From the perspective of a short person, I’m going to be the first to say that I absolutely hate it. I’m sick of the jokes. I’m sick of the insulting age speculation. I’m sick of feeling cute and not sexy. I combat these insecurities on a daily basis, and in my 23 years I’ve picked up a few illusory tricks to feel a little taller both mentally and physically. 


Fashion Monochromatic dressing is important in order to create the illusion of a long unbroken vertical line up and down the body. Experiment with color by not experimenting with color — wear one color throughout. Whether it be with separate pieces, with a dress or with a top paired with the same color skirt.

Heels are the obvious quick fix, and us short girls certainly own a few pumps, but sometimes a girl just wants to walk around in a pair of flip-flops or flats without hearing something brilliant like, “Hey! What happened? Did yah not get enough milk as a kid?”

American Apparel Stretch Floral Lace Bodysuit Medium-pink, from Amazon

 Try a pair of skinny jeans/pants and shoes that are a similar color to your top to create a unbroken appearance up and down your body. Adding a blazer with light shoulder padding over a form fitting body suit is a gorgeous look for petite women. I recommend the snappy crotch or thong body suits from American Apparel. They’re elongating and don’t create bulk from shoving extra fabric down your pants. For a night out, don’t hesitate to throw on a high-waisted pencil skirt or a dress that sits well above your knees. Not too high ladies, no one should be getting an eyeful of your Britney. For more on fashion tips that give your profile a taller illusion, check out our past post How To Dress Yourself Taller.
Posture: If you’re not in the mood for heels, become more aware of your posture. So many of us have fallen into the habit of slouching without even realizing we’re doing it, so stick that chest out and pull your shoulders back. Not only will you buy yourself a few centimeters, but you’ll also exude a sense of confidence, which is one of the sexiest qualities a person can have.

Hair: If you’re short, you can actually make yourself appear shorter depending on the length of your hair. Hair can consume an already petite frame and take attention away from your figure. Try a medium to short haircut and use a great volumizer for a little added height. Think Eva Mendes and Penelope Cruz.


Exercise: Pilates is one of the few fitness methods that actually elongates your muscles rather than shortening and tightening them. It is a favorite of ballet dancers who need to maintain a long lean physique, which anyone — short and tall alike — can achieve.

Pilates For Beginners & Beyond Boxed Set (Pilates for Inflexible People / Pilates Complete for Weight Loss / Pilates Complete Sculpt and Tone), $39.99 from Amazon

Pilates is heavily focused on your posture, resulting in a nearly transformative way of carrying yourself, in turn giving you a taller longer appearance, especially through the abdomen. Truth be told, pilates, can even add some height to your frame. A Pilates instructor once told me that she used to be a little over 5’2 and now she’s exactly 5’3. The pilates method really does lengthen your body and muscles in the most beautiful possible way.

I know what some of you are thinking, uh pilates is expensive. Yes it is. Several sessions can cost you hundreds of dollars a month, so if pilates classes are not within your budget, opt for a pilates DVD like Gaiam pilates core challenge. If the DVD’s aren’t blowing your hair back, get yourself to a yoga class, which are often substantially less expensive than pilates. The class environment also keeps you focused as you twist, stretch and lengthen that petite frame.

Who loves being short and who wishes they were a little taller? What are some ways you make yourself feel long and lean?