9 Dos and Don’ts to Make You Look Taller
Think you might be shrinking? You are. As we age everything decreases from our hair to our hearing, our memory muscles and even our height. In fact after 40 we lose a half an inch every decade, and even more after 70.
If you’ve always been on the petite side, that can really add up. So how can you dress to get back that extra half inch or more?
Here are 9 Fashion Do’s and Dont’s to Make you Look Taller:
1. DO Try Tone on Tone
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Dress in one color family from head to toe and you’ll instantly appear taller. For example, an ivory top with ivory pants and ivory shoes will keep you looking long and lean. Worried all one color might look too bland? Be sure to mix up same color pieces in different textures to keep things interesting.
2. DO Create a Vertical Line
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A great way to create the illusion of height is to create a simple continuous vertical line with your clothing. A long row of buttons, vertical stripes, zippers, a long scarf, ribbed patterns, pleats, an unbuttoned jacket with a solid color underneath – all allow the eye to flow from top to bottom.
3. DO Wear Heels
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This is an obvious one that many women avoid because they are concerned about comfort, but just remember that you don’t have to wear stilettos to get some height. Platform pumps are in vogue at the moment. Nike makes a fabulous air sole that is very wearable. Taryn Rose is another recent brand that is all about pairing style with comfort.
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4. DO Put your Hair Up
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Sweeping your hair up and off your shoulders elongates your neck and makes you look taller and thinner. We’re seeing a resurgence of updos lately thanks to Sara Palin’s famous updo, so the timing is right for this look. Keep your updo slim at the sides and high on top. A wide hairstyle takes away from your height.
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5. DON’T wear Cuffs
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Cuffs on pants break the line of the pant and make you look shorter. Long flowing pants that touch the top of your foot elongate your legs and make you look more statuesque.
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6. DON’T wear Capris and Calf Length Skirts
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Why cut yourself off at mid-calf when you want your legs to look long and lean? Stay away from these.
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7. DO choose Tailored Clothing
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A simple clean lined shift dress is going to make you look taller than a loose, billowy blouse and tiered peasant skirt. Always keep the word streamlined in mind when choosing clothes like this tailored trench that will make you look a few inches above the crowd.
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8. DO avoid Thick Wide Belts
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Wide belts are in style, but you really have to be careful not to choose one that overpowers you. If you are short waisted then go for a slightly narrower belt. If you still think you look cut off at the waist, then choose a belt in the same color as your outfit so there is very little contrast. If that doesn’t work for you, just ignore this trend. It doesn’t work for everybody.
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9. DON’T wear heavy bulky fabrics and chunky knits
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Thick, textured fabrics like tweed and boucle, as well as chunky knits, create width and make you look shorter and heavier. Instead opt for smooth fine fabrics to create the illusion you are slimmer and taller. |
