PetitePowerCoatLauren

What are your style hacks for shopping as a petite?

I mostly shop online, so I’m always checking the inseam and finish on pants to see if they’ll be easy to hem. I also look for materials like ribbing that can expand + contract.

What advice can you offer petite women who aspire to a career in your industry?

Don’t let your stature get in the way of anything. If you’re having a conversation with someone and you feel small or unimportant, take a step back so you can make direct eye contact without craning your neck. Plus, standing up straight has a nice unintended consequence of making you look more professional.

What are your style hacks for shopping as a petite?

I mostly shop online, so I’m always checking the inseam and finish on pants to see if they’ll be easy to hem. I also look for materials like ribbing that can expand + contract.

What advice can you offer petite women who aspire to a career in your industry?

Don’t let your stature get in the way of anything. If you’re having a conversation with someone and you feel small or unimportant, take a step back so you can make direct eye contact without craning your neck. Plus, standing up straight has a nice unintended consequence of making you look more professional.

What do you think is the biggest issue petite women face in the workplace? What struggles have you had to overcome?

This may sound a little extreme, but I think some people look at petite women like children, especially because we often look much younger than we are. It’s an implicit bias, but a bias nonetheless. It’s a problem I’ve seen more so with men than women, but it just means it’s more important to handle yourself professionally. I’ve been in various management positions for the past five years, and while I haven’t had any problems with direct reports, I’ve noticed I have to be sure to speak up, assert myself when I’m with other managers. It makes you stand by your convictions a little faster.

Along with power positions & success, women are shattering preconceived body standards as well - curvy models have taken their position on magazine covers and petites have taken over catwalks. How do you see the industry responding to this shift?

It’s about time! I think the industry response is two-fold: Some brands are leading the pack because it’s a natural part of their brand, and others are following to keep up. I do think it’s important to see yourself reflected in media, but tokenism puts a dirty spin on it. If diversity is only a brand tentpole because it brings in dollars, you’re doing it wrong.

What do you think is the biggest issue petite women face in the workplace? What struggles have you had to overcome?

This may sound a little extreme, but I think some people look at petite women like children, especially because we often look much younger than we are. It’s an implicit bias, but a bias nonetheless. It’s a problem I’ve seen more so with men than women, but it just means it’s more important to handle yourself professionally. I’ve been in various management positions for the past five years, and while I haven’t had any problems with direct reports, I’ve noticed I have to be sure to speak up, assert myself when I’m with other managers. It makes you stand by your convictions a little faster.

Along with power positions & success, women are shattering preconceived body standards as well - curvy models have taken their position on magazine covers and petites have taken over catwalks. How do you see the industry responding to this shift?

It’s about time! I think the industry response is two-fold: Some brands are leading the pack because it’s a natural part of their brand, and others are following to keep up. I do think it’s important to see yourself reflected in media, but tokenism puts a dirty spin on it. If diversity is only a brand tentpole because it brings in dollars, you’re doing it wrong.

Where does your #PetitePowerCoat take you?

During the week, I usually grab breakfast with a friend to catch up and start my day before I head into the office. While my job often keeps me tied to my desk most days, other days I’m directing on set, location scouting, or looking for inspiration.

What does petite empowerment mean to you?

I don’t think petite women are nearly as marginalized as other groups of women that aren’t the norm, but I think it’s about using your voice confidently. Nobody’s size should ever deter them from doing what they want—and that goes for everyone.

Where does your #PetitePowerCoat take you?

During the week, I usually grab breakfast with a friend to catch up and start my day before I head into the office. While my job often keeps me tied to my desk most days, other days I’m directing on set, location scouting, or looking for inspiration.

What does petite empowerment mean to you?

I don’t think petite women are nearly as marginalized as other groups of women that aren’t the norm, but I think it’s about using your voice confidently. Nobody’s size should ever deter them from doing what they want—and that goes for everyone.