Looking taller isn’t just about wearing longer or shorter items; it’s about altering the visual proportions of your upper and lower body. The key is to visually raise the waistline, making the lower body appear to take up a larger proportion of the overall silhouette. The following five tips revolve around this concept.
1. Raise the Waistline
High-waisted trousers, high-waisted skirts, or tucking in your top (even if it’s just the front) can visually elevate the waistline from its actual position. The closer the upper and lower body proportions are to the golden ratio, the taller one appears.
2. Same Colour Scheme for Top and Bottom
Wearing the same colour scheme for both the top and bottom creates a continuous visual line without a prominent horizontal break at the waist. All black, all beige, or deep blue paired with deep blue follow the same principle.
3. Show Ankles and V-Necks
Cropped trousers that reveal the ankles and a V-neck top — both leave negative space at the slimmest parts of the body, creating a vertical elongation. In contrast, high necklines paired with long trousers that cover the feet can make one appear as a closed-off box.
4. Shoes Matching Trousers
Choosing shoes that are similar in colour to your trousers or close to your skin tone prevents the leg line from being visually interrupted at the ankles. Dark trousers with dark shoes or light skirts with nude shoes create the illusion of longer legs compared to contrasting shoes.
5. Accessories at a Higher Position
Accessories like necklaces, scarves, and hats draw the eye upwards, which is more beneficial than waist bags or large handbags. Opt for shorter straps on bags rather than longer ones, as long straps can create a horizontal line below the waist.
A Few 'Rules' Not to Follow
Statements like “petite women can’t wear long skirts” or “shouldn’t wear loose clothing” are overly absolute. Long skirts can be flattering as long as the waistline is high and the shoes don’t clash with the skirt. Loose items can work if one side of the outfit is fitted (either top wide and bottom fitted or vice versa), maintaining proportion. What should truly be avoided is wearing both the top and bottom loose while having an unclear waistline — that’s what can make one appear shorter and wider.