“I’m petite & fair-skinned; what type of dress would suit me?”

dear apricot,

My first wedding anniversary is in less than a month, and I need help finding a dress! It doesn’t need to be too fancy– just a cocktail dress, perhaps. As you know from a previous question, I am petite. I’m also fair-skinned. What type of dress should I get– and what colors might be best on me?

— Megan, from Somewhat Voluble.

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Megan,

Before we get into anything else: Happy Anniversary!

Now… onto the dresses.

I have to say that just because you are fair-skinned & petite doesn’t mean you must limit yourself to certain styles & colors. Naturally, if you try something on & you don’t like the fit or the way the color makes your skin look, don’t buy it. But usually, most colors & types of dresses would suit your petite frame & skin tone perfectly!

(for product information, click here.)

To get you inspired, here are different selection of dresses & adornments (all from Forever21). Some dresses are semi-formal & some are semi-casual. But each dress is unique in its own way, & can be worn again & again for any occasion. Also, the fabric of these dresses are comfortable & not very constricting, so you’ll be able to move (& possibly groove!) if you wanted to without feeling stiff.

A strapless dress is a great choice because it shows off your neck & back beautifully, & suits petite frames very well. By choosing a strapless dress, you won’t need to wear a necklace. Keeping the accessories light will maintain all the focus on your collarbone & shoulders. Some dangley earrings with a strapless dress seemingly make your neck longer, & a bracelet of the same color keeps a playful color scheme. A printed clutch finishes up the outfit perfectly.

A belt added to a dress makes for a beautiful silhouette. An intricately printed black & white dress can be characterized even more with a turquoise belt & a beaded necklace, for a splash of color. A simple black dress, paired with a black belt & silver jewelry, dresses up a seemingly casual frock ever so slightly without it looking to costumey.

Also, try going for bold colors. It’s so typical to wear a “Little Black Dress” to a special gathering. Why not be a little unconventional & wear some color? A striking blue, a royal purple, or a cherry red, for example. Don’t worry too much about your fair skin being pronounced MORE by color. Fair skin is beautiful, & showing it off with some stunning colors will be well worth it.

Finish off your favorite dress with a comfortable pair of shoes: kitten heels, strappy sandals, simple flats, or stilettos (if you dare!).

A Few Tips:

• Whatever kind of dress you choose, remember to keep it above the knee. By doing so, you elongate your legs, giving the illusion that you are taller than what you are. Anything below the knee will basically cut off your petite frame, making you appear shorter. & we don’t want that!
• Keep the accessories minimal with a colorful dress.
• It’s best to do your hair up when you wear a strapless dress. & to do so, fancy up a simple chignon or messy bun with a pretty headband. Or perhaps add some antique-looking barrettes. Wearing your hair up doesn’t necessarily mean it must be boring. With your hair up, you won’t have to worry about it falling flat, getting frizzy, or losing curl. It will be out of your face & out of your mind.
• Being that you have fair skin, keep your makeup light & natural. Give your cheeks & lips a natural flush with a lip & cheek stain (which lasts & lasts). & try not to pile on the eye makeup too heavy. Some natural colored eyeshadow, with bold lashes will do just fine.
• The most important thing to remember for your special night is comfort. You may have found the most perfect dress, but it’s slightly itchy. No matter how perfect it fits, no matter how perfect the price, by all means, don’t get it! You’ll be miserable all night, & all of your attention will be fixed on your stupid itchy dress. Comfort should com before anything else!

I hope the collage & tips helped you. It was very fun to sort of play dress up with these dresses & accessories. & I can’t wait to see which kind of dress you choose!

Have fun!

— apricot.

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