Being short doesn't mean missing out on being fashionable. A pair of stilettos isn't going to make up for confidence in your own sense of style. In principle these guidelines will work for anyone who is short in height, or for those who want to appear longer or leaner in their appearance. These guidelines also work well for those whose upper body is almost the same length as their lower body. In that case the aim is to make the lower body appear longer.
1. How to appear longer when you are short
Most short women will want to appear taller and leaner. This is relatively easy to achieve if you stick to the following guidelines:
a. Stick to monochrome outfits or outfits with few colour variations. You would look perfect in simple shift dresses, with little color accents here and there.
b. Dresses will look great on many short women, as they automatically created the much desired 2/3 – 1/3 look. If you opt for a tight, slim silhouette then this will make you look even taller
c. Getting clothes with the right fit and size is even more important for short women. Ill fitting clothes will add extra bulk.
d. An obvious way to gain height is to wear heel. However, don’t go overboard with these. Getting heels that are too high (say above 5 cm (..) will make you look out of proportion
e. Go easy on the oversized accessories as these may overwhelm you.
f. Often with petites, your legs will be relatively short. To make those appear longer you can wear the same colour belt as your pants or skirt.
g. Vertical patterns will always elongate and would be especially good for your pants or skirt. Horizontal stripes are best avoided.
h. Although a short dress can be very effective for short people when they are young, I would advise against them over 40. Instead opt for styles than fall just below or on top of the knee. A high waisted skirt or pants would make your legs appear longer.
i. Wear shoes that keep your heels free. Avoid straps around the ankle and instead opt for shoes that elongate.
j. Create nice vertical lines with open straight jacket and cardigans. A great look is to have a cardigan or jacket the same length as your dress.
k. Buttoned shirt dresses that stop just above or on top of the knee will create a nice vertical line as well.
l. Wear v-line tops to further elongate your look.
m. Avoid short trousers and pants that stop at the ankle. Best to wear pants with straight pipes or wide legged ones with heels, preferably high waisted.
n. Make sure that your tops stop at the hipline or above. Longer tops will make your legs appear even shorter.
o. Choose boots that stop just below the knee and avoid boots that end on the mid part of your shins.
2. Creating a flattering silhouette
a. Avoid wearing very contrasting tops. This will draw more attention to the fact that your upper body is almost the same length as your lower body.
b. A well fitted dress will give you a great silhouette.
c. High waisted pants with a short top will do the same.
3. Avoid boxyness
a. Don’t get (too many) accessories that are oversized and bold.
b. Fitted clothes are usually better for you and avoid oversized clothes (even i they are on trend).
c. The same goes for tops. Be care with very wide tops and make sure not to have both wide on top and below.
d. Go easy on the layering!
e. Best not to tuck in your pants into your boots.
f. Belts are best kept narrow, unless you belt it very high up your waist.
