It is possible for shorter men and women to give the illusion of being taller. Attitude, body movement and carriage, body physique, hairstyle, and fashion tricks can all add “visual” inches to anyone’s stature.

Attitude and Looking Taller

Maintaining a positive attitude and a healthy, happy outlook on life can do wonders to help men and women portray a positive image and impressive appearance. Women and men who smile and exude positivity and self-confidence can actually seem to appear taller than they actually are.

Body Carriage and Body Physique for a Taller Look

It’s essential to maintain good posture to look tall and to keep one’s back and muscles healthy. In order to give the illusion of being taller, one should remember to sit with a straight back and stand proud with head held high at all times. Sit, stand and walk with good posture. A slouched appearance makes one appear shorter and even insecure.

Shorter people who stay lean will give the allusion of being taller. Heavier and exceedingly muscular people look broader and, therefore, shorter. Keeping trim and fit will give a taller appearance to the body. Shorter people should try to reduce stomach bulge. When one’s stomach is larger, people’s eyes are drawn straight to the stomach and rather than moving vertically. Tricks that draw the eye vertically up and down the body add “visual” inches.

Hairstyles to Look Taller

Shorter to medium length hair works best for shorter people, men in particular. Hair longer than shoulder length hides the neck and shoulders, giving an allusion of having a shorter frame.

How to Dress to Look Taller

Wear clothes that fit. Baggy clothing will make shorter people appear even shorter. Tighter, tailored clothing that define the body’s lines will give a taller allusion to the body frame.

Choose clothes in monochromatic tones. Wearing, from head to toe, clothes in similar tones or shades will create a slimming, taller allusion. Shorter people should avoid bold prints and intensely bright colors and opt instead for impeccable tailoring in subtle, darker shades and styles. Patterned clothes should have vertical detailing for a taller look. Often wearing long shirts will give the torso a longer look, adding “visual” inches to the entire body.

Layering clothes effectively will also add “visual” height. In layering clothes, the darker shirt should always be worn on the outside. A good layering trick for appearing taller is to wear a V-neck shirt over a tank top. Wearing V-necks gives a longer appearance to the body. One should never layer ruffled tops as ruffles draw attention to the chest. The key is to draw the eye vertically to appear taller.

Those who want to appear to be taller should wear heels rather than flats. Flat shoes draw attention to the feet. Men can even find shoes that have a slightly more built up, squared heel.