Fashion expert shares 8 things to never wear if you’re under 5’3″

Petite women often choose clothing styles that create the illusion of height to enhance their proportions and elongate their silhouettes. By strategically selecting clothing that emphasizes vertical lines and fits well, petite individuals can exude confidence and create the impression of a taller stature.

You don’t need to look far. You already probably own a couple of the pieces discussed here or maybe something similar to it. Wear those pieces and combine it with the clothes you already own to create an elongated look.

For example, here is the first tip.

Do: Think about color

YouTube Dearly Bethany

Color plays a crucial role in creating the illusion of height. Monochromatic outfits can visually elongate the body, while choosing darker colors, such as navy or black, can have a slimming effect, Additionally, incorporating nude or neutral tones in shoes can create continuity with the leg line, further enhancing the perception of height.

Here are more tips to consider when you’re a petite woman who want to create the illusion of height. Continue reading!

Don’t: Wear long shirts

Avoiding excessively long shirts is a key strategy for individuals looking to appear taller. Long shirts can visually overwhelm a petite frame, causing the legs to appear shorter.

Dearly Bethany- YouTube
Source:

Dearly Bethany- YouTube

Do: Tuck in shirts

By tucking in a shirt, you define the waistline and expose the lower body, allowing the legs to appear longer and more proportionate.

Do: Size down on jeans

Going down just one size can help achieve a snug fit without compromising comfort, creating a stylish and well-defined silhouette. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance and ensure that the jeans remain comfortable and allow for ease of movement.

Do: Go darker with jeans

Opting for darker jeans can be a strategic choice for creating the illusion of height. Darker shades, such as deep indigo or black, have a slimming effect, helping to streamline your silhouette and making you appear taller.

Do: Wear monochrome colors

Pairing darker jeans with a monochromatic outfit or tops in similar tones can further enhance the vertical continuity, contributing to an overall elongated appearance.

Do: Tuck in the top to accentuate a smaller waist

By cinching the waistline with a tuck, you highlight the natural curves of your body, drawing attention to the narrowest part of your torso.

Do: Match shoes to a monochrome outfit

Matching the color of your shoes to your outfit helps elongate your legs and creates a visually unified appearance. Additionally, incorporating different shades or textures within the same color family can add depth and interest to the overall monochrome look while maintaining a polished and put-together aesthetic.

Do: Wear flesh-colored shoes to further elongate

Nude shoes create an illusion of continuity between your footwear and skin tone, visually extending the leg line. This effect can make you appear taller and create a streamlined, seamless look.

Do: Wear pointed-toe flat shoes

The pointed toe creates a visual extension of the foot, adding length to your overall silhouette. This elongating effect is particularly beneficial for those seeking to appear taller without the use of heels.

Do: Wear ankle boots

Ankle boots can visually elongate your legs, especially when paired with skirts, dresses, or cropped pants. Opt for a pair with a slightly pointed toe to further enhance the leg-lengthening effect.

Each detail makes a big difference

It might seem like a small detail to other people but those small details make a big difference. Just check out the before and after photos. Same girl, same actual height, different clothes, different perspective.

Do: Choose a long jacket

The extended vertical lines of a long jacket draw the eye downward, creating a streamlined silhouette. Opt for well-fitted styles that define your waist to maintain a balanced and flattering look.

Don’t: Cut yourself in half with a short contrasting jacket

Avoiding the cutting effect of a short contrasting jacket is essential for those looking to maintain a longer and more balanced silhouette. A jacket that ends at the waist or higher can visually divide your body into two sections, making you appear shorter.

Do: Wear a long scarf

A long scarf draws the eye up and down, elongating the overall silhouette. Opt for scarves with vertical patterns or solids that create a continuous line, emphasizing the length of your body.

How to improve this outfit

Based on the already-mentioned tips, can you suggest ways on how to improve this outfit? Can you make the waist look smaller? Can you lengthen the legs? What can you do?

Start with tucking in the shirt

Tuck in the shirt, if you haven’t done so already. The good news about these pants are the wide pockets situated lower on the hips. They automatically make your waist higher and smaller.

Wear dark socks to elongate look

Because there is skin exposure between the end of the pants and the top of the shoes, it cuts off the vertical line and makes your legs shorter. Wear dark-colored socks, the same color as your pants and shoes, if possible, to keep the vertical line going.

Or pick a longer pant

Choosing pants that reach the floor or have a slight break at the bottom can visually elongate your legs.

See the difference!

Simply changing the pants to a longer one creates that slimming and elongating effect on petite women.

Choose a high-waisted stretch pant

The high waistline visually raises the perceived starting point of your legs, creating the illusion of longer legs and a lengthened silhouette. The stretch fabric adds comfort and allows for a more tailored fit, accentuating your natural curves. The combination of a high waist and stretch material not only enhances the appearance of height but also provides a sleek and modern look.

Avoid horizontal stripes unless they are thin

Thick horizontal stripes can create the illusion of width, which may not be favorable for individuals wanting to appear taller. In contrast, thin horizontal stripes can have a more subtle effect and may not disrupt the vertical flow of your outfit.

Do: Choose a color block top

Selecting a color block top can be a stylish and strategic choice for enhancing your overall proportions and creating the illusion of height. These lines naturally draw the eye upward, contributing to a lengthened appearance.

Do: Wear an all-black monochrome

Black is universally known for its slimming effect and ability to create a seamless, continuous line. Wearing black from head to toe can visually streamline your silhouette, making you appear taller and more slender.

Don’t: Wear an oversized jacket

Oversized clothing can overwhelm a smaller frame, making you look shorter than you are. A properly fitted jacket that follows the lines of your body, particularly at the waist, can enhance your natural proportions and contribute to a more elongated silhouette.

Do: Wear high-waisted leggings

Wearing high-waisted leggings is a smart choice for those looking to create the illusion of longer legs and a taller silhouette. The high waistline of these leggings extends the perceived length of your legs, making them appear longer.

Do: Tuck “up” a hoodie

Tucking in a hoodie can be a trendy and versatile styling choice, adding a touch of uniqueness to your casual look. This simple adjustment can help define your waistline while maintaining a relaxed and laid-back vibe.

Do: Monochrome with athleisure also elongates

Embracing a monochrome theme in athleisure wear can be a stylish and effective way to elongate your silhouette. Whether it’s an all-black or a single-color ensemble, the continuous color creates a streamlined look, contributing to the illusion of height.

Do: Wear “no show” socks with sneakers

These low-profile socks remain hidden within the sneakers, giving the illusion that you’re not wearing socks at all. This not only contributes to a sleek appearance but also elongates the line of your leg, making you appear taller.

Do: Choose a cropped jacket

Opt for a cropped jacket to enhance your height and create a sleek silhouette. The abbreviated length draws attention to your waist, visually elongating your legs and contributing to an overall taller and well-proportioned look.

Watch Bethany explain each look in the video below!

Keep these tips handy whenever you’re looking for an outfit to wear or to update your closet. These are simple tricks that will become effortless and second nature with practice.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Article Sources:

YouTube – Dearly Bethany

To learn more read our Editorial Standards.