Styling Tips To Help You Look Taller
Not every short woman wants to look taller, but if you do, today’s post has a few style tricks to try. These tips will also help any woman have a taller appearance by using proportion and shape to create the optical illusion of more height.
I’m updating this post with new ideas and have left your previous comments.
Nude Shoes
A nude shoe that matches your skin tone lengthens the look of your legs which helps you to appear taller. A dark shoe with dark pants or dark tights will have the same effect. Matching your shoes with your pants creates the illusion of longer legs.
Wear Heels
Any heel, even a slight elevation, will elongate your look and help you look taller. For a double whammy, wear nude heels. Most women over 50 aren’t wearing heels on a daily basis so look for wedges and platforms for the same boost.
High-Waisted Bottoms
High waisted trousers, skirts, and pants create a vertical line that has a lengthening effect on your lower body. If the pant leg is full or boot-cut, hem them to cover your shoe but not drag on the ground. Tuck or half-tuck the front of your shirt for the longest look possible. Avoid cropped or capri pants, which chop your legs visually and make them look shorter. Cuffs are never your friend in pants, so avoid them at all costs.
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Monochromatic Outfit
Wearing a column of color, head to toe, will make you look taller. The unbroken visual line allows the eye to travel from top to bottom without a break. Low contrast, tonal, and monochromatic outfits with similar shades have the same effect. Don’t break this line with a contrasting belt because the eye slams to a halt midway and draws attention from side to side. You should also avoid wide belts for the same reason.
Handbag
Petite women are overwhelmed by large totes and handbags. Scale your purse to your size and height. Also, avoid having your bag hit the widest part of your body, which creates a horizontal line that makes you look wider. If carrying a tote, choose a flatter option that doesn’t hang away from the body.
V-Necklines
V-necklines draw the eye down, which makes your torso look longer. They come in all depths, and the lower they are, the longer your neck and torso appear. Crew and boat necks are flattering for narrow shoulders, but they do create a horizontal line that moves the eye sideways, which impacts the vertical line you’re trying to create.
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Accessories
Long necklaces, earrings, and scarves draw the eye up and down. Necklaces that fit inside the neckline of your top can shorten your look, so play with proportions and check in the mirror.
Vertical Lines
Vertical stripes, princess seams, and pleats draw the eye up and down which creates the illusion of height. Avoid horizontal lines, which make you look wider. I love horizontal stripes as much as the next woman, but I reserve them for my torso, which is on the longer side.
Sleeves
Slim sleeves have the most streamlined look. A 3/4 sleeve will also help you look taller, so the simple act of pushing up your sleeves to expose your wrists and show a bit of skin will helps you appear taller.
Find a Tailor
Few items come off the rack fitting us perfectly, so find a good tailor in your area. Clothes that are altered to fit you perfectly make a big improvement in any outfit.
Posture
Wear a good-fitting bra and stand tall with your shoulders back. This will naturally add height to your appearance.
What styling tips do you use to look taller?
Love all these tips today … thanks Jennifer!
Thanks for the great tried and true tips on looking taller! Here’s another for some people: I have muscular calves and thick ankles and always avoid anklestraps on shoes and sandals, and look for V or U-shaped angles. It gives a longer leg line and does make one look taller.
This is a great post. Thank you.
Excellent guidelines Jennifer and A HAPPY 4th OF JULY to you and your family. My Mother was about 5′ in height and my sisters were not all that much taller and as a result hope you don’t mind me adding the following few tips. a) Avoid collars that on a larger scale (puritan, sailor, shawl, flounce). b) Choose an empire waistline when possible for dresses (often seamed just below the bustline) or if wishing to wear a belt, position it above the natural waistline. c) Avoid colour-blocked garments. -Brenda-
I totally agree with the nude/beige shoe elongating your look. Also, very versatile. I know white shoes are having a moment, but I personally feel a nude shoe/sandal is a better investment. And a classic look that will last.
I agree totally. I’m seeing less nude shoes in the store these days but they are preferable.
Jennifer, kudos for this very informative blog. Wonderful reminders and new tips. At 5’4”, I follow the thirds proportion rule and it has worked well for me so I avoid having garments cut me in half. While I like dusters especially in the colder season, they are more visually attractive on me above the knee (2/3). Anything longer appears to drag me down. Midi skirts are the same way, even in heels. On a another note, a general thanks for all the tips small and large that you’ve provided through these blogs. I’ve enjoyed your book, clothes and shoes recommendations and my AirPods no longer fall out of my ears! Thank you for making a difference.
I’m so happy to hear that, Carol. Those AirPod accessories are the best!
I have to say, the pic of the rose pink / white pant, and light blue sweater/ light blue pant, with delicate white sandals, are perfect on you. Also the size and shape of the wicket bag is perfect ( small, rounded). Is your “ kibbe” , classic? These elements are great, classic, slim, tailored, simple, delicate. I know you show us what’s in the stores.. but this is “you”!
Thanks Eileen. I think the Kibbe system would classify me as some type of classic. My broad shoulders might add a bit of dramatic tossed in too. Happy 4th!
I know that my post will buck the trend, and it is not in anyway meant to diminish the common problem a lot of women face, but, while not tall (5’6″) I am a thin inverted triangle and have very long arms and legs, but a short torso with larger (for my weight) bust. So, is the solution to my situation the exact opposite of most of today’s very helpful suggestions? Round shoes, avoid color columns, round necks? I rarely find this body type discussed.
Inverted triangle figures tend to wear clothes well because their shoulder act as a hanger (I and one). To add balance for your short torso, try tops that hip or wrist length to elongate the look of your torso. If you don’t like to appear taller, skip the column of color. Crew necks will not be your best because they’ll make your chest appear larger. Stick to a v or scoop that’s not to deep
I really appreciate all the tips. At 5’1 it is extremely helpful to learn these things.
Jennifer – Thank you for the awesome tips. I really enjoyed your writing today and your great wisdom on what works for those of us in this height range.
Happy 4th of July to all of your US following!!
Thank you Janet!
Good Tips !!!
Thank you Jennifer! Such great information! One comment though, I am 5’4” but I am disproportionate because I’m quite short waisted but can wear regular length pants. I find if I tuck in pants as suggested with high waist pants I look even more out of proportion. Would you still suggest to do the shirt tuck in in my case?
If your torso is very short, I’d skip tucking it in and try a high hip length top. A column of color or very similar colors are your best bet.
Loved this article. I’m 5’4 and find myself getting creative with my clothes; especially shoes!
I’m 5 foot 6 inches, and I also love these tips because they help distract from my menopot which has become enlarged during the Covid lock downs. Curtailing my activities has been so depressingly.
I really don’t like the “fringed look”. Maybe I am too old at 67 years.
Excellent article. I enjoyed it.
Posture plays a big role in looking good. I find myself favoring one side when my back starts to bother me. The larger handbags I love to carry also cause shoulder and neck problems later in the day if it’s a long day out.
Your advice is spot on to downsize purses. As we age we have more choices to accommodate body changes. Same with shoes.
You look great in the soft neutral outfit with the striped pants. A bit dressier.
Thank Cathy
I need all the help I can get because I am 5 foot. I love reading about how I can improve my look.
I’m glad these are helpful
What a nice article, so clear and informative. I’m so happy to have finally found someone who is near my age (and height) and who shows achievable styles. Thank you so much.
this is great!
how about scarves…I’m large busted, so won’t they make me look oversized!
Smaller scarves that don’t lay on the bustline would be good for you