How to Look Taller Easily

Tom Cruise makes the most of his 5-foot-7 height in a black suit, while his wife, Katie Holmes, wears a little black dress accented with emerald.

Want to look taller quickly and easily? If you're past your teens, you're not going to grow. But however short your stature, you can make the most of your size with proper posture, and dress to give the appearance of extra inches. Here's how to look taller almost immediately, male or female.

Instructions

1. Walk tall. Practice walking with a book balanced on your head. This trains you to look taller because of how you carry yourself. Practice until you remember the feeling of how this transforms your posture, then make it a habit.

2. Hidden insoles are OK, but big heels and platforms can make you look like you're trying too hard for height. Petite women can wear stilettos, and nude heels elongate the legs. But chunky high heels will have the opposite effect.

3. For a long, lean look, dress monochromatically. Women can wear thin, vertical stripes instead of horizontal ones. Choose your lengths wisely: Go very short or very long for skirts and pants -- and, "Cosmopolitan" recommends, "Capri pants should remain in Capri!" Wear simple styles with minimal ruffles, frills or big patterns. V-necks and long necklaces give an illusion of long and lean.

4. Men trying to look taller also can choose a monochromatic look, or wear stripes to look long and lean, Men's Cosmo website suggests. Wear the same color shoes and pants, and choose a straight cut. Dark colors such as black, gray and navy look authoritative and give the impression of height, the website says.

5. "Cosmopolitan" recommends that petite women wear hair in short to medium styles, with straight, vertical styles. If you like your hair long, wear updos for dressy events. A ponytail will add height, too. Men's cuts add height if they have less body on the sides, and more on top.

Tips & Warnings

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References

• Cosmopolitan; Nine Tricks for Looking Taller and Slimmer Instantly; Bianca Valerio; June 2010
• Men's Cosmo; Useful Grooming Tips for Men on How to Look Taller; July 2011