How to Dress if You Are Short

A few simple dos and don'ts can give the illusion of extra inches.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Men's Dress Shirts
• Men's Dress Shoes
• Men's Dress Sweater
• Men's Khakis
• Mens' Dress Pants
• Women's Closed-toed Shoes
• Women's Dress Pants
• Women's Dress Shirts
• Women's Dress Shoes
• dresses and skirts

1. Wear tops whose details pull the eye down vertically; V-necks are a good choice.

2. Tuck shirts into pants to make your legs look longer, which will make you look taller.

3. Opt for clothes that fit close to your body. Bulky ones - like oversized jackets and tops - will draw the eyes out horizontally.

4. Try slim pants that closely follow your thighs and butt to make you look taller.

5. Wear vertical stripes - for instance, a pinstripe suit.

6. Don short skirts, avoiding skirts that cut slightly below the knee or at mid-calf.

7. Slip into higher-heeled shoes. Letting your cuffless pant legs drape over high shoes will provide an instant look of height.

Tips & Warnings

• Try dressing in monochrome, matching your hosiery and shoe color to the rest of your outfit to create an uninterrupted vertical line.
• Browse in the petite sections of clothing stores.
• Avoid cuffed pants, which can make you look shorter because they visually shorten the leg.

[egibbs]

on 11/15/2007 I am a senior fashion student... so I do know what I'm talking about.
I'm sorry, but I disagree entirely with the high waisted pants/short shirt combination. That is not a good solution - it will look like you just stepped out of an 80's music video. High waisted works for pencil skirts, and you can tuck in a shirt in that situation, but it has to be done just right.

If you can't find clothing in your size, or find something that is too big, see the tailor! It is very easy to alter clothing that is too big, and make it fit a smaller body.

Shopping in the children's department is not the answer - and this is dangerous because you very easily look childlike, even if you are careful about what you pick.

Finally, high heels do not look silly - i know what you are all saying, but that is not true. Visually, it's really effective, as long as it's the right heel. (chunky no, high

[egibbs]

on 11/15/2007 DO NOT TUCK!
Tucking in shirts to pants is the worst - please watch What Not To Wear for further instruction. Ughck - it will make your hips and butt look huge! Please do not do that, it's very dated looking. All of the other tips are good, but they shouldn't be considered to be "the last word" - it depends on the individual.

[schofield1124]

on 8/29/2007 I am 4' 11" about 85 lbs i were a size 10 in little girls for pants. i have a hard time finding clouse that fit me well. I have a very small figure. when i bye pants some times the legs are a little to short but if i go to a 12 the waist is to big and it's to baggy around my butt. Shirts are also hard to get coz i am a small A cup to i don't fill any thing out. What can i do?...some one please help....

[Calyptra]

on 8/8/2007 please check http://whatsbuzzing.wordpress.com/ when you get time...

[JRAPPYELY]

on 5/30/2007 Petite is chic when you dress it right. Wear pointed toed heels,(not necessarily sky high heels) 2 inches is perfect, to elongate your legs. Try to match your sock with your pants so that the line continues as long as possible. Do not wear high waisted pants. This only makes your upper half look even smaller, making you disproportionate. A push up bra is not a bad thing. It lifts the girls up where they belong and slenderizes your waist. Avoid padding if you do not want big ****s. Wear tops that skim the hips and are nipped in at the waist to accentuate your curves. The chunky shoe comment is right on. I dont think chunky heals work on any height. Avoid loud prints that will over whelm you.