How to Dress to Balance a Short Waist

Give the appearance of an elongated torso by coordinating styles that balance your body's proportions.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cashmere Shawl
• Women's Casual Tops
• Women's Causal Pants
• Women's Dress Coats
• Women's Dress Pants
• Women's Dress Shirts
• Women's Dress Shoes
• Women's Dress Sweater
• Women's Sandals
• Women's Shorts
• dresses and skirts

1. Look for pants and skirts that hug your hips. Low-waisted pants, hip huggers, hipster pants and low-slung skirts will complement your figure well. Pants and skirts without a waistband inherently sit lower.

2. Choose a belt that is the same color as your top. This gives the illusion that your torso is longer. By wearing belts below the waist, you can further lengthen the line of your upper body.

3. Wear tunics, sweaters and jackets that hang below the waist. Make sure your tops hit above the behind, however, or you risk shortening the look of your legs.

4. Pair a shorter skirt with long jackets.

5. Wear open, untucked blouses over an untucked camisole or tank top. Keep the colors similar.

6. Avoid high-waisted pants.

Tips & Warnings

• Detailed pant cuffs will naturally draw your admirer's eye down your leg, creating an illusion of length. Look for embroidery, decorative taping, scalloped edging and lace.