Dressing to enhance your height can make a big difference when you’re on the shorter side. With a few savvy style tips, you can elongate your silhouette, stand taller, and feel more confident in your clothes. Here’s how to stretch things out a little.
1. Vertical Stripes Draw the Eye Up
Vertical stripes are an easy way to instantly look taller because they naturally draw the eye up and down, creating a more elongated silhouette. Whether it’s a dress, pants, or a top, vertical stripes create a continuous visual line that makes them a go-to for anyone looking to add some visual height, according to the fashion experts at Stylecaster. A striped shirt is also a wardrobe essential that never goes out of style.
2. High-Waisted Pants Make Legs Look Longer
High-waisted pants and skirts elevate your waistline, making your legs appear longer and more defined. Pair them with a tucked-in or cropped top so you don’t cover the waist to make you feel taller. Not only will you look taller, but the best part is you likely already own something high-waisted.
3. Monochromatic Looks Maximize Height
Just like vertical stripes, wearing one color from head to toe creates an uninterrupted line that stretches your height. This trick helps you appear taller and slimmer by avoiding any color breaks that might cut your body into sections. It doesn’t matter what color you choose, but going for a black monochromatic outfit isn’t just slimming; it’s chic, too.
4. Choose Tailored Fits Only
Ill-fitting and oversized clothes can overwhelm your frame and make you look shorter. Though you may think oversized clothes are chic, opting for tailored pieces that fit your body well is a great way to highlight your natural shape. Whether darting, cinching, or hemming, tailoring can make all the difference, ensuring your clothes are proportionate and elongate your silhouette.
5. Pointed-Toe Shoes Add Height and Length
Pointed-toe shoes are an underrated way to look taller. These timeless shoes can extend the line of your legs and give the illusion of added height. They draw attention to your feet for all the right reasons and draw the eye slowly upward. It doesn’t matter if they’re heels or flats; the pointed-toe style is an easy way to appear to have long legs.
6. V-Necks Elongate the Torso
For the appearance of a longer torso, swap out sweetheart necklines for V-neck tops to create a vertical line that draws attention downward. This neckline is perfect for adding height to your upper body and creating a more balanced silhouette. Whether it’s a sweater, a vest, or a t-shirt, V-necks never go out of style and are an easy way to elongate the torso.
7. Show Some Leg
Wearing shorter hemlines, like skirts or shorts that hit above the knee, helps to make your legs look longer. Wearing below-the-knee skirts or shorts can be an accidental fashion mistake that makes you look shorter. Showing more skin creates the illusion of length, especially when paired with shoes that match your skin tone. It’s a simple trick that instantly gives you a taller appearance.
8. Cropped Jackets Won’t Cut You Off
Just like long hemlines, long, oversized jackets can make you look shorter by overwhelming your frame. For a more elongated appearance, choose cropped jackets that hit at your waist. You don’t want to obscure your waist and midsection if you’re trying to appear taller. Cropped outerwear helps define your waist and elongate your legs, making you look taller and more proportionate.
9. Skip the Wide Belts
Wide belts may be chic, but you might want to put them away to look taller. Wide belts can cut your body in half and can make you look shorter by breaking up your silhouette. Instead of chunky belts that draw attention, opt for thin, sleek belts that cinch your waist without disrupting the vertical lines of your figure.
10. Skinny Jeans Create a Sleeker Silhouette
Though wide-leg and straight-leg jeans are chic, the excess fabric might shrink your height. On the other hand, skinny jeans hug your legs and create a streamlined look, making your legs appear longer. For an even taller appearance, pair your skinny jeans with pointed-toe shoes.
11. Keep Cardigans and Coats a Little Shorter
Long, open cardigans are a great way to appear taller because they create a vertical line down your body, helping to elongate your frame. Cardigans that fall just below your hips or mid-thigh are the most effective for pulling this off. This layering piece adds a touch of sophistication while giving the illusion of height.
12. Color Block Strategically
Like monochromatic dressing, color blocking can be a powerful tool when done correctly. The best way to pull off color blocking is to wear darker shades on the bottom and lighter colors on the top. This way, you draw attention upward and lengthen your legs in the process. This creates a balanced, elongated look that makes you appear taller and more proportionate.
13. Don’t Wear High Boots
Thigh-high boots are a tricky look, but they can be even more challenging to navigate when you’re shorter. They cut you off at a weird length and can look bulky and overwhelm a more petite frame. Never wear them tucked into jeans or with a short dress or skirt; your proportions will be totally off, and you’ll look shorter. A better option is a chic ankle boot with a block heel, a midi-stacked high-heeled sandal, or even a chic sandal with a hint of a platform.
14. Wear the Right Bra
Around 80 percent of us walk around wearing the wrong bra size, according to USA Today. In addition to not giving your girls the support they need, wearing the wrong bra can make your clothes hang badly and cause you to hunch over. Have a proper fitting to ensure you wear the right bra, which will help you stand taller. You can also check your fit at home using this. Pay attention to your posture, and strengthen your core so you don’t hunch or slouch.
15. The Do’s and Don’t’s of Dressing Tall
Finally, here are a few more rules for dressing tall. When it comes to dresses, avoid long maxi styles and keep lengths midi. A column dress is the perfect style to add length. If you want to rock prints, don’t do loud, busy, or bold ones; go for micro prints or avoid them altogether. Keep your clothes well-fitted; slouchy oversized styles are going to drown you. And always tuck in your shirt.