How to Dress to Elongate Short Legs

Create the illusion of longer legs by combining silhouettes that lengthen your lower half.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Women's Casual Tops
• Women's Causal Pants
• Women's Closed-toed Shoes
• 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

1. Mix lengths when you must wear a suit. Wear long jackets with shorter skirts, and short jackets with longer skirts.

2. Select high-waisted pants and skirts, as these styles create the illusion that your legs start in a higher place. Ignore this tip if you're short-waisted.

3. Opt for short skirts and shorts where appropriate. Skirts or shorts to the knee will highlight the shortness of your leg.

4. Choose long, tapered pants such as leggings or cigarette pants. Wear capri pants and pedal pushers for casual spring and summer days.

5. Wear shirts, jackets and coats that are short in length. Go for crop tops on warm days.

6. Avoid tops that hit the hips and tunics and long blazers. These will lengthen your torso, thereby shortening the lower half of your body.

7. Consider wearing all one color. This creates a long visual line.

8. Give yourself a slight boost with a low to midheight heel. You can even find casual tennis shoes with a 1-inch heel.

9. Steer clear of cuffed and wide-leg pants.

Tips & Warnings

• Good posture will enhance any figure. Stand tall, with your shoulders back and your blades down your back. Keep your chin held high.

on 11/22/2005 If you don't wear suits every day, consider asking for a classic suit, rather than something currently fashionable. Get a versatile dark color (can wear to most formal events). Key questions: how many buttons on the jacket? Pants cuffed or not? Ask these questions at a NICE local mens store, even if you're going to buy at a discounter or somewhere cheaper.