Would you like to look better in your clothes? Try these simple fashion styling tips for petites to help you appear longer and leaner. It’s all about creating the illusions of more and less – more height and less bulk. Next time you’re dressing for your job or to go out on the town, work some magic and create your own illusions.

1. Dress in One Color

Dress all in one color from your top to your shoes. Don’t forget to match your tights or stockings to your outfit too. Dark colors slim, so try black, navy, charcoal, burgundy, deep green, or purple.

2. Wear Clothes That Fit Well

Wear garments that fit you well. Fitted or semi-fitted clothing looks better on petites than loose-fitting apparel. Avoid garments that have a lot of design ease because all that extra fabric adds bulk and can make short women look heavier than they really are.

3. Select Garments With Vertical Lines

Select clothes with vertical lines. They don’t need to be striped. Vertical seam lines, such as princess seams, will do the trick.

4. Choose V-Shapes

Choose tops and jackets with V-shaped or U-shaped necklines. These neckline styles aid in creating the illusion of height.

5. Wear High Heels

Wear high heels. It’s the easiest way to add height. Pumps and sling-backs are terrific, but avoid shoes with ankle straps. The strap breaks up the desirable vertical line, and makes the wearer appear shorter.

If you’re worried about comfort, try high heels, such as the Cole Haan brand with air technology to cushion your feet.

6. Avoid Bulky Garments

Watch out for bulky or highly textured fabrics. There’s no need to avoid texture completely, but stay away from fabrics with a lot of loft. We want to appear taller, not broader. For sweaters, thin works better than thick.

7. Avoid Oversized Handbags

Stay away from huge handbags. Oversized bags are so big that they can seem to overwhelm short women. Select purses of medium size instead so that your bag will be in proportion to your smaller frame.

8. Skip Minis

Skip the mini-skirts and mini dresses. Although minis look great on women with long, slender legs, they don’t have the same effect for shorter women. The hem of a mini-skirt worn by a petite woman falls across a thick part of the thigh, making it more noticeable and making shorter legs look even shorter.

9. Keep Belts Narrow

Keep belts slim and match them to your outfit if you want to wear a belt. Wide or contrasting belts cut the figure in half and break up the vertical illusion that we want to achieve.

10. Choose Pants With Straight Legs

Wear jeans and pants with straight legs. To keep a slim line, choose pants without cuffs, bulky pockets, or pleats.