Category: style (page 2 of 3)

I can’t stress my appreciation for monochrome outfits enough. I like an all grey silhouette for the office. Grey in general seems like a very elegant color to me, although I have to add color to my face with blush and lipstick because I often feel like a cadaver. The top is actually a sweater dress I tucked under my skirt. I wish I had grey heels to complete the outfit, but I had to make do with nude stilettos. I feel like wearing all neutral tones makes my petite frame look longer. Español aquí.

This grey monochrome outfit is special to me for so many reasons. To start off, my mom made me this pencil skirt as a birthday present. I’ve long admired her classic elegance while growing up so when she offered to take my measurements I was all in. Of course I was doubtful about the over the knee length of it, but somehow it’s grown on me. My grey coat is also a present from her. And can we talk about my grey knit pompom necklace? I got it from an artisanal market in Cusco and it cost 5 peruvian soles. Read more

One of my favorite go to combinations when I’m getting dressed for the office includes monochrome. Don’t think Peruvians always wear black. Here is a pop an explosion of color with festive red. Because I don’t want my accessories to compete with the main pieces, I’m wearing neutral accents. I like adding a pashmina with similar hues. Español aquí.

I really enjoy wearing tailored pants that aren’t exploding at the seams. Of course I had to have them fitted because I only found one size bigger than my usual US 2. Love makes you do crazy things. My sweater is a little on the large size, but I’m comfortable with it. It’s my man repeller instinct again. Read more

One thing that I’ve learned about being petite is that fitted clothing favors us smaller ladies rather than looser fits that can hide our silhouettes. I’ve been loving thick sweater dresses for colder weather that don’t mark every single crease in my body, but at the same time show my subtle curves. Español aquí.

I picked up this dress last winter and it just fits like a glove every time I wear it. Black is a classic, but I’d love it in other colors too. Because of my dark hair, I try to wear a bright statement piece or lipstick to avoid looking like a shadow. I like it with or without a necklace. Ladies’ choice. Read more

A blazer is one of the most basic and versatile garments for the office (and other occasions). Originally a jacket for gentlemen’s sports such as cricket, tennis and recreational nautical, today the blazer is a unisex piece that complements a formal attire very well. I recommend stocking up with one classic color and style. I promise it will come in handy in more than one occasion. Español aquí.

In my petite experience, I have learned to choose blazers that are my size and that are well-structured, especially around the shoulder. My ongoing drama is that I have yet to find one that is the right arm length. I fold them for now. Otherwise, they are a petite perfect match. I hope you like them too.

A very basic closet item for a classic woman is a white shirt. They are very versatile and you can wear them all year round. My personal collection has been growing since I started working, although finding my size is still a problem. So much so that I had one made from scratch when I was able. Even so, the one that I like the most and I looks best on me is one I bought on my sabbatical trip last year. It’s the only one I own that looks as if it’s mine. Español aquí.

A few years ago I read How to be Parisian Wherever You Are, by Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret, and Sophie Mas; and all I can remember is that a Parisian woman wears a black bra under her white blouse. Because I am a good learner, I do the same. I also recommend having your shirt well ironed and stiff so that it looks well structured when wearing it. I love wearing it with either with jeans for a casual Friday or with tailored pants for office days.