Fashion tips for short girls can cover a range of topics. From the colours you wear to what styles of clothes to avoid, there seems to be a wealth of dos and don’ts out there. While my main fashion tip for short girls is to have confidence and stand tall, if creating the illusion of extra height is what you want to achieve then take a look at the following fashion tips for shorter girls.
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1. Go Monochrome
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Wearing a single colour from head to toe can help create an elongated silhouette, giving the illusion of height. Too many different colours can break up your silhouette, creating a blocky appearance.
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Opting for a monochrome look doesn't have to mean boring — you can play with textures and shades. Layer a chunky knit cardigan over a silk blouse for a mix of materials that adds interest while maintaining a single color story. Don't hesitate to throw in some subtle patterns, like stripes or a chevron print in the same color, to keep the outfit visually captivating without disrupting the vertical line. Accessorize with jewelry in the same hue, like a long necklace, which can add to the illusion of height and elegance.
2. Say Hi to Heels
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One of the most obvious and embraced fashion tips for short girls is to wear heeled shoes. Whether you’re after a bit of a lift or added inches, a pair of heeled shoes will physically give you extra height. If you’re not used to teetering around in stilettos, why not try a ‘safer’ option like a wedge shoe?
Frequently asked questions
3. Wear High Waisted Styles
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Creating the appearance of being taller is all about proportions. Wearing high waisted shorts, pants or skirts creates a kind of optical illusion. The higher waist leads to the appearance of longer legs and thus a more willowy silhouette.
4. Don’t Be Afraid of Maxis
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Maxi length dresses or skirts seem to be a major worry for shorter girls. Full, pleated skirts have a tendency to ‘swallow you up’ which may be where the fear of maxi skirts lies. My fashion tip for short girls is that to make the maxi work for you, stick to sleek column-style skirts and dresses.
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When opting for a maxi, choose high-waisted styles to elongate your legs. Consider a slit to add a touch of drama while showing off some skin, which can break the length and give the illusion of height. If you're daring, pair with a cropped top or tuck in your blouse to define your waistline. Always keep proportions in mind; a fitted top with a flowy maxi can create a balanced, elegant look. And don't forget heels—they're a petite girl's best friend when wearing long dresses or skirts!
5. Show off Shorter Hems
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Mini skirts and dresses are great if you have the legs for it. Combined with the right choice of shoe, they can create the appearance of long, lean legs. However, skirts and dresses that finish just above the knee are a safer bet for most short girls.
6. Choose the Right Pants
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When it comes to fashion tips for short girls for wearing pants, it’s all about getting the right proportions. You’ll want a fitted style that isn’t too bulky. Boot cut and slightly flared jeans can make you appear taller. Try and avoid any wide-legged or overly voluminous styles.
7. Avoid Cropped Pants
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When choosing a pair of pants, avoid cropped styles. Pants that finish above the shoe can also create the appearance of thicker legs. You want a hem that covers most of your shoe as this will give the appearance of longer legs.
8. Beware the Fit
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Shorter girls need to embrace fitted clothing. Anything too slouchy or voluminous has the potential to add extra bulk to your look and make you appear stockier than you are.
9. Choose Thin Belts
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When it comes to fashion tips for short girls, belts can be dangerous territory. Using a belt to cinch in a dress or top can effectively cut your body in half and hamper efforts of creating an elongated silhouette. As a general rule, however, stick to slimmer belts as they are better proportioned.
10. Wear Darker Colours
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Wearing dark colours can give you a sleeker, streamlined appearance. That’s why we have the whole ‘black is slimming’ theory, right? Wearing dark colours together can help create an elongated silhouette for shorter girls.
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Darker colours are not only slimming, but they also give an air of sophistication and elegance. Darker colours also help to create a more unified look, making it easier to pull off a stylish outfit. When wearing dark colours, it is important to focus on the fit of the clothing. Make sure the clothes you choose are not too baggy or too tight, as this will take away from the streamlined look you are trying to achieve. To add some visual interest, try adding a few lighter coloured accessories to your dark outfit. This will help to break up the darkness and add some dimension to your look.
11. Embrace Alterations
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Don’t be afraid of getting clothes altered to suit your stature. Alterations such as shortening hems or torsos can make all the difference to getting the right fit. When it comes to fashion tips for short girls, creating a streamlined silhouette balances on the fit of the clothes.
12. Avoid Oversized Handbags
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When it comes to fashion tips for short girls, don’t overlook accessories. The right accessories can have a huge impact on your overall look. Shorter girls should opt for a smaller handbag, as oversized ‘it’ bags can swamp your silhouette and make you look shorter than you are.
13. Wear Vertical Lines
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For a long time we’ve been fed the line that horizontal stripes will make us appear wider. So, according to this theory, vertical stripes should have the opposite effect. You don’t have to wear multiple stripes either, as a single vertical stripe can have the same lengthening effect.
14. Choose the Right Print
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Prints are ever so popular when it comes to clothing. However, choosing the right kind of print can also play a part when creating the illusion of height. Shorter girls should avoid wide patterns and prints. Instead, go for long patterns or prints that seem to cascade down.
15. Wear Pointed Flats
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Shoes with pointed toes can give the appearance of added height. So if heels aren’t your thing and you’re hell bent on wearing flat shoes, ditch the ballet flats and opt for a pointed toe instead.
16. Avoid Ankle Straps
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Shoes with ankle straps can make legs look thicker. If you want to make your legs look longer and leaner, then avoid ankle straps at all costs.
17. Watch the Neckline
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V-shapes and U-shaped necklines also aid the illusion of height for short and petite girls. They can also be much more flattering than high necklines and collars.
18. Have Confidence!
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No matter how short or tall you are you’ll only look as fabulous as you feel. It’s important then to exude confidence, whatever you’re wearing.
These are just a few fashion tips for short girls that can give the illusion of added height. Are you on the shorter end of the height spectrum? What’s your best fashion tip for short girls?
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Comments
Michi: Love it
Hayley: Great tips!!! I def can abide by all those rules, except for the large purse one :/ I absolutely NEED my giant purses haha. I have a prob...
Emily: @Emily let me think about that
Jihye: Thank you!
Erin: Can women of every age wear that shorter hemline above the knee though? I mean what about the rule "No short skirts over age 35"? Nice legs or not..
Mocha: I love this website SO much! I'm nearly 4'11. Short girls rock!
Riama: Ahaha.. thank you so much for posting these helpful tips. I'm gonna rock! \m/
Mitch: im loving this.
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