How To Look Taller: Style Tips & Tricks For Short Women

The secrets of how to look taller have been found! Use these tips and tricks to raise your style to all new heights.

Hey, girls! For petite women, looking taller is often a game of illusion—and a fun one at that. In this blog post, I’ll share simple tips to help my fellow short girls look a couple of inches higher. 

The golden rule? It’s all about creating vertical lines and avoiding horizontal ones that chop our height visually.

Vertical stripes, monochromatic looks, and high-waisted bottoms are your best friends. They trick the eye into seeing a longer line—a straight, uninterrupted path that gives the illusion of height. And when it comes to shoes, think nude colors that blend with your skin tone; they extend the look of your legs like magic.

Stay away from busy prints and horizontal lines—they can have the opposite effect. Instead, embrace vertical stripes and solid colors. They’re the easiest way to craft that lengthening effect we love. 

A good tailor can be your secret weapon, turning baggy clothes that swallow your frame into pieces that celebrate your body shape.

Remember, whether you wear heels for that extra height or rock flats because comfort is your vibe, good posture is the top button of style. It can add an air of confidence that lifts you up in real life, not just in the photos. Ready to learn more? Let’s step into the world of style that elevates.

The Secrets of How To Look Taller:

These are the key things you need to focus on if you want to elongate your look. Give them a try and you will be amazed by the results.

Understand Proportions

Getting proportions right is the first step towards creating that taller look. It’s not about changing your body type—it’s about dressing it smartly.

For petite girls, the best way to give off that taller vibe is to play with clothing that gives an optical illusion of longer legs and a streamlined look.

High-waisted jeans and trousers are great options. They raise the waistline and make your lower body seem longer. Think of it as column dressing—creating a single, vertical line with your outfit. 

Dark colors like black pants can be your best choice here, especially if paired with a crop top or a short dress. This keeps the eye moving up and down, not side to side.

Monochromatic outfits work wonders, too. Dressing in one solid color creates a cohesive look that doesn’t break up your silhouette.

And at the end of the day, nude shoes are a petite girl’s secret weapon. They extend the length of your legs in an easy, understated way.

Avoid wide belts and horizontal stripes; they can shorten your appearance. Instead, choose v-neck tops and fitted dress shirts—they elongate your upper half.

Remember, the goal is to create a longer jacket effect for your body, without the bulkiness. Keep it simple, keep it fitted, and watch your confidence soar.

Learn Monochrome Magic

One of the oldest tricks in the book for adding extra inches of height is the monochrome magic. This means dressing in a single color from head to toe. It’s a great way to create a straight line, which gives the appearance of height.

This trick has been used for the longest time, not just by those of short stature, but also by tall icons like Karlie Kloss, proving its universal appeal.

Choosing high-waisted trousers or a high-rise skirt with the same colored top can be the best option for creating this effect. They cinch at the smallest area of your stomach, elongating your legs. If you have a long torso, high-waisted bottoms are a good thing. They help balance your proportions, making your legs appear much longer.

Summer months offer the perfect time to try out a light, solid-color maxi dress. These one-piece outfits provide a slimmer look while maintaining comfort.

In cooler weather, a long coat in a single color over high-waisted pants or a mini skirt maintains the monochrome look while keeping you warm.

Pointed-toe shoes are the best part of this ensemble. They extend the line even further, especially when matched with your pants or skirts. If you’re feeling bold, adding a pair of high heels can amplify this effect.

Remember, body positivity is key. No matter your body size, dressing in one solid color is an easy way to look and feel fabulous.

For a final touch, top off your outfit with accessories like a classy belt to accentuate your waist or a white shirt buttoned up to draw the eye vertically. This isn’t just about looking taller—it’s about feeling empowered in your own skin.

Master High-Waisted Bottoms

High-waisted bottoms are a staple for creating the illusion of longer legs. Whether you choose high-rise pants or midi skirts, this style can be your best friend. For those with short legs, this is a chance to redefine your silhouette.

When you select dark wash jeans, you’re choosing a solid color that naturally slims. These jeans are especially effective as they make your legs seem more slender and longer. Tuck in a simple tee, and you’ve got an outfit that stretches your look.

But what about those who prefer skirts? A high-waisted midi skirt can have the same elongating effect. Pair it with a fitted top to avoid the shortening effect that baggy clothing might have on your frame.

An often-overlooked accessory that can work wonders with high-waisted bottoms is the shoe. Avoid ankle straps that visually cut off the length of your legs. Instead, opt for footwear that has a low cut to lengthen your lower body.

For the upper body, try pairing your high-waisted bottoms with a top that complements without overwhelming. Say no to the oversized t-shirt that can drown your figure and say yes to something that fits well and shows off your shape.

And if the weather calls for it, a top coat can add an extra layer of sophistication. If you have long hair, wearing it up can expose more of your torso, contributing to the illusion of height. Remember, it’s about balancing proportions to give you the tallest, sleekest version of yourself.

Stretch with Stripes

Vertical stripes work like magic when it comes to creating an optical illusion of height. This pattern draws the eye up and down, providing a straight line that elongates your appearance. It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book and for good reason.

Choosing a striped piece can be the easiest way to add a couple of inches to your silhouette without heels. Think vertical lines, not horizontal, to avoid the opposite effect. Horizontal stripes often make you appear wider, which isn’t the goal when you’re aiming for height.

For petite women, a maxi dress with vertical stripes is an excellent choice. It offers a seamless, cohesive look that stretches from shoulder to toe. If dresses aren’t your thing, consider a striped pair of high-waisted trousers. They give the appearance of height and add a slimmer look to your frame.

And once again, don’t shy away from accessories. Vertical stripes on a long scarf or a sleek pinstripe blazer can also contribute to the lengthening effect. Mix and match these pieces with solid colors to maintain a streamlined look that focuses on stretching your silhouette.

Remember, it’s all about leading the eye to believe you’re taller, and vertical stripes are just the tool for the job.

Call Your Tailor

Good tailoring can be a game-changer, especially for shorter women. Clothes that fit perfectly create a polished look that can make you appear taller. Here’s why: A good tailor understands your body shape and can adjust your clothes to highlight your best features.

Take, for example, a simple pair of black pants. If they’re too long or baggy, they can swamp your lower body and make your legs look short.

But with the right alterations, those same pants can enhance the length of your legs. A tailor can ensure they fall just at the right spot on your shoe, creating a straight line that adds inches to your look.

And it’s not just about hemming pants. A tailor can adjust sleeve lengths on jackets and dress shirts to make sure they don’t extend past your wrists.

They can take in the waist on high-waisted jeans to avoid a baggy look around your smallest area. They can even alter the length of a top coat to ensure it doesn’t overwhelm your frame.

Tailoring isn’t just for formal wear, either. Casual items like a crop top or an oversized t-shirt can also be tweaked for a better fit.

Think of tailoring as sculpting your wardrobe to suit your size perfectly—it’s the best way to ensure every outfit has the appearance of height.

Investing in a few key-tailored pieces can be the best option for creating a wardrobe that works harder for you. By accentuating a slimmer look and creating clean lines, good tailoring is your secret weapon in the quest for added height.

Use Heels Correctly

Heels are a quick fix for extra inches of height. But not all heels are created equal for petite frames. The best choice? Nude shoes that match your skin tone. They create an unbroken line, making your legs seem longer.

Pointed-toe shoes work wonders too. They lead the eye down a straight line, extending the look of your legs. And here’s a pro tip: avoid ankle straps if you’re going for length. Straps can visually cut off your legs, having the opposite effect.

High heels don’t mean you must sacrifice comfort. There are plenty of options with a smaller heel that offer a boost while being easy to walk in. Remember, the goal is to create an optical illusion, not to tower over everyone.

During summer months, a mini skirt paired with a modest heel can do the trick. In colder weather, a high-waisted bottom with a heel adds length without exposing skin.

And for those who aren’t fans of heels, don’t worry. Opt for shoes with low platforms or wedges. They still give you that extra height but are easier on your feet. Whichever you choose, heels can be a great way to elevate your style.

Make It Fit

Finding clothes that fit well is the golden rule for petite women. Clothes that hug your body size make a huge difference. Baggy clothing does the opposite; it swallows your frame, making you look shorter.

For tops, a good fit means dress shirts should not billow. The seams of the shoulders should sit just at your shoulder’s edge.

V-neck tops are a good thing; they lengthen your upper body. A top that stops at your hip bone rather than falling over it helps too.

When it comes to pants, high-waisted jeans or trousers are your friends. They create the illusion of longer legs. Make sure they fit snugly around the smallest area of your stomach. This trick gives a streamlined look. Avoid low-rise pants that shorten your legs and your overall appearance.

Midi skirts should fall just below the knee or at mid-calf to show off the slimmer part of your leg. This creates a straight line from hip to hem. Dark wash jeans in a solid color can give a similar lengthening effect.

Don’t forget to check the length of your sleeves and pants. A petite tailor can be a great help. Shortening a hem or a sleeve can make all the difference.

Remember, clothes made for taller girlies won’t fit the same way on a petite frame. The first step to looking taller is wearing the right size. That’s the easiest way to improve your overall appearance.

Accessorize to Look Taller

Accessories can work magic. They draw the eye up and down, creating an illusion of height. Here’s how to do it.

Long necklaces help. They add a vertical line to your outfit, which makes you look taller. Avoid chokers or short chunky necklaces. They can make your neck look shorter.

Choose slim belts over wide belts. Slim belts define your waist without cutting your body in half. A wide belt can have the opposite effect, especially on a short torso.

Pointed-toe shoes are a smart pick. They extend the look of your legs. Shoes with ankle straps should be avoided; they can make your legs look cut off. Nude shoes are good. They blend with your skin tone and make your legs look longer.

When picking bags, think proportion. A huge bag on a petite frame is overwhelming. Choose a small or medium-sized bag instead.

Hats can add a couple of inches of height. Go for a hat with a bit of a brim. This adds a vertical point to your overall look.

For earrings, think long and linear. Drop earrings can have a lengthening effect on your face and neck. In real life, these simple tips can add visual inches to your height. And the best part? They’re an easy way to spice up your look, too.

Use Hairstyles and Hats

Your hair and headwear can also impact how tall you appear. The right choices here can lift your whole appearance.

High updos are a great option. They add inches to your height visually. Think of a sleek bun or a high ponytail. These styles pull the eye upward.

For those with long hair, volume at the crown can create a taller silhouette. But remember, too much volume on the sides can make your head look wider, not taller.

Short hairstyles can also work in your favor. Pixie cuts or short bobs clear the shoulders, elongating your neck. This gives the appearance of a longer upper body.

When it comes to hats, go vertical. Choose ones with height-promoting features, like a fedora with a tall crown. But remember, proportion is key. The hat should fit your head size and not overpower your frame.

A good thing to note is the color of your hair and hat. Keeping them in a similar shade to your outfit creates a streamlined look, which can make you look taller.

Simple changes in hairstyles and the strategic wearing of hats can really make a difference for petite girls. It’s all about creating a long, uninterrupted vertical line.

Create Illusions With Shoes

Shoes can be a quick fix for adding height or creating the illusion of longer legs. Here’s how to pick the right pair.

Heels are the obvious choice for extra inches. But the style of heel matters. As said before, nude heels are best. They blend with your skin tone, which elongates your legs. Avoid ankle straps; they can cut off the length visually.

Pointed-toe shoes work wonders, too. They extend the line of your leg beyond the actual end of your foot. This trick adds a subtle boost to your height.

Flats don’t have to be flat-out no’s for petite women. Look for those with a low-cut vamp; they show more of your foot, which helps in lengthening your look.

For a seamless look, match your shoe color to your pants or tights. This creates an unbroken line that makes you appear taller.

Keep in mind, it’s not just about the extra height. It’s about continuing that straight line from your legs to your toes. Choose shoes that maintain the illusion of height and enjoy the boost they bring to your overall look.

Fashion For Thought

Dressing to look taller is an art that involves smart styling and understanding your unique body shape. By embracing vertical lines, opting for monochromatic outfits, and choosing high-waisted bottoms, you can create the illusion of height.

Tailoring your clothes to fit perfectly, understanding the power of heels, and selecting the right accessories can add inches to your stature. Don’t forget the influence of hairstyles and the strategic use of shoes to elongate your look.

Each piece of your outfit, from head to toe, can contribute to a taller appearance if chosen wisely. Remember that it’s not about hiding your natural height but enhancing your overall silhouette to feel confident and stylish.

As we’ve explored, there are many simple yet effective ways to achieve this. Whether it’s through the use of high-rise pants to lengthen your legs, pointed-toe shoes to continue the line of your look, or even the right hairstyle to add volume and height, these tips are easy to incorporate into your daily wardrobe.

At the end of the day, fashion is about feeling good in your own skin and expressing yourself. With these style tips, petite women can not only look taller but also embrace their unique size with confidence and grace. Keep experimenting with different styles and find what works best for you.

Show me how you’re getting your tall looks on socials @SavinaOfficial. Let’s take our style up a level or two.

This post was all about how to look taller.

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