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.
You may also enjoy Fashion Pitfalls For Petite Women Over 50 and Ways To Avoid Them
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?
I’m 5’8″ and I still dress to look taller or really, thinner. I love long cardigans and have many that I use as a lightweight coat. Column dressing has become my style along with long over lean. I like the look, but my small hips are my best asset and I’ve realized I need to wear closer fit jackets as well. I now always buy a matching top or tee with new slacks if one is available, since a column color is flattering no matter the length of jacket or sweater. I think this is why I’m addicted to Chicos for my basics. Thanks for this post, I’m going to the closet to get a scarf right now…
Column dressing is one of my favorites too.
Great blog today. Please answer Susan B’s question as it is one that I ask too. What outer wear can one wear with a long duster cardigan?
I wear my trench. When it’s not raining I wear a wrap.
Loved the blog. You answered questions I have clothes shopping. I am the 5’3 person. So this blog really was interesting to me. Thank you
I love the long cardigans and have many. My problem is what kind of outer wear to wear over them when it’s cold and rainy. A long black raincoat seems so formal, but that’s about all I can find that’s longer than the cardigans.
I would wear a long trench coat for the rain. Mine happens to be black but they do come in other colors. Tan or beige is classic as is navy.
Hi Jennifer,
I just bought my first long cardigan from Talbots and I love it! I am going to look for more. I don’t do a lot of monochromatic dressing since I find it a bit boring, but now that I know it’s slimming I’m all in. Need some more long necklaces though, any suggestions>
I look for vintage necklaces such as Money or other brands. They seemed to offer a lot of longer inexpensive jewelry.
I’m short? 5’4″ I didn’t know that. Maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe everyone around me is kinda short also. That helps. I still think I’m tall.
Lol!
5’4″ is actually slightly above average, so you are not short. I think 5’0-5’3″ is considered short for a woman. But consider that the heavier woman at 5’4″ will look shorter, and a slim woman at 5’4″ will appear taller because of the slender appearance.
I’m 5’8” so looking taller does not apply. Now, looking thinner – yes! I do dress in a column of color most often.
I don’t think big boxy clothes look good on anyone. They make one appear bigger than they are, your advice on slim fitting clothes everyone should follow regardless of size. I love these posts that give styling advice.
You’re so lucky to nice and tall Joanna. I’m glad you like these type of posts. I’ll try to do more for you.
Ditto for me, please, Jennifer. I’m 5’9″, so I’d love posts about dressing for taller women, particularly for slim fitting clothes. I look terrible in boxy things, like a giant walking rectangle. (I love every inch of my height, but it’s such a problem to fit. I’m too tall for most regulars, and too short for most talls.) Thanks!
And posture. Don’t forget posture! A full length mirror is a real eye-opener.!
Great point! Our posture is critical.
I love these ideas, especially about the shoes. I can no longer wear heels, so this gave me some new ideas.
Thank you Jennifer! I found your advice to be informative.
Being 5’1″, this post has given me a lot to think about when shopping and dressing. I love every tip you shared and you certainly portrayed each one with success! I have two questions that your post raised in my mind.
1. I noticed you wore elongated earrings with each outfit. Are long, dangly earrings another trick I should be using?
2. I love the stripped full-leg pants in the cover picture. Can you share where you found them?
I have a very square jaw so prefer earrings that stop below jaw level. It doesn’t make me look taller but it visually narrows my jaw. The striped pants are by Nic+Zoe from Nordstrom several years ago. I love them!
I do most of these things, but it is nice to see this list. I appreciate seeing the lighter column of color, thank you. I hope to see more of it in the Spring and Summer. You look wonderful in all of the photos.
I really like the shoes with number see 6 and 7, could you please share what brands they are.
There are only 5 images of me in this post. What am I wearing in the pictures of the shoes you’re interested in?
I , too, am 5’4″. Do you wear petite clothing? Sleeve length is better for me , but sometimes, I struggle. I have a long torso though. Sometimes xs . I have a small frame so I really struggle with sizing. I am 65. I do not feel comfortable in petite bottoms. Needless to say I am so frustrated trying to find clothes. I joined Stitchfix to try to help, but I have to use my own judgement when I receive the items. Any help would be so Very Appreciated!!!
I have a long torso and long arms. My legs are short but most petite pants are too short on me after I wash them! Crazy.
It’s a pain but I determine each and every garment on fit. I can not generalize and buy petite or not. I can always shorten things but I can’t lengthen them.
I’m happy to help you. Shoot me an email.
Excellent reminders Jennifer! You look fantastic in these photos.Have a great week.
Thank you Deanne.
Great advice! Thanks
I have always loved monochromatic looks. Also, jumpsuits, and one piece dresses. My friend and I were just commenting on how we were tired of being “ cut in half” with two piece dressing, and we are both 5’5”!
Well done! You “nailed” it. I wish wish I had known these tips long ago, but at least I do them now. You look fabulous in every picture. I especially enjoy the lighter column of color. It proves that you don’t need o hide under darker colors to look slim.
I’m so glad you liked it. Any color works for column dressing 😉
As a 5’0″ woman I really appreciate these tips. THANK YOU!
So glad you liked them Sandy
Really loved this post! It is advice you have given all along but nice to see it all in one post and illustrated so well. Thanks Jennifer!
I’m 100% in on the monochromatic look. The Vivienne Files did a series showing a typical Breton striped shirt, one white background with black stripes and the other black background with white stripes, and then pairing each with white pants and black pants. These were catalog photos of just the clothes, no models, mind you, so there were no humans involved. It made the exercise even more clear–predominately white top with white pants and predominately black top with black pants looked markedly longer and thinner.
On the duster length topper, I haven’t had much success–they tend to be too long on me. However, I do avoid mid-length jackets and prefer something cropped.
Your tips sound great! I’m 5’0.
Good tips, and you look really put together in these outfits, Jennifer!
Thanks Beth