It may be true that no woman can add once inch to her height by taking thought, but we can certainly dive into our bag of fashion tricks to create the illusion that we’re taller. Several fashion myths say petite women can’t pull off some of the very styles that fool the eye, but those myths simply are not true. Try these wardrobe tricks, and we guarantee that you’ll look as though you’ve lengthened legs, neck, torso and arms.
Wide Leg-Pants Take the Eye Upward
Pleats and vertical lines make you seem taller by attracting the eye upward. A retro-inspired look that teams wide legs with pleats and a high waist is available from Topshop in the season’s favorite mustard color. Tuck in a white t-shirt and wear with heeled mules. You’ll have a versatile look that works for day or night.
Super High Waist Trousers, $125, Topshop
Show Off Legs with a Mini
Show off your legs with a micro mini and you’ll look taller. Slip on this lined Mango wrap design with asymmetrical hem. Details like a gingham check print and decorative buttons add interest.
Gingham print skirt, $50, Mango
High-Waisted Bottoms Lengthen Legs
Add more inches to your legs with pants that come to a rest above the belly button. Conscious presents a pair of high waist pants accented with pleats, removable rope-style tie belt, and zip fly with two buttons. These ankle-length pants in twill are made from a Tencel® lyocell blend. Features include side-seam pockets, welt back pockets and tapered legs with creases.
Conscious Pants with Tie Belt, $60, H&M
Skin-Tone Heels Create Illusion
Create the illusion that your legs go on forever with shoes that match your skin tone. A number of brands carry a range of colors for women of all complexions, from Christian Louboutin to Kahmune. Stuart Weitzman offers a sleek pointy-toe pump with a slim stiletto heel. The Curvia pump is crafted in rich leather.
Curvia Pump, $385–$425, Nordstrom
V-Necks Elongate the Neck
Appearing taller is not limited to lengthening your legs. Elongate your neck with a plunging blouse—like this satin cami. Pernille Teisbaek’s capsule collection for By Malene Birger perfectly embodies her easy, less-is-more approach to style. This ‘Geovana’ camisole is cut from fluid cream satin to skim over your figure. The cami is trimmed with featherweight chiffon at the bust and tie straps at the back.
Geovana chiffon-trimmed satin camisole, $295, Net-A-Porter
Read More: Styling Tricks to Make You Instantly Look Taller
