fashion knowledge

Welcome to Short Stories, the go-to style blog for men who aren't towering over the rest of the world but still want to look their best. Written by Mike Monnette, the founder of Abbreviated, this blog is dedicated to all things fashion for shorter guys. If you’ve ever struggled with finding clothes that fit well, look great, and complement your frame, you’re in the right place.

A Personal Journey in Style

Mike Monnette isn’t just any style expert—he’s a shorter guy himself. Standing at 5'7", he understands firsthand the frustrations that shorter men face when trying to dress well. From pants that are too long to jackets that seem like they were made for someone twice his height, Mike has experienced it all. That’s why he created Abbreviated, a brand that designs clothes specifically for shorter men, and Short Stories, a blog to share his knowledge, style hacks, and recommendations.

Mike’s personal journey in fashion began when he realized that the fashion industry largely overlooks shorter men. The clothing racks are filled with sizes that assume men are at least six feet tall, and that can leave many shorter guys feeling frustrated, self-conscious, or like they have to settle for ill-fitting clothes. But Mike knew there had to be a better way. So, he took matters into his own hands—quite literally—and built Abbreviated, a brand dedicated to providing high-quality, stylish clothing for men of shorter stature.

Through Short Stories, Mike shares his passion for fashion while offering practical advice to help other shorter men look sharp and feel confident.

Style Tips and Tricks for Shorter Men

One of the cornerstones of Short Stories is the wealth of practical style tips for shorter men. Whether it's how to choose the right pair of pants that won’t bunch up around your ankles or finding the perfect jacket that complements your proportions, Mike covers it all. Some topics that readers can expect include:

• Fit First, Always: Mike emphasizes the importance of finding clothes that fit properly. For shorter men, this can mean avoiding baggy or overly long garments, as these can overwhelm your frame and make you look even shorter. Instead, he advocates for a tailored look that adds structure and flatters your shape.
• Monochrome Magic: One of the most powerful style hacks for shorter men is to stick to monochromatic outfits. By wearing similar colors from head to toe, you can create an unbroken vertical line, which makes you appear taller. Mike regularly features monochrome outfit ideas that combine style with height-enhancing visuals.
• Shoe Selection: Finding the right footwear is crucial for shorter guys. Mike recommends shoes that have a slightly raised sole (without going into platform territory) and styles that visually lengthen the legs, like loafers, dress shoes, or sleek sneakers. He’ll even give tips on how to lace your shoes to complement your outfit’s proportions.
• Jacket Game: Jackets are often a problem for shorter men, as they can easily make someone look boxy or overly bulky. Mike dives deep into how to find jackets that hit at the right places—especially around the waist and shoulders—and why shorter jackets or cropped styles are sometimes your best friend.

Product Recommendations Tailored for You

Mike understands that dressing well goes beyond advice—you need the right products to bring your outfits to life. In each post, Short Stories includes carefully curated product recommendations from Abbreviated as well as other brands that cater to shorter men. Whether it’s a well-fitting pair of chinos, a sharp blazer, or casual wear that doesn’t feel sloppy, Mike’s recommendations are tried and tested.

The blog also includes comprehensive reviews of various men’s clothing lines, analyzing how well they cater to shorter customers. Mike shares his honest opinions, saving his readers time and frustration by pointing them directly to the best options on the market.

A Community of Stylish Short Guys

One of the best aspects of Short Stories is that it’s not just a blog—it’s a community. Mike regularly interacts with readers through comments, social media, and even live events. He encourages men to share their style journeys and learn from one another. His engaging, conversational writing style makes readers feel like they’re getting advice from a friend who knows exactly what they’re going through.

Mike’s vision for Short Stories is simple: to help shorter men feel empowered, stylish, and confident. Whether you’re looking for advice on the latest trends, timeless wardrobe staples, or tips on how to mix and match pieces for different occasions, Mike has you covered. At the end of the day, Short Stories is about more than just fashion—it’s about helping shorter men embrace their height and show the world they’ve got style.