F517952219&xcust=kelly%20ripa%20petite%20style
99
Buy Now
Karen Millen Founder Italian Structured Midi Skirt
https://go.skimresources.com?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.karenmillen.com%2Fus%2Fthe-founder-italian-structured-stretch-midi-skirt%2FBKK12224-157-16.html&xcust=kelly%20ripa%20petite%20style
110
Buy Now
4. A Dazzling Above-the-Waist Detail Naturally Draws the Eye Upward
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Yes, for all intents and purposes, Ripa’s look reads as a little black (or navy blue) jumpsuit. So chic. But the cut-outs that are decked out with bejeweled and glittering bows help draw the eye upward, which again creates a lengthening effect. The moral of the story for petites? Standing a bit taller is as simple as adding a surprising detail—or even a stand-out accessory—above the waist.
Shop Jumpsuits
Saloni Camille Cut-out Embellished Jumpsuit
https://go.skimresources.com?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.net-a-porter.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Fproduct%2Fsaloni%2Fclothing%2Ffull-length%2Fcamille-cutout-embellished-velvet-jumpsuit%2F25185454455879561&xcust=kelly%20ripa%20petite%20style
425
Buy Now
Anthropologie Hutch Poplin Bow Jumpsuit
https://go.skimresources.com?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.anthropologie.com%2Fshop%2Fhutch-poplin-bow-jumpsuit%3Fcolor%3D066%26type%3DSTANDARD%26quantity%3D1&xcust=kelly%20ripa%20petite%20style
198
Buy Now
BTFBM Ruffle Cap Sleeve Jumpsuit
https://www.amazon.com/BTFBM-Jumpsuits-Ruffle-Pockets-Outfits/dp/B0BPM6R53S?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pur0e4-20&linkId=fadd19074adf0effe0d015df4a6c6767&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
50
Buy Now
5. Always (Always) Follow the Rule of Thirds
Robert Kamau/Getty Images
With all of Ripa’s ensembles, the style recipe that helps her appear taller is one that’s borrowed from some of the best stylists in the world: the rule of thirds. It stems from art and architecture and is basically a theory of composition that suggests the most interesting images set a focal point that’s anywhere except the middle of the frame. Instead, the most compelling images can be broken into thirds, either vertically or horizontally. Now, take Ripa’s style: The lines of her looks never ever cut her petite frame in half (or at the middle). Instead, they create a line that highlights the top third—and Ripa’s natural waist—leaving the remaining two thirds connected, which has a lengthening effect.
Shop T-Shirts
Madewell Northside Vintage T-Shirt
https://go.skimresources.com?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.madewell.com%2Fnorthside-vintage-tee-J8526.html%3Fcjdata%3DMXxOfDB8WXww%26dwvar_J8526_color%3DWT0067%26srcCode%3Daffiliate%7CMedia%7CWow%2BMedia%2BProducts%2BInc.%7CMWAFFI00001%26siteId%3DCJ_8757841_Wow%2BMedia%2BProducts%2BInc.%26utm_source%3DWow%2BMedia%2BProducts%2BInc.%26utm_medium%3Daffiliate%26utm_content%3DMedia%26utm_campaign%3DMWAFFI00001%26cjevent%3D9db015223f9c11ef82a300c60a82b839&xcust=kelly%20ripa%20petite%20style
18
Buy Now
Frank & Eileen Theo Perfect Tee
https://go.skimresources.com?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.frankandeileen.com%2Fproducts%2Flab219-white%3Fvariant%3D5655406968863&xcust=kelly%20ripa%20petite%20style
120
Buy Now
J.Crew Girlfriend Crewneck Tee
https://go.skimresources.com?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ffactory.jcrew.com%2Fp%2Fwomens%2Fcategories%2Fclothing%2Fknits-and-tees%2Fcrewneck%2Fgirlfriend-crewneck-tee%2FAJ089%3Fcolor_name%3Dwhite%26colorProductCode%3DAJ089&xcust=kelly%20ripa%20petite%20style
20
Buy Now
