Shopping for your size and specific body shape can be extremely difficult, especially since fashion mags, advertisements, and even in-store displays usually push outfits that look great on girls who are relatively tall and skinny. For petite girls, it’s hard find clothes that are both flattering and stylish – especially when you don’t have the body of shorty celebs like Nicole Richie and Hayden Panettiere!

If you’re petite and need a little help finding the perfect pieces to complement your pint-sized frame, there are a few things you gotta keep in mind.

Tops – Pick tops that hit mid-thigh. Anything shorter or longer will emphasize your lack of height. You also want to steer away from things that are too loose, or you risk losing your body in a sea of fabric. Anything that is draped, asymmetrical, or has long ruffles will elongate your torso and flatter a petite frame. Here are some chic picks from the petite section:

From top left to bottom right: Petite Open Cardigan with Chiffon Trim $68 – Ann Taylor, Petite Ruffle Striped Tank $45 – Banana Republic, Nygard Collection Petites Petal Scoopneck Tunic $69 – Dillard’s, Filtre Knit Boyfriend Blazer (Petite) $88 – Nordstrom, Style&co. Petite Tunic, Sleeveless Two Tone $46 – Macy’s, Petite Skinny Strap Vest $50 – Topshop.

Jeans - Petite girls need to wear petite pants. It’s annoying, since so many of your favorite stores don’t carry them, but it’s just a fact of life. Hemming long pants often ruins them, since the cut of the pant wasn’t meant for a petite frame. And cuffing is just not acceptable (in most cases).

If you’re willing to splurge, Joe’s Jeans Provocateur are the best in the business for short girls – they have a higher knee break and shorter inseam for an elongating effect. If you’re on a budget, head to American Eagle Outfitters – if your local store doesn’t carry short sizes, you can order them to the store without paying for shipping.

J brand 3 Star Wash “Petite Pencil Leg” Jeans $119 – Bluefly, Petite Jamie Skinny Jeans $80 – Topshop, Joe’s Jeans Skinny Provocateur Petite Jeans $176 – Piperlime, ASOS Petite Iggy Indigo Skinny Jeans $47 – ASOS, Artist Jean $49 – American Eagle, Skinny Jean $49 – American Eagle.

Skirts and dresses – When dressing for your petite frame, the goal is always to make your body seem longer. Therefore you should go with extreme hemlines. Skirts and dresses that hit at the knee or just below will make your legs look stumpy (and your outfit frumpy). Obviously, when you’re dressing for work or a formal setting, a mini won’t do, but don’t go longer than 2″ above the knee to avoid the frump-effect. Here are some fab dresses that are on the shorter side.

One Clothing Dress Nautical Striped Mini $39 – Macy’s, Sequined Mini Dress $29 – Forever 21, Jack by BB Dakota Ollaberry Dress $58 – Boutique To You, Petite Poplin Shirtdress $69 – Ann Taylor LOFT, Petite Drape Collar Dress $98 – Ann Taylor, Petite Cascading Ruffle Dress $39.99 (on sale from $132) – Banana Republic.

Footwear – Opaque black tights + black heels = a petite girl’s best friends. For everything else, go for heels and flats that are low cut. Avoid ankle boots that cut you off mid-calf, t-strap or Mary Jane shoes, and other strappy heels (unless, you’re pairing them with same-color tights), because they’ll make your legs look stumpy. For boots, go for knee-highs (over-the-knees are tough to pull off, and shorter boots aren’t flattering). Here are some shoes, most of them on sale, that work.

Lifestride Alicia Platform Pump $39.95 – DSW, Bandolino Serece Platform Pump $44.95 – DSW, Etienne Aigner Amber Leather and Stretch Riding Boot $74.95 – DSW, Enzo Angiolini Women’s Rachey Bootie $99.90 – Endless.com, Helena Peep-Toe Wedge $98 – Banana Republic.

While I’m enjoying summer’s warm weather, there is one thing I’m really excited about for fall: cozy, oversized sweaters. I know, I shouldn’t wish away the summer months, but seeing all those fall clothes out on the racks is getting me super pumped for sipping a hot coffee in my fall wardrobe on the way to class.

Sigh.

Luckily, I don’t have to spend all my money on a new wardrobe to enjoy the latest fall trends; I have a few leftover sweaters from last winter that will work perfectly for this one. Here are a few ideas of how to rock those old looks and turn them into hot, chic new ones.

1. Add a few trendy accessories to update this look. For example, this fall studded belts and ankle boots are hot. Pile on the jewelry as well!

Shopping Info: Rampage Double Buckle Studded Stretch Belt, $32; Bebe Logo Mixed Bangle Set, $39; Express Shaker Stitch Cowl-Neck Sweater, $59; Giuseppe Zanottie Design Ankle Boots, $435 at Yoox.

2. Oversized sweaters look great with a pair of leggings and boots, but this year incorporate another fall trend: beyond basic leggings. Try pairing a sweater with liquid leggings, ripped leggings, or denim leggings for a chic yet comfortable combo. (And don’t worry about those liquid leggings, ladies; they look incredibly chic and flattering when paired with a larger and looser top!)

Shopping Info: Plan B Latex Matte Leggings, $75 at Bloomingdale’s; Pure Jill Cowl-Neck Sweater, $79 at J. Jill.

While hoodies don’t exactly have a rep for being fashionable, every girl has a few in her closet. They are pretty much THE staple in every college wardrobe since they are comfy, warm, and easily slip on over whatever you wore to bed last night. Even hardcore fashionistas have lazy days!

Since you most definitely have one (or 6) zip-ups in your closet, I’ll give you a few different ways to wear them so you look more casual cute and less “Holy sh*t I just woke up in my boyfriend’s room and I’m 20 minutes late for class so I’ll just borrow his clothes and run out of the door.”

Contrary to popular belief, that is not cute.

Hoodies are extremely versatile and as long as you get the fit right (read: fitted!), you can wear them with just about anything.

Try pairing a hoodie with skinny jeans and flats to keep it stylish. When comfort is your goal, look past the sweats and throw on a roomy pair of boyfriend jeans or gaucho pants instead. Swap slides, sandals or casual flats in for sneakers so you don’t look like you should be at the gym.

Yes, it’s that easy. Looking good in college doesn’t take time – you just need to pay attention to the way your stuff fits. And if you have a few good hoodies around, you’ll always be one pair of jeans away from a cute ‘fit for class.

Left outfit: Freedom Hoodie, $79 at Guess; Lurex Skinny Jean, $29 at Wet Seal; Rampage Harmonic Flat, $44 at Endless.com.

Center outfit: Dip Dye Hoodie, $79 at Athleta; Current Elliot Long Boyfriend Jean, $244 at Singer22; Havaianas Top Flip Flop Accessory, $18 at Bare Necessities.

Right outfit: Stud Logo Hoodie, $78 at Armani Exchange; Ruched Gaucho Pants, $14 at Charlotte Russe; Cole Haan Air Ibiza Slides, $121 at Zappos.

For more fashion tips, follow Anna on Twitter!

It’s easy to transition your entire summer wardrobe into fall with a few pairs of tights. Yes, that’s all you really need.

Throwing some tights in the mix is insanely cheaper than buying a new wardrobe (the Hue tights, above retail for only $12.50 or 2 for $20) and you can really create tons of new outfits with just a few pairs. Tights can function merely to keep your legs warm when it gets chilly while also adding style with bright colors and patterns.

And you can do it all with everything you’ve already got cluttering your closet. Here are some looks to try:

1) Tights with a summer dress. Pair a floral dress with tights and black heels for a sleek, updated fall look. Florals are a hot trend this fall, but there’s no need to buy new pieces when you have summery dresses already! For solid color dresses, like black or navy, add colored tights for a funky, eye-catching look.

Top row: Forever 21 Broadway Tiered Dress, $22.80; BB Dakota Purple Water Color Dress, $79 at Chickdowntown.com; Silence & Noise Pointed Tube Dress, $58 at Urban Outfitters.

Bottom row: Hue Palm Springs Block Control Top Tights in Ellie Berry, $20 at Bare Necessities; Spanx Tight-End Tights in black, $26 at Bare Necessities; Black 120 Denier Opaque Tights, $16 at Topshop.

2. Tights with shorts. Pair dressy shorts with black tights and heels to make them look stylish and cold weather-appropriate.

Top row: Forever 21 Pocket Strip Knit Top, $17.80; Forever 21 Open Back Knit Top, $11.80; Hue Super Opaque Knit Tights, $12.50 at Cusp.

Bottom row: Charlotte Russe Sateen Military Shorts, $22.99; Forever 21 Monica Sailor Shorts, $15.80.

3. Tights with a skirt. This is a look you have probably worn before, but take a look at all the skirts in your closet. Could you wear them with tights? Can you add some pizazz by pairing them with something fabulous and bright? You’ll probably find a few you haven’t thought to toss over tights, which means all new outfits! Here are some examples of skirts that would look cute with tights:

Top row: Alloy Button-Front Skirt, $28.90; Forever 21 Rose Party Skirt with Sash, $19.80; Forever 21 Striped Skirt with Belt, $17.80.

Bottom row: Topshop Starlight Lantern Skirt, $50; Kensie Floral Skirt, $23.40 (on sale) at Dillard’s; Old Navy Voile Floral-Print Pleated Skirt, $29.50.

For more fashion & shopping tips, follow me on Twitter!

When summer rolls around, boots get shoved to the back of the closet along with heavy coats, sweaters, and scarves. But who these days can afford to buy a wardrobe for each season? And who wants to give up wearing the fabulousness that is a hot pair of boots for nearly half of the year?

Well, you don’t have to! Boots can totally be rocked in the summer if you do it right.

Do like Kate Moss and pair boots with denim shorts in the summer, or rock them with a dress for a new look. When Fall rolls around, switch into skinny jeans or leggings. Voila – year-round fashion.

Here are some ideas for wearing those boots right now:

1. Tank top + shorts.
Add some edge to your go-to summer look with boots.

(From left to right) Charlotte Russe Trapeze Knit Tank, $12.99; Topshop Memphis Embroidered Tunic, $60; James Perse Long Racerback Tank, $55; Forever 21 Hannabel Denim Shorts, $16.90; Charlotte Russe Slouchy Cowboy Boots, $39.99.

2. With a feminine dress.
Boots add a masculine touch to any floral or flowy dress. Slouchy, brown styles complete a cowgirl or boho-chic outfit, but any boots can work.

(From left to right) BB Dakota Ink Blue Burke Dress, $49 at Chickdowntown.com; Charlotte Russe Floral Plaid Dress, $32.99; Forever 21 Strapless Shirt Dress, $22.90; Delia’s Ramona Riding Boots, $89.50; Charlotte Russe Slouchy Cowboy Boots, $39.99; Wanted Draw Slouchy Boots, $70 at Piperlime.com.

Fall merchandise will be arriving in stores over the next few weeks, and while it may be tempting to run out and get a whole new back to school wardrobe, don’t! Wait for sales to begin, and shop in your closet instead.

One item that the majority of college girls have in their closets are leggings. The great thing about leggings, like this pair by Plan B from Bloomingdale’s, is that they can be worn with practically anything. Here are three outfit ideas that use leggings to take your summer outfits into fall:

1. Pair a summery tank top with leggings and a cropped jacket for a a chic yet simple fall look. The tank will keep the look from getting too severe, but the jacket is there to warm those shoulders (seeing as the temps will drop into cold territory quite fast). For shoes, pick flats, ankle boots, or knee-high boots.

Jacket: Corey Lynn Calter, $86.40 at Chickdowntown.com; top: Charlotte Russe, $18.99; leggings: Merona by Target, $9.99; boots: BCBGirls, $76.24 at Endless.com.

2. Layer a cozy sweater over a summer dress with leggings. Cinch your waist with a belt to give it some shape.

Sweater: Spiegel, $39; belt: Arden B, $19.50; dress: Forever 21, $17.50; leggings: Arden B, $18; boots: Aldo, $110.

3. Wear summer’s flowing tunics throughout the fall with leggings and boots.

Green tunic: Forever 21, $17.80; Blue tunic: Forever 21, $22.80; leggings: Arden B, $18; boots: Steve Madden, $99 at Lord and Taylor.

So cute, so easy, and so cheap. Save that money for something more useful… like a pair of these.

For more fashion tips, follow me on Twitter!

Last week I showed you how to work a sundress and this week I’m going to dazzle you with fun new ways to wear all those necklaces you have hanging around (or, more likely, knotted together in a clump on your desk).

Long necklaces, like these from J. Crew, can add glamour to any basic look: a cardigan and tank, a dress, even a pantsuit (if, you know, you’re going for the Hilary Clinton look…)! But there are several other uses for long necklaces, as well. You just have to think outside the box a little bit.

1. Wrapped around a scarf.
To get this look, take a long, cotton scarf and fold it into a triangle. Next, roll the scarf so that it becomes one long, thin rope. Take your sparkly necklace and wind it around the scarf. Tie the ends of the scarf together and secure the necklace clasp as well.

This orange necklace/scarf was featured in Squidoo.com, but is no longer available. Make your own with a black knit scarf from Gap ($19.50) and long faux pearl necklace from Forever 21 ($5.80).

2. In your hair.
For occasions that call for a glitzy headband, use a necklace instead! Tie hair into a loose bun, then wrap a long necklace around once or twice, depending on the length. Secure underneath the bun with bobby pins (and anywhere else needed). Here are some necklaces that would look ultrachic as headbands:

Left: $39.40 at White House Black Market; center: $8.80 at Forever 21; right: $40 at Betsey Johnson.

3. As a bracelet.
This is probably the easiest thing to do with a necklace – just wrap it around your wrist as many times as you can. If it’s a little loose, secure it at the bottom with  a safety pin. In the photo below from Just Jared, Kate Bosworth wears a David Yurman necklace as a bracelet. For cheaper options, check out Arden B (left, $28) or Forever 21 (right, $10.80).

There are a ton of other creative things you can do with necklaces, too. Attach a chain to leather boots or a handbag. Use one to cinch the waist of your favorite dress. The possibilities are endless!

For more fashion tips, follow me on Twitter!

Unfortunately, when you’re getting ready to leave the second bar you realize that you no longer have the ability to walk. Your balance is already a little thrown off by the amount of heavy drinking you’ve been doing, and now you have to walk in 6-inch stilettos? No thanks. That stool you’re perched on will be just fine for the rest of the night, thankyouverymuch.

You continue ordering drinks until the wee hours when you’re friends are finally ready to head home. You carefully step onto the sidewalk and within 5 minutes decide there is NO way you are walking home in those shoes. Fueled by all the alcohol you have consumed, you decide that you’re going to take off your shoes and walk home barefoot through the city. Classy.

Does this sound like a typical night to you? Are you sick of waking up in the morning with black feet/someone else’s chewed up gum between your toes? (True story…) Perhaps you should invest in a pair of Fit In Clouds fold-up flats.

The “Clouds” are portable flats that fold up and fit inside your purse. Since they are only slightly larger than an iPhone, these ballet flats will even fit in a clutch. Unlike flip flops, these shoes are actually cute. Seriously, they look like real flats. And the best part is, they only cost $18.95! So bring them out next time you plan on wearing those sky high heels, and the next morning you’ll wake up blister-free (or, you know, you won’t have to walk-of-shame it home in a pair of super obvious heels).

Fit In Clouds flats come in black, gold, and metallic pink. You can buy them online at fitinclouds.com.
To the women who created these: we salute you! There’s got to be a Nobel Prize for this, right?

The best outfits happen when you mix two contrasting styles to create something totally new. Recently, the feminine yet edgy trend has been spotted on many celebs, including Demi Lovato and Lindsay Lohan. The leather jacket adds a tough element to a floral dress, making a new and totally unique look.

Utilize this mix and match trend in your own wardrobe to create new outfits! The key is mixing dark materials like leather or python with soft, flowing pastel cottons or chiffons. Here are some ideas for toughening up a feminine sundress with stuff you might already own:

1. Leather Jacket. Copy Demi Lovato’s above look by pairing a floral frock with a real or faux leather jacket.

Silence & Noise 2 Pocket Leather Bomber – $128 at Urban Outfitters
As U Wish Floral Sundress – $49 at Dillard’s

2. Leather or snakeskin booties. These shoes will add some edge to any look! For warmer months, switch in studded gladiator heels.

Nine West IceBlue Bootie – $60 at Endless.com
Satin Floral Dress – $24.99 at Charlotte Russe
Madden Girl Lusterus Platform T-Strap Pump – $54.95 at Endless.com

3. Leather or snakeskin accessories. Cinch the waist of your sundress with a studded leather belt, or add a python bangle or clutch.

Ted Rossi Python Medium Bangles – $95 at Vivre.com
Prezzo Baby Python Cut Out Clutch – $35 at Endless.com
Tory Burch Feather Edge Studded Belt – $225 at Tory Burch

4. Leather leggings. Planning on rocking that sundress past summer and into fall? Add a pair of leather leggings to cover up your legs and change the look. Pair with the booties you used in #2!

Floral Chiffon Dress – $44.50 at Alloy
Juicy Couture Faux Leather Leggings – $78 at ShopBop

For more fashion tips, follow me on Twitter!

I know there is a serious anti-summer-scarf movement out there, but I am not a part of it. I love scarves – yes, even in the summer. They are really versatile pieces and can really add a lot to an otherwise boring wardrobe. And they can be incorporated in many ways – not just tying those suckers around your neck.

This summer, a lightweight scarf (e.g. silk) is an essential accessory. If you don’t own one already, you can buy one for less than $20 at these stores: Delia’s, Gap, Charlotte Russe, Forever 21. Or buy a few from all of these stores; there are so many cute things you can do with ‘em, you’re going to wanna stock up.

The most common way to wear a summer scarf is, obviously, around your neck. They can be tied in several different ways to fit your personal style best. Wear a blouse with a small silk scarf tied right at the neck (no, it’s not just for moms!), or let a longer, cotton scarf hang down over a dress, tee or tank. If you have a large square shaped scarf, fold it into a triangle and drape it (lay across your chest and bring the edges around behind your neck) over a t-shirt for an instantly chic-ified look.

1. Chicos Glimmer Daisy Scarf $25
2. Express Silk Scarf $14.99
3. Urban Outfitters silk jacquard scarf $28

Another way to wear a scarf is as a belt. To jazz up a pair of jeans, pull a long, colorful scarf through the belt holes and tie at the side. Just keep your top relatively simple so that the patterns don’t clash. You can also use a fun scarf to cinch the waist of a dress. Here the scarf does double flatter-duty: it highlights your smallest part and draws positive attention to it by catching everyone’s eye.

1. Gap Silk Petal Tie Dye Scarf $9.99
2. Forever 21 Knotted Back Knit Dress $18.90
3. Forever 21 Crinkled  Tie Dye Scarf  $4.50
4. True Religion Billy Straight Leg Jeans $175

You can also add a touch of personal style (while saving some moolah) to a handbag by tying a silky scarf to the handle. Instead of carrying multiple handbags, carry the same one each day and tie a new scarf on.

1. Tommy Hilfiger Delray Item Tote $69 at Endless.com
2. Charlotte Russe Tropical Floral Scarf $8.99