Hi everyone. I'm a college student doing an internship this summer and this will be one of the first time I've actually had to dress relatively nicely for a work situation. I'm in the market for a few pairs of nicer pants (khakis, etc or some more lightweight material) that I could wear with a lot of things.
The problem is, I'm 5'4" and I weigh about 85 or 90 lbs. I AM REALLY TINY. I have a 23 in waist and 34 in hips (ish) but the point at which I like wear my pants (does this make sense? I don't really know how to measure myself) is 29 in... and yes I've always been this way, yes I eat healthily, blah blah blah, I don't think I need to explain this to you guys! Basically everything I try on is way too big, especially in the waist where there's this ugly huge gap of fabric :/ Do any of you have suggestions for anything that would fit me and still look professional? I even tried the girls' department the other day, but unless I want to go to my internship covered in flowers and tulle I don't think that would be the best call.
Thanks!

Hi chocolatecello,

Have you tried Delia's? They have a few styles of khaki pants that come not only in a small size 00 (22 waist, 32 hip), but also several inseam lengths so hopefully you won't have to deal with hemming a pair of pants either. I've heard from a lot of petites that they run small.

Bootcut:
http://store.delias.com/item.do?itemID=53622&outfitID=1700&color=CPP&categoryID=428&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=

Skinny:
http://store.delias.com/item.do?itemID=50905&outfitID=1701&color=KTT&categoryID=428&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=

A waist gap is a pretty common thing for a lot of women, and when you have a few extra dollars, you can get that taken in by a tailor. If you can't afford that just yet, then try and find the smallest waist gap you can find, and wear a belt to hide it.

I was once really tiny and I can give you some insight on which brands would *not* be likely to fit if you'd find it helpful.

Express I've never tried their 00 so you may be able to get them altered, but a 0 will probably be too big.
The Limited.
United Colors of Benneton

I'm not sure what your price point is, but you may be able to find something from Bebe that fits. Also, I've found that pants that have a little bit of stretch tend to fit better than those that don't. Another trick is to wear tights/leggins under your parts (it may be too hot where you live). Dresses may also be another option.

I second the rec for a good tailor (or a belt).

Well first what kind of skin tone do you have?

That will help people customize what would look good on you.

Hi ChocolateCello! Welcome to the forum.

I've been in sort of the same situation as yourself - I've done co-operative education high school (unpaid), and I'm now in the co-operative education program at my university (paid), so I've certainly had experience in shopping for petite work attire on a budget. When I was first starting off, I created a similar thread asking for help. I suggest you read it if you haven't already.

starting-a-petite-work-wardrobe-t120.html

I'm 4ft 11, and my stats are 28-24-30, so you have a smaller waist and larger hips than myself.

While I've had some luck in the childrens' department, I tend to stick to cardigans when I'm looking there - I have this one cardigan in a children's size SMALL. Kids cardigans can be worn for a "shrunken" fit and be passable, but stick to simpler designs with more sophisticated details - Avoid cheap looking buttons, etc. I don't think you're going to have too much luck looking for pants or skirts in kids wear - My 30inch hips no longer fit.

I've had the most luck shopping at H&M. Their size 2 is pretty tiny. When shopping for tops here, my experiences are as follows:
1. Too roomy in the bust
2. Waist is snug
3. Too roomy in the hips
4. Armholes are too big

Since you're taller, waist is smaller than mine and hips are larger, I think you'll have luck in H&M as well. My favourite spring blazer is from there - Click for my review. I've also success with dresses and pencil skirts from H&M. H&M pencil skirts tend to hit right at/above the knee for me, so they should be of an appropriate length on you. I have never tried on a pair of pants which fit from H&M.

When you're shopping for pants, look for a "skinny" cut - Skinny pants tend to run smaller, and the bunching at the ankle it sort of cute, especially with shoes - This saves you money in hemming. I've found both BR and AT petite pants to be WAY too big on me - Huge waist gaps. Personally, I've found it much easier to find a skirt that fit, versus finding pants.

I would spend a week or two in the work place before spending too much money on a new wardrobe. You'll often find that the actual clothing worn by employees are more relaxed than the official dress code. Last summer, my job required "business professional", but in actuality, everyone wore polos, khakis, sleeveless tops and Bermuda shorts. Personally, I feel the need to dress up a tiny bit more, even if other employees are more casually, to look older and be taken more seriously. I feel I'm often treated as a child by some in the work place because I look very young.

I hope this helped; congratulations and best of luck in your internship!