Thank you to M.M.LaFleur and ShopStyle for partnering on this post.
When I worked in financial services, I had to constantly balance my desire to dress fashionably with looking polished yet conservative. I will admit, I sometimes lost track of time going back and forth on the right outfit for the day! That’s why I’m excited to partner with M.M.LaFleur, a brand that several of you have expressed interest in over the years. The brand aims to make professional style more effortless, and many of their pieces are made of wrinkle-resistant, machine-washable fabrics that are easy to care for and travel well!
I spent some time at my local boutique trying on dozens of styles, and wanted to share a few that stood out with fit notes for a petite frame. Their contemporary, clean silhouettes were shaped by the co-founder who previously was head designer at Zac Posen, and also was a designer for Theory and Jason Wu.
Soho skirt – Made in stretchy soft jersey with a wide, covered elastic waistband (aka full day comfort for sitting down or traveling!), this was my most favorite piece from my try ons. In these photos, I shifted my skirt so that the side ruching detail hits closer to the front, but I like it both ways. This would be flattering on many body types, and should also accommodate an early baby belly if you are expecting. The fabric has a good weight and thickness to it, and the full lining keeps the jersey from clinging to tights, making this a great year-round piece. This also coordinates with the brand’s tops in the same material so you can mix and match 2 pieces to create the look of a dress.
Size XS measures 11.5″ across the waistband when un-stretched, so works on narrow waists. The 22″ length hits below my knees, and you can bring pieces in to a local M.M.LaFleur boutique for complimentary hemming.
Sant Ambroeus jardigan – This is a core piece from the brand with the silhouette of a collarless jacket, but the knit comfort of a cardigan. It’s made of a smooth finished, tight weave with light shoulder pads that you can remove if desired (I like them for a little added structure). The sleeves of an XS come about 1″ past my wrists. I also tried on the longer Woolf jardigan which is definitely more suited for someone a few inches taller (see comparison below tried on over their Etsuko dress in 0P). I would recommend non-petites to check it out, especially in the versatile Taupe color.
Rowling top – A classic, petite friendly blouse where the elegance is again in the draping. This top is lighter in weight with a slightly textured crepe-like finish, and is unlined. It’s treated with an anti-odor finish for more wears between cleaning, and is machine-washable.
Antonia cross front top – One of their most petite-friendly blouse options in my opinion. You can wear it untucked over pants for a slightly peplum silhouette, or tuck it into a high waisted skirt where it’ll look like a regular crossover blouse. Compared to the Rowling top, this has a more substantial feel because it’s fully lined. It’s made of the same machine-washable fabric that drapes nicely, and is also treated with an anti-odor finish.
Friedan top – I’m including this one as it got so many compliments and inquiries when I shared a peek in Instagram stories! This is a beautiful statement top that looks a lot better on the person than in the stock photos. On a very petite frame, though, it has a lot of fabric volume. The sleeves are above the wrist length on the model and hit full length on me, and the openings are roomy on my wrists. This blouse is lined and also machine-washable and treated with an anti-odor finish.
I’d love to hear your experience with M.M.LaFleur and any recommended pieces from the brand!