If you're petite and find it hard to take up space when you speak on stage, don't worry!
There are plenty of styling tips and tricks you can use to tweak your professional speaker wear, making you more noticeable, authoritative, and memorable.
Some of these petite styling tips might feel counterintuitive, but trust me.
From my experience working with female professional speakers, these will make you stand out in all the right ways.
Here are 8 styling tips to help you take up space as a petite professional speaker:
1. Keep your silhouettes fitted and compact
Waist emphasis works wonders for short woman speakers. Make the outline of your look sharp, fitted, and staccato.
This styling tip for petite presenters will help you appear more authoritative on stage.
2. Go for small and sharp details
Contrast collars, lapel details, and contrasting accessories like buttons and belts will all work brilliantly for your professional speaker wear.
These elements add visual interest without overwhelming your petite frame.
3. BE BOLD AND BRAVE WITH COLOUR
High colour contrasts work well for short woman speakers. It doesn't mean you have to wear bright colours if that's not your style.
If you prefer softer colours, still opt for sharp colour blocking within your look.
4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRINTS
The same applies for print. Opt for sharp, colourful, and animated prints. Small geometrics and angular asymmetrics are excellent.
Side note: Even though I recommend small floral prints for petite women, I DON”T recommend that for a big stage. It’s best to go for something more abstract. Same applies for certain stripes - they are excellent for petites, but best avoid them on stage, in case they strobe.
The Fold
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5. SELECT APPROPRIATE FABRICS
Fabrics should always be crisp and able to hold a defined shape. A matte finish is best for professional speaker wear, although hard-finished sheens can be very exciting. Opt for light to moderate weight fabrics that are easily tailored.
Libby London
The Fold
6. Be playful, be different
More than any other body shape, petite women can allow themselves to be playful with style. Experiment with your professional speaker wear and don't get stuck in a rut wearing the same old boring suit.
7. An alternative to heels.
Instead of putting on heels to appear taller, try wearing a dress or a jumper with a vertical split on the side. It will achieve the same lengthening effect and it's much more comfortable for long speeches!
8. Avoid oversized look.
Notice how longer hair and oversized dresses can look too big on petite frames. Opt for more fitted professional speaker wear so they're not overpowering. Shorter hair or having your hair up to open the neck is always better for short woman speakers.
By implementing these styling tips for petite woman speakers, you'll be able to command attention and take up space on stage, regardless of your height.
Your professional speaker wear will enhance your presence, allowing your message to shine through.
Which of these petite styling tips are you excited to try for your next speaking engagement?
Remember, the key is to feel confident and comfortable in your outfit, so you can focus on delivering your powerful message!
Want personalized advice on creating the perfect stage wardrobe that boosts your confidence and enhances your professional image? Let's work together to make you look as amazing as your content sounds!
You may also check my free colour quiz for speakers.
If you want to look great on stage as a professional speaker, grab the free resource here.
Cover image credit: Newstimes.com