Let’s be real – in our society, height is often seen as a marker of power, confidence, and even attractiveness. In the US, men’s average height is about five feet and nine inches. For those shorter than average, we’ve all felt that fleeting sense of height envy seeing a willowy model or statuesque celebrity seemingly tower over everyone else. But what if I told you that you don’t need to be blessed with longer legs straight from the gene pool to appear as a tall guy or girl and a more statuesque individual? With a few clever styling tricks up your sleeve, anyone can fake a few extra inches.

This guide will share some go-to height hacks that can easily elevate your look and create the illusion of a longer, leaner physique – all without dropping thousands on cosmetic limb-lengthening surgery! Ready? Let’s get into the specific tricks.

Hack #1: Embrace Monochromatic Looks

One of the most straightforward and impactful ways to elongate your appearance is by dressing in a single color from head to toe. When your outfit features an unbroken line of the same hue, including that of your shoes from your favorite suppliers like Levante, it creates one continuous vertical column – instantly tricking the eye into perceiving more length. It’s a clever use of color blocking to maximize your stature.

Tips for pulling off the monochromatic look

Here are some tips to ponder:

• Stick to sleek, tailored pieces without too much embellishment or detailing that can break up the lines
• Choose a monotone that complements your skin tone and hair color
• Vary the shades just slightly from light to dark in the same color family
• Accessorize with coordinating shoes, bag, belt, etc., in the same hue
• Break it up strategically with contrasting outerwear like a jean jacket or trench

The monochrome look requires coordination but pays major dividends in the elongating department. Just avoid contrasting tops and bottoms if adding height is the goal!

Hack #2: Opt for High-Waisted Bottoms

The simple act of raising your waistline can also work wonders for adding length to your legs and torso. High-waisted bottoms create an elongating vertical line by emphasizing your waistline and lengthening your leg line. They also have a slimming and smoothing effect on your midsection. Whether it’s trendy mom jeans or a chic high-waist pencil skirt, this is one of the life hacks that’s a must for petite fashionistas.

Styling tips for a lengthening effect

Here are some styling tips to ponder:

• Tuck in tops to emphasize your waistline and create a long line
• Wear similar/matching tones on top and bottom for a continuous line
• Pair high-waisted pieces with nude heels or elongating pointy-toe flats
• Potentially add height with a heel or platform for extra leg-lengthening
• Finish with a longline jacket, blazer or duster to carry the vertical line

High-waisted bottoms are so versatile for every shape and size. Embrace your waistline – it’s often the key to an enviably statuesque silhouette.

Hack #3: Vertical Stripes and Patterns

It’s no secret that the pattern on your clothing can have a major impact on your overall appearance. Vertical lines, whether they come in the form of classic stripes or elongating patterns like pinstripes or chevrons, create an incredibly flattering illusion. The linear design tricks the eye into perceiving length, drawing it up and down to give you an instantly leaner, taller look.

Best ways to incorporate vertical stripes

Here are the best ways to incorporate vertical stripes into your outfits:

• A striped top tucked into high-waisted bottoms in a solid color
• A vertically striped dress or romper in a figure-skimming cut
• Printed pants with a subtle vertical pattern like pinstripes or arrow shapes
• Accessorizing a solid outfit with a vertically striped scarf, bag or shoes

Just be cautious of going overboard – too many mixed patterns can be dizzying. Stick to one vertical striped piece as your focus. Also, bigger, bolder stripes can have more of a widening effect, so experts suggest thinner lines for an elongating vibe.

Hack #4: Strategic Layering

While the vertical lines of a single column of clothing create an undeniably lengthening illusion, thoughtful layering can have a similar effect. Artfully combining pieces like jackets, vests, cardigans, and camis adds dimensions that trick the eye into perceiving more length and stature. When done correctly, layering not only slims and elongates but also adds depth and polish.

Dos of layering

Do these when layering for a taller appearance:

• Stick to a column of long, lean layers in similar/coordinating tones
• Play with varying lengths and layers, like a cropped jacket over a midi dress
• Use vertical or diagonal lines with cardigans, vests and jackets
• Create a vertical line at the front by leaving layers unbuttoned/open

With layering, you create length through strategic geometry. Verticals and geometric patterns enhance this effect. Just avoid anything horizontally cropped that cuts you off.

Parting Thoughts: Accessorizing Strategically

Accessories can be the make-or-break detail when it comes to appearing taller and more statuesque. The right pieces will augment all your elongating outfit efforts, while the wrong accents can visually shorten you.

Focus on accessories that dangle, drape, or create long vertical lines, such as lariat necklaces, slouchy hobo bags, elongating belts without bulky buckles, and linear drop earrings. Steer clear of chokers, short satchels, and chunky pieces that can break up your sleek silhouette. With an eye for lengthening extras like streamlined scarves, ankle-wrap flats, and layered pendants, you can fake looking inches taller effortlessly.

Achieve that coveted runway-ready look by putting as much consideration into your accessories as your clothing!

Published by HOLR Magazine.