When you want to look taller, think short. “Mini but tailored dresses like this one by Madewell are great for petite shapes,” says fashion stylist and blogger Sarah McManus. “The better the fit, the taller you will look; otherwise you’ll be hidden under too much fabric and lose your petite figure.” Plus, these dresses are perfect staple pieces for both day and night. Pair with work-appropriate pumps and a cardi or blazer for day, and then lose the topper, switch up the accessories, and add some sexy heels for the p.m.
Another trend to try on for size? A top and bottom in the same color, a la a pantsuit. “Dark colors work best because they recede, making the wearer look leaner, and when you look leaner, you look taller,” says Paula Darnell, About.com’s petite style expert. Because shades such as brown, deep purples, and oxblood red (seen head-to-toe on the runways of Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs) are so in for fall, now is the perfect time to try out this trick!
