Designer Whitney Pozgay Talks Petite Styling Tips and Her New Anthropologie Collab

Petites, please! Anthropologie has been amping up its selection of clothes in small-girl sizes for about a year, and they've just introduced their first Made in Kind capsule collection with that strategy in mind. Whitney Pozgay, the emerging designer known for her fanciful namesake line Whit, has created breezy summer styles—some of which are exclusively for petites. We caught up with Pozgay to talk styling tips and learn why small sizes are of large importance.  

What was your inspiration behind this capsule collection?

I'm from Arizona—so I'm a warm-weather girl at my core—and I'm really excited that this is a summer collaboration. There's a light-hearted, bohemian spirit to Anthropologie, and it just seems like the best season to work with them. When I was inMexico, I started designing this collection, and the color, optimism, and vacation mentality there really inspired me. 

What's your favorite piece?

Out of the petite items, my favorite is the starfish maxi dress. Oftentimes shorter girls are intimidated by wearing long dresses because they're afraid of being overwhelmed, but this one fits really nicely. It's cut a little shorter in the front, so you can see your ankles which helps with proportion. It's also slim, not voluminous, so you can still see your figure. It's very flattering on a smaller frame! I also think the dress with the little cut-out is a fun, wear-anywhere item. 

Do you have any styling tips for short girls?

You can actually do a lot of prints! I think wearing patterns head-to-toe when you're shorter can look great because there's not as much of it, and one continuous print also elongates your frame. The floral print dress in the collection is a petite exclusive! High-waisted styles are nice on shorter people because they also lengthen you. I would stay away from certain kinds of cropped pants. Capris can be cute on a lot of my friends, but they actually make me look evenshorter. 

What's the petite market like?

There isn't much personality. Most petite items are basics. And sometimes when you alter the more unique designs, the proportions become goofy, so their integrity is compromised. Try to alter things to fit. It's really exciting that Anthropologie is making the same items they would offer to the regular customer but cut for petite girls. It's an interesting market that hasn't had enough attention or exposure! 

What design challenges do you face when designing for a smaller customer?

Sometimes it's fun to be given a box to work in. There are challenges for fitting petites the same way there are challenges fitting tall women. There are certain lengths and elements to stay away from when designing for petites, but there are also places to have more fun because you're creating something for a smaller frame. I explored louder prints and lots of color. I'm on the shorter side, so I definitely empathize with the needs of the shorter customer!

They say good things come in pairs, and we agree—at least when it comes to sleepwear! With summer in full swing, we're ready kick off nap season with a new set of matchy-matchy PJs. Our favorite finds are cute and comfy, plus they'll make a stylish statement whether you're headed to summer camp or a sleepover. 

And now, our picks! If it's chilly, we suggest you try Juicy Couture's bumblebee-yellow longjohns with a matching top. Hot out? Stay cool in a fun floral shorts set from Sleepy Jones. 

Click through to see summer's prettiest pajama sets. Sweet dreams!

Beading Sweetheart Trumpet Satin Prom Dress

Satin Prom Dresses

Silhouette: Trumpet 
Neckline: Sweetheart 
Waist: Natural 
Hemline/Train: Floor Length 
Sleeve Length: Sleeveless 
Embellishments: Beading 
Fabric: Elastic woven satin 
Built-In Bra: Yes 
Fully Lined: Yes 
Shown Color: Silver 
Body Shape: Hourglass, Inverted Triangle, Misses 
Occasion: Prom, Evening 
Season: Spring, Summer , Fall, Winter

Square End Flat Bottom Tie + Red Trousers + Monkstrap Shoes - Man Morsel Monday (San Francisco)