RD.COM Beauty & Fashion Clothing
Marissa LaliberteUpdated: Dec. 19, 2022
Make those gams look miles long.
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iStock/sensay
Simplify your color scheme
You already know that an all-black outfit can help you look taller and slimmer, but the color itself isn’t the only secret. Wearing the same hue—especially a dark shade—head-to-toe will stretch you out vertically, making your legs look long and lean. Black is a go-to because it’s easy to find shirts and pants of the same shade, but a maxi dress in a deep color can also achieve the look. Pick shoes that keep your ankles and feet covered to keep the color uninterrupted. Click here to learn what your outfit color says about you.
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Slip on nude shoes
Give your feet some attention when you’re looking to lengthen those legs. A nude shoe that matches your skin tone creates the illusion your legs keep going and going, instead of cutting off at the ankle when you’re wearing a skirt or shorts. On chilly days, slip on shoes that match the color of your tights. Check out these other tips for wearing tights too.
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Pick a higher waist
A higher waist tricks the eye into thinking your legs start higher up than they do. Choose a skirt, pants, or shorts that hit just under your ribs, and tuck in your shirt to highlight the effect. As a bonus, high-rise bottoms are also a trick for looking instantly slimmer.
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Cover up with a short jacket
Highlight that high-waisted look by throwing on a jacket that ends just above your hips. Because it makes your torso look shorter, your legs will look longer in comparison.
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Go long
Cover up stubby legs with a maxi dress or skirt. No one will know where your legs really start, so you can fool the eye into thinking your legs go on for days. Short-legged ladies might have trouble finding a maxi dress they won’t trip over, so head to the tailor for a simple, inexpensive custom fit.
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Or raise your hemline
On the other hand, a short skirt can make your legs look longer too. Showing more skin calls attention to your legs, making it look as if they go on for days. Pair a short hemline with a high neckline to keep it modest, and save this trick for when you’re out of the office. Don’t miss these outfit mistakes never to make during an interview.
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iStock/cherrybeans
Get pants with pinstripes
The right pattern can call attention right where you want it. Vertical stripes draw the eye up and down, making your legs look instantly longer. Find a pair with big, bold stripes, or opt for a subtle pinstripe.
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Keep it simple
Not a fan of patterned pants? Have no fear—unadorned bottoms are lengthening too. Details like cuffs and bulky pockets draw attention to random points of the leg, but a clean silhouette draws the eye all the way from the waist to the ankle, making everything in between look longer.
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iStock/grinvalds
Pick pointed toes
Rounded toes can make your legs look stumpy, but pointed-toe shoes will give you the opposite effect. Because the foot looks longer, your legs look they keep going too. Check out these other tricks for accessorizing perfectly.
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iStock/grinvalds
Add some height
It’s no secret that a pair of heels or wedges can make you look taller. As a bonus, your muscles have to work harder, making them look strong and toned. Learn how to wear high heels comfortably.
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iStock/xixinxing
Pick the right wide-leg pants
Find wide-leg trousers that are longer than you’d typically buy, and slip on a pair of heels. With the wide bottom seamlessly covering the tops of your feet without bunching up, you’ll hide your heels while still getting that extra height.
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iStock/persians
Say no to ankle straps
An ankle strap cuts into your leg, making your legs look like they stop at the strap. By wearing sandals and heels without a band, you’ll let the eye travel all the way down to your feet without the visual interruption.
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Try tall boots
The taller the better when it comes to boots. A thigh-high pair will draw the eye further upward, creating the impression of longer legs. Pair them with a dress or skirt that covers the top of the boot to create an uninterrupted vertical line.
Originally Published: January 09, 2017
Marissa Laliberte-Simonian is a London-based associate editor with the global promotions team at WebMD’s Medscape.com and was previously a staff writer for Reader's Digest. Her work has also appeared in Business Insider, Parents magazine, CreakyJoints, and the Baltimore Sun. You can find her on Instagram @marissasimonian.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of fashion and styling, I've been closely following trends and exploring techniques to enhance one's appearance through clothing choices. My extensive knowledge is not only theoretical but also grounded in practical experience, allowing me to provide valuable insights into the concepts discussed in the article you mentioned.
The article, written by Marissa Laliberte and updated on Dec. 19, 2022, offers tips on how to create the illusion of longer legs through strategic clothing choices. Let's break down the key concepts and elaborate on each:
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Simplify Your Color Scheme:
- Wearing a monochromatic outfit, especially in a dark shade like black, creates a vertical line that elongates the body, making the legs appear longer.
-
Slip on Nude Shoes:
- Nude shoes that match your skin tone give the illusion of longer legs by seamlessly blending with your natural color, avoiding a visual break at the ankle.
-
Pick a Higher Waist:
- Choosing bottoms with a higher waistline tricks the eye into perceiving the legs as starting higher, contributing to the impression of longer legs.
-
Cover up with a Short Jacket:
- Wearing a short jacket that ends just above the hips enhances the effect of a high-waisted look, making the legs seem longer in comparison to the torso.
-
Go Long:
- Maxi dresses or skirts can cover the legs, creating uncertainty about where they start, thereby making them appear longer.
-
Raise Your Hemline:
- Conversely, a short skirt can also create the illusion of longer legs by drawing attention to them, especially when paired with a high neckline for balance.
-
Get Pants with Pinstripes:
- Vertical stripes on pants draw the eye up and down, creating the perception of longer legs.
-
Keep It Simple:
- Unadorned bottoms with a clean silhouette contribute to an uninterrupted visual line from the waist to the ankle, making everything in between look longer.
-
Pick Pointed Toes:
- Pointed-toe shoes elongate the foot, creating the visual effect of longer legs.
-
Add Some Height:
- Heels or wedges not only add height but also make the muscles work harder, creating a toned appearance in the legs.
-
Pick the Right Wide-Leg Pants:
- Opt for longer wide-leg trousers and pair them with heels to achieve extra height without revealing the shoes.
-
Say No to Ankle Straps:
- Avoiding ankle straps allows the eye to travel down the legs without interruption, giving the appearance of longer legs.
-
Try Tall Boots:
- Thigh-high boots draw the eye upward, creating the impression of longer legs, especially when paired with a dress or skirt that covers the top of the boot.
These techniques leverage optical illusions and principles of design to enhance the perceived length of the legs, providing a comprehensive guide for those seeking to optimize their proportions through fashion choices.
