Hi, There,
In all the years I’ve spent in the fashion industry, designing and styling, I have only heard from a few clients that they wanted to look visually shorter. And that was just from women because they wanted to be more approachable to men. Men on the other hand, not surprisingly, have never uttered those words to me.
However, women and men have both equally confessed that height tended to give them a greater feeling of self confidence, which is the number one thing all of my clients want more of when they are dressing for social success. Hence, it is a big topic of conversation in the dressing room.
So, if you’re one of those vertically challenged and just want to get an upper edge over the competition, we’re talking strictly height here, I’m going to share with you some tips of how to appear taller, and actually gain some height.
This week, I’ll be sharing tips just for the ladies. But don’t fret gentlemen, in two weeks it will be all about you.
Tips just for the ladies:
#1 – Wear Heels with a pointed or square toe
You can easily achieve extra height by simply tossing on a pair of heels. A pointed or square toe gives the illusion that your legs are longer. A skinny heel creates a slender vertical appearance more so than a chunky heel.
The more open the shoe, the more your skin will be revealed. The more skin an admirer’s eye notices on the leg, the longer your leg will appear, giving you a taller look.
I suggest nothing more than 3″ for a professional look. You can go higher for your social events but make sure that you can handle the height. If your natural gait becomes clumsy, or you look like you’re teetering, your confidence will teeter as well.
If you are blessed with height (Lucky you!), even my tall clients get a boost of confidence when they are wearing a small kitten heel of 1-1.5″.
Try to avoid ankle straps – they have a tendency to cut off your leg. If you must wear them make sure that you follow tip #2
Not used to wearing heels? No problem. Try a platform shoe which gives you height in the front and the back of the shoe making the “pitch” of the shoe easier on your foot.
Or try a “flatform” shoe. This is where the height is distributed equally in the front and heel of the shoe, usually in the form of a wedge. But be careful with these, as this style can also shorten your look and can make your feet look weighted and heavy, even though you are elevated.
#2 – Wear neutral color shoes.
Neutral or nude (not white!) shoes that are a color that is closest to your own natural skin tone will create a continual line from your leg. Your legs will appear longer even if you are wearing flats. Realize though, this is for appearance only. If you actually want to be taller combine this tip with tip #1.
#3 – Wear pants or skirts that hit at your natural waist or slightly below.
NO LOW RISE! Thankfully these are phasing out of style and rightfully so. They are rarely flattering on anyone! When you tuck your blouse into your bottom, your legs will have the appearance of being longer.
#4 – Matching your shoes to your outfit.
To keep the leg looking long, make sure that your shoe is the same color as your pant.
If you are wearing a short skirt, match the shoe to the color of your stocking or tights. Ideally your skirt, stocking/tights and shoes should be all the same color to keep the line of the leg continual and long.
If you are not wearing stockings/tights, wear a neutral colored shoe instead of matching the shoe to your skirt.
The best skirt length hits above the knee to 1-2″ below the knee. If you are comfortable with showing your legs and you like your knees, you can wear a shorter skirt exposing more of your leg.
If you are petite, you can wear your skirts even shorter matching your comfort level, and still look age appropriate and professional. Long skirts will shorten a petite woman.
#5 – Wear a shorter hairstyle.
We all know the good feeling of getting our haircut. It uplifts us not only emotionally, but a shorter hairstyle keeps the focal point up near our face. A shorter hairstyle also prevents your hair from overwhelming your stature, especially for petite women.
If you love your long hair, just pulling it back or putting it in an up-do with your hair extending several inches above your head will add inches to your height.
#6 – Wear Long, draping Accessories.
Wear long scarves and jewelry that drape down your front causing the admirer’s eyes to be drawn up and down taking in your entire height.
BONUS TIP: As you ladies know, I love wearing Keren Creations jewelry. Keren has so many beautiful styles that are so flattering to your Body-Type and your Personal Coloring. If you haven’t had a peek at her unique creations in awhile, contact me and I’d be happy to bring them along on our next style session.
#7 – Wear a shorter jacket length.
If it suits your Body-Type, wear a shorter jacket so that more of your leg line is seen and it keeps the admirer’s eye higher on your silhouette.
#8 – Wear a monochromatic outfit
When you wear one color or tones that are within the same range from head to toe in your outfit, it will create a solid line and you will appear taller, because you have no color breaks. It doesn’t matter what the color or tones are, as long as it suits your personal coloring. By Having your outfit divided into less segments, it creates the illusion of height.
#9 – Wear vertical stripes.
Vertical lines draw the eye up and down, which causes the eye to take in more height than width. Hence, a pinstripe suit will create a long lean line. Not into wearing suits? Pinstripe pants or pants pressed down the center of the leg running from the top of the thigh to the hem will also create a long lean line.
#10 – Wear clothing that is fitted.
Wear clothing that is tailored to your Body-Type will keep the focus on the length. Loose or oversized garments can add weight therefore actually making you seem wider and shorter than you are.
Combine several of these tips together in one outfit to create a longer leaner look, creating a taller appearance, therefore achieving more self confidence. Have fun and experiment with several tips to discover which ones work best for you!
If you are one of the rare ones who doesn’t want to appear taller or you would like to be more approachable because you feel that you tower over everyone else, here’s a few tips for you too:
- Do not wear heels. ( I know pretty obvious huh? 🙂
- Break up your height by color-blocking your outfit. No monochromatic. Visually divide your body into several segments by wearing different colors, i.e., Wear a different color jacket from your pants, shoes, shirt, etc.
- Round toed shoes will decrease your height.
- Cuff pants will also decrease your height.
- Stay away from vertical stripes – wear horizontal striped to add width.
- Wear looser fitting clothing, but be careful that you don’t go too loose or unstructured creating a sloppy look.
- Wear a crew, scoop or boat necklines to draw the eye from side to side, diverting the admirer from noticing your height.
- Wide belts at the waist in a contrasting color will divide you in half causing you to look shorter.
That’s it for this week! Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you. Do you do something special to appear taller? Or to appear shorter? Your insights and inspiration are appreciated, so please share your stories in the comments below.
Blog me.
Love,
~Michelle
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