Note that the headline here says "shorter," not "short"–because being Martin Freeman-size isn't a bad thing at all, but feeling squatter than you actually are is. Here, we give you six faux pas that are literally bringing you down.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Your shoe vamps are too high
How to look taller 101: Create a long, vertical line with as few visual interruptions as possible. (The end.) Higher-cut vamps hide the front of the foot shorten the leg line, while skin-baring styles extend it à la swimsuit models who get on their tippy-toes as they exit pools.
Your skirts aren't short enough
Suck it, middle school hall monitors. If you're going to go short, go as short as you can without getting charged with public indecency. If you're going long, go floor-length or just a hair above—half-assing it with a midi or awkward ankle-length hem chops up The Line. Bonus tip: Roll up too-long shirt cuffs to expose some extra wrist and forearm because flopping fabric = Dooneese.
You're making people look down
Left Salma wants you to look at her belt and shoes. Right Salma wants you to admire her lip color while trying really hard not to acknowledge what's going on in that keyhole. Either way, Right Salma is successfully guiding your gaze upward so you can't tell she stands only 62 inches high.
Your bags are too big
It's all about scale, this one. Besides being bad for your back, proportionally dominant bags can dwarf petite bodies. See how much more correct Kate's lunchbox looks next to her frame?
Your hair is too long
Takeaway #2: Show more skin—all over. An updo or short cut draws attention to the neck, which is like a lightening rod for the face. Too much hair is just plain distracting.
You're not making hooves with your pants
First, NEVER GIVE UP YOUR CULOTTES. Second, if your trousers cover your heels without dragging on the ground, 1) it will look like your legs run from your waist all the way to the floor, 2) you could be wearing platform Skechers and no one would know, and 3) hooves. *clomp clomp*
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at MarieClaire.com. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.
-
Anya Taylor Joy Is a Gothic Princess in Dior
The 'Queen's Gambit' actress embraced an all-black dress code at the Brooklyn presentation.
By India Roby Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Clearly Prefers This Comeback Sneaker Trend
She's wearing it as often as her favorite Birkin bags.
By Julia Gray Published
-
Olivia Rodrigo Is Bringing Visible Bra Straps Back
The pop-punk princess wore custom Victoria's Secret at Coachella.
By Julia Gray Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Wears Vintage Victoria's Secret Lingerie to Tease Upcoming Coachella Performance
Her look was pulled from the brand's 1997 archives.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Chunky Sandals Prove Minimalism Is Out
Another footwear trend embracing maximalism in 2024.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Brands to Shop for the Best Swimsuits
From size-inclusive labels to sustainable and designer options, this list is all-encompassing.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Vacation-Worthy Beach Dresses
From barely-there to playful fringe.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Could a 'Shirt Sandwich' Pull You Out of a Fashion Rut?
The gourmet styling trick may help you fall back in love with your wardrobe.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Best Spring Dresses Simplify Any Outfit Formula
Style this wardrobe staple for any occasion, from farmer's markets to formal affairs.
By Lauren Tappan Published