Allow me to tell you my secrets.
Krista Carter is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience working in beauty and fashion. Bedroom Moccasins
For as long as I can remember, I've been one of the shortest people I know. Seriously—even children enjoy pointing out that they're swiftly approaching my height, which, in all fairness, leans more toward 4'11 than 5'0. While being short comes with its perks (you always have a case for being front and center in every group photo), there's a downside—especially when it comes to clothing.
On top of having to tuck, hem, or roll almost every pair of pants, midi dresses tend to cut me off and make me look even shorter. I've also noticed that, depending on color and length, certain shoes have the same effect. For years, however, I've sworn that certain footwear makes me look taller—and I'm not just talking about the heel height.
To show you just what I mean, I'm sharing my best tricks for elongating a petite figure with shoes.
Neutral-colored boots and sneakers can make you look taller. For me, that includes white footwear, especially when wearing a skirt or shorts, since it creates the illusion of length against my light skin tone. I've tested out this theory when styling photo shoots, and, even when I'm trying not to, I end up reaching for a crisp white shoe when dressing petite women. However, depending on your complexion, you might find black, brown—or whatever shade nude is for you—most flattering.
Alternatively, if you're wearing pants, color coordinate with your footwear. For instance, pairing dark-wash jeans with black shoes will create a monochrome outfit that elongates. The trick works even better when said shoe is slim and snug around the foot or ankle—something like Vans slip-ons, Converse Chuck Taylors, or zip-up, sock-like booties—and also includes a subtle platform (for obvious, height-boosting reasons). It's details like these that help create a seamless, uncut line—which is the ultimate goal when aiming to look taller.
Looking to add a little height and an instant wow factor to your OOTD? Reach for metallic shoes. They work a similar type of magic to a neutral (in my book, metallic does qualify as a neutral) or rely on something closer to your skin tone. It's a trick that's been around for years. To be honest, I'm not quite sure how it works. Perhaps it distracts from your petite stature due to the glitter and shine. Or maybe metallic boots elongate you because you're showing off more leg. Either way, it's for sure a shoe that'll make you look taller.
Although I love a good bootie, they're not always the most flattering for my smaller frame. Since they hit right at the ankle, they create a hard divide between my legs and my feet. This results in my already petite figure seeming even more petite (yes, it's possible). An ankle strap works the same way. My advice? If you're set on wearing booties or a shoe with an ankle strap, opt for a monochrome color combo to give the impression of length.
If I'm wearing dark or black shoes, I'll run through a quick checklist before heading out the door. Given my lighter skin tone, they must include a heel or platform. Sometimes, I'll add a sock to help create that aforementioned seamless line. Those with darker skin tones will want to follow the same tips when throwing on a pair of light or white shoes.
Longer boots, such as knee-highs or thigh-highs, are also great for leg-lengthening—no matter the color—especially if they're tight or styled with mini skirts. That said, you can also combine a printed pair with an oversized jacket to add some length and prevent your body from being swallowed up by the large garment.
While they may not be the most comfortable shoe option, shoes with pointed toes can do wonders for a petite figure. Unlike a square toe which can truncate the leg, a pointed toe elongates it. That's true regardless of whether or not you're wearing a heel. In fact, a pointed-toe kitten heel can flatter your legs and make them seem longer than they really are.
Adult Slippers There are plenty of other tricks for looking taller in addition to shoes. You can steal outfit ideas from petite celebrities or shop at petite-friendly stores, but these are by far my favorite and are super easy to try.