Being short doesn’t mean you cannot be stylish. Stop making these 10 style mistakes and learn how to dress to look taller.
Let’s talk about short girl problems, like having to stand on the very tips of your toes to reach anything on the top shelf–or even the middle shelf.
Constantly being overlooked or getting lost in a crowd. People thinking they can use your shoulder or even your head as an armrest! Yes, this is a serious thing.
But, being petite isn’t all bad. When you’re shorter, you can sometimes slip through crowded spaces a lot easier.
You can find shoes in the kid’s department that are cute and fit your small feet perfectly. And it’s easier to get away with wearing mini skirts and dresses because our legs aren’t as long, haha!
Yes, being a shorty has its highs and lows, but choosing a great outfit shouldn’t be one of them. I’ve got some style mistakes to avoid when you are short and some great tips to help you elevate your look–pun intended.
I’ll be breaking down the 10 Style Mistakes that make you look Shorter, like wearing:
- Patterns the Wrong Way
- Clothes that Do Not Fit
- Capris or Low-Rise Pants
- Calf Height Boots
- Chunky Heels and Rounded Tips
- Untucked Shirts
- Stuffy Necklines
- Clingy Fabrics
- Too Many Long Layers
- Too Many Chunky Accessories
I’ll also show you what to wear instead to help you look taller. So, let’s dig in!
This article is dedicated to the top style mistakes that are making you look short and what to wear instead.
10 Style Mistakes that are Making You Look Shorter
1. Wearing Patterns the Wrong Way
Stripes
Horizontal stripes are probably the one style mistake you’ve heard about. It’s the fashion advice that is thrown out to any woman who wears any size larger than a 6.
I have a love-hate relationship with this rule because I love stripes, in all their forms. But, there are certain horizontal stripes that will only further exaggerate your short stature.
Bold, blocky horizontal stripes are the main kind you want to avoid because they will overwhelm your frame and make you appear wider.
Large, All-Over Prints
The next type of pattern you want to avoid is oversized and busy all-over prints. Similar to the chunky horizontal stripe advice above, anything oversize and all-over will camouflage your shape. Leaving you looking like a solid mass of patterns.
What Patterns To Wear Instead
Choose smaller, less busy prints when you want an all-over look. All-over prints can still work for you but you want to scale down the size of the print, that way your shape won’t get lost in the pattern.
Now, for stripes, a vertical stripe will always be a good idea. Again, don’t go too bold with a super wide-width stripe, instead keep the scale in proportion with your size.
I find that stripes that fall between 1 to 2 inches wide or smaller work best for me and I’m 5’2.
And if you love all types of stripes like me, you can still rock a horizontal stripe but choose a narrow option, like a thin pinstripe sweater.
2. Wearing Clothes that Do Not Fit you Properly
Too Baggy, Too Tight, Too Short, or Too Long
Nobody looks good in clothes that don’t fit them properly, that’s just a fact. But when you are on the shorter end of the spectrum, wearing clothes that are oversized can literally make you look like a child. And wearing clothes that are too small will accentuate the overall shortness of your frame.
Wear Clothes that Actually Fit You Instead
The way to avoid this mistake is pretty straightforward but can definitely be a challenge.
Try to find brands that make clothes to fit your petite plus-size frame. Our bodies are unique (not really) and need clothes that are tailored to fit our shorter frame but fuller figure.
Once you find a brand that fits you perfectly, defining your personal style will become a lot more effortless.
3. Wearing Capris and Low-Rise Pants
Not the Ideal Pant for Petite Plus Size
Most of us with a petite plus frame do not have super long torsos or legs for days, so it’s best to stay away from styles that chop up the body disproportionately. Both capris and low-rise pants will do this to you.
Choose these Pant Styles Instead
Mid-rise and high-rise pants with the right inseam for your leg length because not all petite plus-size bodies are exactly the same.
Petite doesn’t always mean the shortest inseam. So measure yourself to find your perfect inseam and use that to guide you when shopping for pants.
Most petite inseams range from 25 to 29 inches. I usually prefer a 30-inch inseam and I’m 5’2, so measure yourself to find the right fit.
Check out this great guide on how to measure your inseam.
4. Wearing Calf Height Boots
These Boots Will Instantly Shorten You
Boots that hit you right in the middle of your calves will visually cut your legs down and make you look shorter. Which is exactly what we want to avoid!
Try these Boot Styles Instead
Ditch any boots that hit you right in the middle of your calves and instead try out knee-high or over-the-knee boots.
Ankle booties are also a smart choice, as long as you pair them with pants with the perfect inseam for you. It’s also nice when they have a higher heel (as long as it’s comfortable for you).
5. Wearing Chunky Heels and Rounded Toes
These Heels Will Instantly Shorten You
Shoes with heels that are too thick can give the illusion of heaviness to the bottom half of your body, especially when paired with ill-fitting clothes.
While, a rounded tip cuts off the length of your foot, making you look shorter.
Switch to These Heels Instead
Go for pointy toes and a more narrow heel. The pointed tip will elongate your foot which in turn will make your legs looks longer. A narrow heel acts in the same way.
Don’t worry, these need not be uncomfortably high heels either.
Another great style tip is to choose nude colors for your shoes. This will make your legs look longer by visually extending the length of your foot. Just make sure the nude actually matches your skin tone!
You might also like: The Best Style Tips for Short and Thick Legs and How to Look Taller (Without Wearing High Heels)
6. Wearing Untucked Tops
Your Tops are Too Long
Oversized tops that try and hide your body are not your friend. I know they can be very comfortable, especially during certain times of the month.
But when you are leaving the house and want to look put together, a tent-like top will not do you any favors.
Try these Shirt Tricks Instead
When wearing tops that are not shorter or cropped, tuck those babies in! Go for a half-tuck where it makes sense.
If you hate tucked-in styles, choose short or cropped tops to help accentuate your natural waistline. Or add a narrow belt to help define your waist when wearing a long, oversized top.
7. Wearing Stuffy Necklines
Yes, Your Neckline is Making you Look Shorter
Turtle necks and crew necks have their time and place, but when you want to give yourself a longer look, they should not be your go-to.
Necklines that visually close off your chest and neck area can make you look like your shoulders are broad and like you don’t have a neck. All of these things make you look shorter.
Instead of Stuffy, Try these Necklines Instead
Choose a V-neck as the open v shape will open up toward your neck and face while also drawing the eye down, allowing you to appear taller.
Off-the-shoulder tops are another great option. These tops show off your shoulders and won’t cut off your neck.
You might also like: 5 Best Tops Styles for Petite Plus Size
8. Wearing Clingy Fabrics
Skin Tight Ain’t It Girl
So, now you know that wearing clothes that are way too big will hide every aspect of your shape. Skin-tight clothing is on the other end of the spectrum and can be unforgiving.
When you wear skin-tight clothing, it will further accentuate your shortness and draw attention to areas of your body that may not be your best assets.
You don’t have to give up all form-fitting styles though. Like all things in life, it’s about balance.
Instead of Wearing Clothes like a Second Skin, Try This Instead
Choose looser, flowy fabrics, especially on your bottom half for skirts and dresses.
If you like your clothes tighter, opt for form-fitting but not skin-tight. No one should be able to count your ribs or see through to your underwear.
9. Wearing Too Many Long Pieces at Once
Layer with Caution
Pairing a long coat, oversized top, and pants with the wrong inseam will swallow you up! Stop hiding your body and learn to embrace it, as it is right now.
Layers Can be Fun, Here’s How to Wear them to Look Taller
Pair a long coat with a shorter dress or skirt, this way your frame is not overwhelmed by piles of fabric.
Tuck in your shirt as well if you are wearing a long coat or cardigan with a skirt or pants. This breaks your body up proportionately, using the rule of thirds.
The rule of thirds is an easy way to make sure your outfit is always figure-flattering. Basically, you usually want the top in your outfit to take up one-third of your body, leaving the other two-thirds for your bottoms.
10. Wearing Too Many Chunky Accessories
Be Selective with your Accessories
I love a good statement accessory but pairing too many with one look can overwhelm your petite plus shape.
Wear these Accessory Styles Instead
Go for a narrow-width belt to cinch your waist without adding a lot of bulk to your tummy area. Use delicate jewelry to highlight the smallest parts of your body, like your wrist and neck.
When grabbing a handbag, select a small to medium size. This way the bag won’t be covering up half your body while wearing it.
That is all of my best advice to help you avoid looking shorter! As with all style advice, it’s simply that, advice. Take it or leave it, babe!
If there’s something on this list that is listed as a don’t but it makes YOU feel amazing, keep rocking it. Remember, the best style comes from people who are confident and love the skin they are in.
These are the 10 style mistakes to avoid when you are short and what to do instead to style your petite plus-size shape.
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