09/02/2022
Clothing tips to look taller
If you’re anything like us, you have a love-hate relationship with your height (or lack thereof). Some days, your petite frame makes you extra-squeezable, which works wonders in the S.O. department. But other days, you just want to pull a Karlie Kloss in a mini and some pumps—and, if you’re not 6’2″, the look can seem difficult to achieve.
If you totally relate to that feeling, join the club—lately, we’ve been longing for length. But since there’s no way to actually gain (vertical) inches overnight, we’ve resorted to creativity—in the form of fashion, as usual.
Here are some dos of dressing to look taller.
Try Column Dressing
Look for straight, tailored pieces that create a ‘column’ feel. It will create straight lines up and down your body, making you look taller. Have you ever noticed how parallel lines tend to make an object (or, in this case, your bod) look slimmer and longer?
This is probably my fave of her tips. Column dressing is just so dang flattering—on everybody. Plus, it’s super versatile. You’ve probably got a bunch of things in your closet right now that qualify and you didn’t even know it!
Wear Vertical Stripes
Vertical stripes pretty much do the same thing as column dressing—they give the illusion that you’re super tall, even if you’re not. Stripes in general aren’t my fave, but if I’m going to wear them at all, you’d best believe they’ll be vertical.
Opt for High-Waisted Jeans
High-waisted jeans are shamazing for multiple reasons—including their ability to make anyone look taller. They hit you at your waist, which is typically the smallest area of your stomach.
And there’s nothing better than a flattering pair of jeans, except maybe the fact that you probably already have, like, 12 pairs, so this tip is a total freebie!
Go Monochromatic
A monochromatic outfit creates a cohesive look, which keeps the eye running up and down (It’s basically the column logic all over again), The result: legs for days!
Monochromatic outfits are so in right now and they’re virtually impossible to screw up.
Choose the Most Micro of Prints
Especially if you’re petite, teeny-tiny prints can make a surprisingly big statement. Whereas big prints tend to minimize, micro prints maximize (ahem, elongate).
On occasion, these micro prints can hit you in the wrong places, causing parts of your body to look wider than you’d like. If that’s the case for you, switch this tip out for another one on the list.
Opt for Super-Tall Boots (Or Super-Short Ones)
It’s crucial to pay attention to where your boots hit your leg. Anything that hits mid-calf cuts your leg off. So it’s better to opt for shoes that land at your ankles. Over-the-knee boots are also a win—they never fail to make you look tall AF.
Try Pointed-Toe Shoes
Pointed shoes elongate your legs. And now that we think about it, that makes total sense. Pointed toes literally add an inch or two to your foot; in heel form, this translates to, like, four inches of extra height—two on the heel, two on the toe. (Or more, if you’re feeling ambitious.)
This tip is super-practical, because it doesn’t only apply to heels. Pointed-toe flats are a huge trend right now especially in the form of slides.
Tuck in Your Shirt
Avoiding baggy, boxy, oversized clothing is crucial if you’re aiming for the appearance of height. You know how big prints tend to minimize? Big silhouettes do, too. So when it comes to cut, we’re going for tailored here, people.
If you’re in the anti-tuck camp, we totally feel you—it can definitely feel uncomfy at times. If you’re not interested in the prim-and-proper look, opt out of this one or settle on a French tuck. We’ll forgive you!
Don a V-Neck
V-shaped necklines give the illusion of a longer torso. Longer = taller and taller = goals. Can’t argue with that math! Plus, V-necks are a super-easy way to incorporate the illusion of height into your wardrobe. You probably already own more than you can count.
Choose Neutral Footwear
Think about it: If your shoes are a similar color to your skin, they sort of blend. In turn, this makes your legs appear that much longer—especially if you’re wearing heels.