How to Look Taller: 10 Petite Styling Tricks That Work

Are you one of the many petite women who struggle to look shorter due to clothing proportions? No worries—the right styling tricks can help elongate your silhouette effortlessly. Whether you are dressing for a casual day out or a formal event, these tips will help your petite frame appear taller and more balanced.

1. Wear Monochrome Outfits

Dressing in a single color creates an uninterrupted vertical line which helps to elongate the frame. Some of the best color choices for elongation are black, navy blue, beige, and pastels.

Outfit example: Try an all-white ensemble with tailored pieces

2. Choose High-Waisted Bottoms

High-waisted jeans, trousers, and skirts visually extend the legs. Some of the best silhouettes that flatter petite frames are straight-led, slim fit, and slightly flared bottoms. However, you’ll want to steer clear of low-rise pants since they tend to shorten the torso.

3. Opt for Vertical Stripes

Vertical patterns draw the eye upward, making you appear taller. The best pieces to help accomplish this are striped trousers, jumpsuits, and dresses. On the other hand, you’ll want to avoid horizontal stripes, which widen rather than lengthen.

4. Pick the Right Hemlines

Your skirt, dress, or pants length can dramatically impact how tall or short you appear. Petite women should focus on hemlines that elongate the legs and create a well-proportioned silhouette.

Best Hemlines for Petites:

• Mini Skirts & Dresses – Showing more of your leg creates the illusion of height. Aim for hemlines mid-thigh or slightly above the knee for the most flattering look.

• Midi Dresses & Skirts (Just Below the Knee or Ankle-Length) – Midis can be tricky, but the right length can be incredibly flattering. Avoid mid-calf lengths, as they cut off the legs awkwardly. Instead, choose midi skirts that end just below the knee or graze the ankle for a lengthening effect.

• Full-Length Pants & Jumpsuits (With a Slight Heel) – Floor-grazing trousers or jumpsuits paired with pointed-toe heels create a streamlined, elongated look. Wide-leg pants should just skim the ground, while slim or straight-leg pants can end at the ankle.

• High-Slit Dresses & Skirts – A thigh-high slit gives the illusion of longer legs while adding an elegant, elongating effect.

5. Wear V-neck & Open Necklines

V-necks create the illusion of a longer neck and torso. Other great options for an elongating effect are sweetheart, scoop, and square necklines. While these necklines can flatter, avoid high necklines, which can make you look more compact.

6. Go for Pointed-Toe Shoes

Heels can do more than just make you physically taller. Pointed-toe shoes add length to your legs compared to round or square-toed shoes. Color can also have an impact as heels that match your skin tone can make your legs look longer. However, avoid ankle straps, which visually cut off the legs.

7. Choose Fitted, Tailored Pieces

Wearing clothing that fits well is one of the most effective ways to create a longer, more proportional silhouette. Petite women often get lost in oversized styles, so opting for tailored or fitted clothing ensures a sleek, polished, and elongated look. 

Standard clothing sizes are often designed for taller frames, leading to issues like too-long sleeves, baggy fits, or awkward proportions. Choosing structured styles that follow your natural shape—such as cropped jackets, high-waisted pants, and fitted blazers—helps define your silhouette and prevent fabric from overwhelming your frame.

The best styles for petites include:

• slim-fit and straight-leg pants 

• tailored dresses with defined waists - hems should hit at ankle-length or just above the knee to avoid shortening the legs. 

• fitted tops with V-neck or wrap designs to elongate the torso. Tucking in tops or wearing cropped styles keeps proportions balanced, while Investing in tailoring—such as hemming pants or adjusting sleeve lengths—ensures a perfect fit without drowning your figure in excess fabric.

To avoid looking shorter, steer clear of oversized blazers, drop-waist dresses, low-rise pants, and boxy outerwear, which can make petites appear smaller. Instead, focus on waist-defining silhouettes and well-proportioned pieces that naturally enhance your height. When in doubt, opt for structured over slouchy styles, and always prioritize fit over trend for a polished, elongated effect.

8. Wear Cropped or Tucked-In Tops

Tucking in tops defines the waist and lengthens the legs. In addition, cropped jackets keep proportions more balanced. To keep balanced proportions, avoid long, untucked shirts that shorten your legs.

9. Use Petite-Proportioned Accessories

It’s not all about the clothes, sometimes strategic accessorizing can help elongate petite frames. For example, small to medium-sized handbags complement petite frames. At Lanamoore, one of our favorite accessories is a miniature tote that doubles as a cross-body bag. 

Long, dainty jewelry also helps elongate the neck and torso. Aim for necklaces that fall at or below the collarbone. 

You’ll want to avoid oversized totes and bulky scarves, which can overwhelm your frame.

10. Style Your Hair for Height

Our last recommendation also has nothing to do with the clothes that you are wearing but can also help you to look taller. Hairstyles like high ponytails, buns, or voluminous waves create the illusion of height. And great news for petite women with shorter hair, shorter styles like bobs can also work if kept sleek and structured. Avoid overly flat, long hairstyles that drag the face down.

Dressing to look taller is all about strategic styling choices that enhance your proportions and create an elongated silhouette. By choosing high-waisted pieces, vertical lines, well-fitted clothing, and the right hemlines, petite women can effortlessly add height and confidence to their look. Small details—like pointed-toe shoes, V-neck tops, and monochrome outfits—can make a big difference in creating a sleek, streamlined appearance.

At Lanamoore Petite, we understand the unique challenges of finding elegant, well-fitting dresses for petite women. That’s why we curate styles designed specifically for petite proportions—so you can feel confident and look effortlessly chic without needing alterations. Shop our latest collection today and find the perfect fit for your next event!