BY ZAI SAN MIGUEL
The average height for a Filipina is around 5 feet. And while being petite has its advantages (studies show guys prefer it over long legged ladies), we still strive to get a little bit closer to that model height by wearing heels.
Sadly, heels aren’t the most comfortable footwear in the world (sometimes borderline painful depending on the heel height and quality of the shoes). So for those ladies on the short side, here are a few tips and tricks on how to look taller in flat shoes!
Bare some skin
Even without the help of sky high heels, showing off skin visually elongates your legs so you end up looking taller. There is no in between though, either you go super long with a floor length maxi skirt or you go for a shorter skirt that falls two inches above the knee (max). If you’re going for something short though, do make sure you don’t wear anything offensively short.
Wear striped bottoms
One of the oldest tricks in the book. And we’re not talking about the horizontal Where’s Waldo? stripes, Vertical stripes brings eyes up and down as opposed to side to side, taking in more height than width. which makes you look taller than you actually are. Think pleats and pinstripes. Lucky for you striped prints are hot right now so you won’t have trouble looking for printed pieces.
Show off your feet
Wear open-toed shoes such as cute sandals or any footwear that doesn’t hide your feet. Not wearing closed shoes are one of the most effective ways to look taller in flats. Tried and tested.
The ankle rule
Best to select flat footwear that doesn’t go above your ankle as this cuts off your legs. Again, it’s best to show more skin so wearing anything that goes covers your ankle will only make you look shorter.
Make high waist bottoms your new BFF
Pair flats with high waist bottoms. High waist trousers when worn right, can trick the eye into thinking that you have a longer body because you look like you have a higher waist. One thing to remember is that you should always tuck your top in, or wear a cropped top. This makes your higher waistline more visible — whether you’re wearing a skirt, jeans or shorts.
Avoid anything baggy
Wear clothes that fit right. Try not to look “lost” in your own clothing. Wearing clothes that are either too big or too loose may make you seem broader and even shorter than you actually are.
These are just a few of the many tips and tricks to look taller without relying on heels.
—Want to discover more fashion pieces to mix and match for that long-leg look? Shop now