Q. Hi Glam Gals! Can you give some advice to a short women who can’t wear heels anymore. Because of foot and knee problems I’m married to flats for life which has me wearing slacks all the time. What’s a girl to do? And being only 5 feet tall makes it even more difficult to look and feel fabulous…Help!!! Thanks Janine
Hi Janine,
Do you have good legs and slim ankles? If so, you can still wear a shift dress and flats and look FAB! If not, you should stick with pants, but you can really still have fun with your shoes even if you can only wear flats. Here are some tips:
- Keep colors monochromatic. In other words keep your shoes the same color as your pants ( and top too if you can) and you will appear taller!
- Have you tried low wedges or a chunkier heel? These might offer a tiny bit of height without hurting too much.
- Find a wonderful interesting jacket and keep everything underneath all one color to slim and lengthen. Make sure your flats are simple with this look so as not to take away from the jacket.
- When you see a woman on the street or at the mall who is a similar height and body type, and you like the way she looks, take note of what makes her look good. Better yet, go up to her and ask where she shops! Women love to share their beauty secrets and are always flattered to be asked!
- FIT is super important. You probably already have staggering alteration bills, but don’t forget to keep the sleeves on all jackets and coats altered so they are not too long. The proper fit is half the battle to looking and feeling FAB no matter what your height.
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
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
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. |
You have asked for it, we are bringing it to you… All you petites out there (5’4 or under)
Our new podcast is called:
Petite Perfection~ How to Look Chic No Matter What Your Size
Don’t miss this opportunity to find out all the tips, tricks, secrets and great resources, on dressing for your size when The Glam Gals, Deborah and JoJami, chat with the Petite Fashionista, Christa Jean MacLellan.
To get your copy visit our podcasts page.
