Many petite women aim to look taller for different reasons, including countering assumptions that shorter people are less capable. They often use fashion strategically to appear taller for practical and aesthetic reasons. So, how can they do this? Let’s begin with:
Tuck in the top with high-waisted pants
High-waisted pants are designed to rest at or above your natural waist, usually the slimmest section of your torso. When you tuck in your shirt, it highlights this waistline, giving you a more defined and lengthened look.
Bring the waist up with an empire waist
An empire waist, with its elevated waistline, gives the illusion of a lengthier lower body. Additionally, by emphasizing the region just below the bust, it creates the appearance of an elongated upper body.
Opting for longer necklaces can be a beneficial suggestion when aiming to create the perception of added height. Necklaces with more extended lengths, especially those that drape lower, can visually elongate your neck and upper body, unlike short necklaces such as chokers that may have the opposite effect.
By choosing necklaces with extended lengths that guide attention downward, rather than across the neck, can elevate the illusion of height. Such styles contribute to achieving a well-proportioned and elongated silhouette.
Horizontal stripes inherently guide the eye from one side to the other, producing the visual impression of increased width. This outcome can give the appearance of reduced height and might not be the most favorable option if your aim is to appear taller.
Avoid excessively loose, formless attire that drapes directly from the shoulders, as it can create the perception of diminished height and increased width.
Long blazers, particularly those extending significantly below the hips or to the mid-thigh, can visually reduce the appearance of your legs and make you seem shorter.
Cropped blazers, typically concluding at or slightly above the hip, can foster a more balanced and elongated look. Emphasizing the waistline and revealing more of the lower body, they contribute to the illusion of increased height.
Steering clear of garments that visually divide your body in half is a helpful suggestion for achieving an elongated and balanced silhouette. When clothing creates a clear horizontal line across your body, it can give the impression of reduced height and disrupt the overall sense of tallness.
Establishing a “column” of color entails dressing in a single color from head to toe or adopting a monochromatic color scheme to generate a continuous vertical line. This approach minimizes visual disruptions and fosters a seamless, uninterrupted appearance.
Roll up your pants and choose a flesh-colored shoe
Roll up the cuffs of your pants to rest just above your ankle or mid-calf; this will give the illusion of longer legs. Pairing shoes closely matching your skin tone establishes a seamless transition between your legs and footwear, creating the appearance of extended legs and contributing to a heightened perception of overall height.
Rolling up your sleeves is a straightforward yet impactful styling technique that can enhance a more balanced and elongated appearance. By drawing attention to your wrists and forearms, it introduces a visual break in your outfit, creating the impression of longer arms.
Low-rise jeans typically begin at the hips just above the thighs. Despite the abundance of stylish low-rise options, they may not be the most flattering choice for shorter legs, as they accentuate their already limited length, drawing attention to their shortness.
High-rise jeans, positioned above your belly or waist, create the illusion of longer legs. Alternatively, if you have a long torso and shorter legs, mid-rise jeans can achieve a similar effect.
Opting for boots or shoes that terminate in the middle of your calf results in visually dividing your legs, making already short legs appear even shorter.
Opting for ankle boots, which conclude just above or at the ankle, is an excellent choice. They expose more of your legs and establish a longer line from your feet to your hemline.
Knee-high boots can create the illusion of longer legs and a taller appearance by covering a substantial portion of your lower leg. This is particularly advantageous for individuals with a rectangle or inverted triangle body shape, as the boots leave only a small gap between the hem of your pants or skirt and their top.
Excessive fabric gathered at the hem of your clothing can have the visual effect of shortening your legs, creating the appearance of diminished height. This is particularly noticeable with wide, baggy, or overly long pants or skirts.
Opting for long, high-rise jeans that conclude at the ankle establishes a straight line, contributing to the illusion of taller-looking legs. Adding heels not only provides height but also lifts you off the ground, further enhancing the appearance of longer legs.
If you prefer flat shoes, consider raising the hemline to achieve a balanced look. Maintaining a clean and straight hemline contributes to the visual elongation of your legs.
If you had to cut the hemline or jeans to achieve the right length, request your tailor to reattach the original hem for a polished appearance that gives the impression of perfectly tailored pants.
Dresses with a drop waist feature a unique style in which the waistline is lowered, usually around the hips or lower, rather than at the natural waist. This design can create the visual effect of shorter legs and torso, giving the appearance of reduced height.
Opting for a high-waist dress elongates your body by creating the illusion of a higher waistline. Empire waist dresses or those where you tie a belt or ribbon above your natural waist are also favorable choices for achieving a similar effect.
Tunics, commonly loose-fitting and longer tops that extend past the hips, can give the impression of a shorter stature. Additionally, their tendency to lack a well-defined waistline can further contribute to a less elongated appearance.
Pairing a monochrome outfit with a tunic can be effective, considering the other tips we’ve discussed. Dressing in a single color from head to toe creates a vertical line that visually elongates your body.
Wearing oversized clothing has the potential to overpower your frame and give the impression of a shorter stature. It may disrupt the proportions of your body, obscuring your natural waistline and body contours.
Flared or wide-legged bottoms have the potential to visually overpower a petite frame, making the legs appear shorter than they actually are. The increased width can result in a bulky and unbalanced appearance.
Wide-leg pants disrupt the vertical line of your silhouette, a key element in creating the illusion of height. Additionally, they can visually overwhelm your frame, giving the impression of shorter legs than they actually are.
If you choose an oversize piece, show skin when comfortable
Revealing a bit of skin while wearing oversized clothes can effectively contribute to a sense of balance and create the illusion of height, particularly with loose-fitting garments. This can be achieved through a V-neck top or by opting for oversized skirts with a side slit.
Or, match an oversized piece with a tight-fitting piece
Coordinating an oversized garment with a tight-fitting counterpart is an effective strategy for crafting a balanced and elongated silhouette, lending the impression of increased height. The fusion of oversized and snug pieces allows for a flattering and well-proportioned appearance. Experiment with various combinations to discover what suits your personal style and body shape best.
Large bags can divert attention from your height and visually dominate your frame, giving the appearance of a shorter stature. The downward pull of a large bag also directs the eye away from your face and upper body, contributing to a shortening effect.
While knee-length skirts are a popular and versatile choice, they have the potential to visually truncate your legs at the knees, creating the impression of a shorter stature. If you aim to wear skirts and enhance your height, explore other length options.
Skirts that end above the knee can make your legs look longer, as they expose more of your legs and create a sense of height. You can wear skirts below the knee because it doesn’t “cut off the appendage” but it can still make you look shorter so pair it with high heeled-shoes.
Fashion expert shares 10+ things to never wear if you’re under 5’4″
Caryl Jane Espiritu
12.05.23
Many petite women aim to look taller for different reasons, including countering assumptions that shorter people are less capable. They often use fashion strategically to appear taller for practical and aesthetic reasons. So, how can they do this? Let’s begin with:
Tuck in the top with high-waisted pants
High-waisted pants are designed to rest at or above your natural waist, usually the slimmest section of your torso. When you tuck in your shirt, it highlights this waistline, giving you a more defined and lengthened look.
