How to Dress when You Are Short

Shopping for Flattering Clothing

Try the petite section. If you are short, you might find standard cuts of clothing do not fit you as well as they should. Try shopping in the petite section of your favorite online or brick and mortar store. Seek out stores and brands that specialize in clothing for shorter men and women. These cuts will likely fit you better than clothing manufactured for people who are not short.

Take a friend along. Taking a friend along on a shopping excursion means you’ll have an extra pair of eyes when deciding if a particular outfit or pair of shoes is a good fit for your short physique. Try asking a short friend whose style you admire to join you on your next shopping trip.

Try high-waisted bottoms. High-waisted bottoms can add the illusion of height. You can opt for pants with a high waist. Or if skirts are your thing, try complementing your short figure with a high-waisted skirt.

Go for vertical instead of horizontal stripes. An outfit that incorporates vertical stripes can flatter a shorter figure. Horizontal stripes, on the other hand, can make a small figure appear wider than it is. Try wearing pants, dresses, or skirts with vertical lines.

Call the tailor after a shopping session. Sometimes shopping in the petite section is not an option. Other times you find a sport jacket or suit that is perfect for you, but whose sleeves or hems might need to be shortened. A tailor can take these new purchases and mold them to your short stature, making you look and feel fabulous.

Putting Together Outfits

Try a monochromatic outfit. Wearing one color from head to toe can flatter a shorter figure. Monochromatic outfits lengthen the appearance of your body. Try wearing a structured white top with a pair of fitted white pants. You can also create a monochromatic look by wearing the same print on both the top and bottom.

Pair a high-waisted bottom with a tucked-in top. One way to add height and flatter your short figure is by wearing a pair of pants, shorts, or skirt with a high waist. High-waisted bottoms can make your legs appear longer than they actually are. Try wearing a pair of high-waisted trousers with a top that easily tucks into the pants. You could also try a cropped top with a pair of high-waisted linen pants. Top off the look with flats, boots, or heels.

Wear vertical lines on the bottom with a solid color on top. Pants with vertical lines will beg the eye to look up and down, effectively lengthening your look. Try a pinstripe pant with a matching suit jacket. You can also go for a high-waisted pair of pants with a thick stripe for a bold look.

Stay away from layering. When you are putting together an outfit, you do not want to overpower a small frame with multiple layered pieces. Instead of creating a multi-layered look, instead opt for a single layering piece like a sweater or vest – not both.

Choosing Shoes and Accessories

Go for nude shoes. Wearing shoes that match your skin tone can help create the illusion of longer legs. If you want to elongate your legs, opt for a pair of flats, sandals, or heels in your own skin tone. Pair them with shorts, a dress, or a skirt to create the appearance of long legs.

Wear shoes that are the same color as your pants. You can elongate your look and flatter your petite figure by matching the color of your shoes and pants. Try pairing navy slip-on sneakers with a pair of cropped navy pants. You can also try wearing black oxfords with a black suit.

Go for pointed-toe heels. A pair of heels with pointed toes can complement your short stature. Try a kitten heel for an understated look. You can also go for high heels with pointed toes. These shoes will add height to your look along with an air of confidence.

Try wedges in the summer. During the warmer months, wedges are a great shoe for those on the shorter side. Not only will they give you a little extra height, they’re comfortable and can be paired with tons of outfits. A floral-printed A-line dress would look great with wedges. Alternatively, pair your favorite jeans with wedges and a tank top.

Wear ankle boots. Ankle boots are a perfect accessory for nearly any outfit. You can pair them with skirts and dresses as well as trousers and jeans. Avoid wearing tall boots, as these can make you look even shorter.

Don’t overwhelm your look with accessories. Stick to one or two statement accessories to complement your shoes and outfit. This will ensure you don’t overwhelm your figure. Try a statement necklace, a handbag that pops, or a pair of killer sunglasses. Or go for understated jewelry, like a simple necklace and coordinating ring.