You've all heard that black makes you look slimmer and taller. While that's true, it's not the only trick in the book. There are a dozen other ways to elongate yourself without having to look goth. Take a look at the real-life examples below. For The Spirit LA premiere [1], Eva Mendes chose a Bill Blass maxi that, because it grazed the carpet, made her appear taller. Vertical stripes, as shown in the center editorial, and long cardigans, like on Katie Holmes, can also do the trick. Proceed for more tips.
- Maxi Dresses: Like in Eva's case, maxi dresses [2] give the illusion of tallness because they provide one straight line from top to bottom, without any interruptions.
- Long Cardigans: It's a misconception that everything long makes you look tall. But a long cardigan, past your waist, is one casual way to do it. The darker the color the better.
- Long, Wide-Leg Trousers: Be sure to find a style that grazes the floor, and preferably covers your shoes. They're never to be worn with flats, only high heels!
- Platforms: It's no secret that platform shoes can literally add inches to your height. For a more subtle approach, choose a shoe with a hidden platform.
- Vertical Stripes: Unlike horizontal stripes, which cut you off, vertical stripes keep going and going.
To see more tips, and to shop a widget of elongating pieces, .
- Trench Coats: A thigh-length trench coat is a slick, sophisticated way to appear tall, especially when worn with over-the-knee boots. Avoid anything longer than the knee, please.
- Over-the-Knee Boots: Speaking of over-the-knee boots, ones with high heels will give you an extra boost. Just be sure to wear them with demure clothing; you don't want to look sketchy.
- Dark Colors: Black, dark brown, navy, dark gray — these moody hues and others like them are right for looking slim and tall.
- Long, Skinny Scarves: Throw on an extra long, extra skinny scarf to take the focus away from your outfit.
- Turtlenecks: These give the illusion of a long neck, so they're perfect for those who have a short one.
- High-Waist Styles: Whether its skirts, shorts, or pants, if you have a flat tummy, high-waisted styles can make your torso appear inches longer.
- Opera Gloves: Unlike cropped gloves, opera styles go past your elbow and make your arms appear super slender.
[2]
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Vince Long Cardigan [2]Long Cardigan [2] by Vince [2] $320.00 $80.00 at Standard Style [2]
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Cherub Trouser [2]Cherub Trouser [2] by French Connection [2] $168.00 $79.99
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Simple Jersey Scarf [2]Simple Jersey Scarf [2] by Forever 21 [2] $6.80
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Corsair Leather Over-The-Knee Boot [2]Corsair Leather Over-The-Knee Boot [2] by Urban Outfitters [2] $178.00 $99.99
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Nordstrom Faux LaceUp Long Leather Gloves [2]Faux LaceUp Long Leather Gloves [2] by Nordstrom [2] $148.00 $58.90
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City Style Leather Trench [2]City Style Leather Trench [2] by New York & Co. [2] $129.95 $19.99
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J Brand The Doll High Waist Bell Bottom Jean [2]The Doll High Waist Bell Bottom Jean [2] by J Brand [2] $187.00 at shopbop.com [2]
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Splendid Long Cardigan [2]Long Cardigan [2] by Splendid [2] $70.00 at Neiman Marcus [2]
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Tweed Wide Leg Pant [2]Tweed Wide Leg Pant [2] by New York & Co. [2] $34.99 $17.49
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Rachel Pally Swing Turtleneck [2]Swing Turtleneck [2] by Rachel Pally [2] $141.00 $42.30 at shopbop.com [2]
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V-line platform pump [2]V-line platform pump [2] by Victoria's Secret [2] $72.00 $29.99
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Heathered Turtleneck Tunic [2]Heathered Turtleneck Tunic [2] by Forever 21 [2] $15.80
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Lauren by Ralph Lauren Tunic Swimsuit Cover-Up [2]Lauren by Ralph Lauren Tunic Swimsuit Cover-Up [2] by Lauren Ralph Lauren [2] $61.00 $45.75 at Macy's [2]
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Halter Maxi Dress [2]Halter Maxi Dress [2] by Express [2] $98.00
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Raven Tailored Riley Stripe Trouser [2]Tailored Riley Stripe Trouser [2] by Raven [2] $242.00 $145.00 at Tobi [2]
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Zipper High Waisted Skirt [2]Zipper High Waisted Skirt [2] by Charlotte Russe [2] $22.99 $11.49
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Long Ultra-Knit Skirt [2]Long Ultra-Knit Skirt [2] by Express [2] $59.50
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Yana Wrap Cashmere [2]Yana Wrap Cashmere [2] by Calypso [2] $375.00
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BR Monogram cashmere long cardigan [2]BR Monogram cashmere long cardigan [2] by Banana Republic [2] $275.00 $89.97
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0815LovesPeace by 8.15 August Fifteenth Hooded Tunic [2]0815LovesPeace by 8.15 August Fifteenth Hooded Tunic [2] by Urban Outfitters [2] $78.00 $9.99
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James Perse Racerback Maxi Dress [2]Racerback Maxi Dress [2] by James Perse [2] $155.00 $76.90 at Nordstrom [2]
Source [3] and Source [4]