That’s why someone might appear taller and slimmer in the same outfit, while you might look a “bit shorter.” Bulky and layered outfits during winter can further emphasize this issue. However, by choosing the right pieces and following these nine dressing tips, you can easily achieve a more balanced and elongated silhouette.
1. Pair with high-waisted pants or skirts
To improve your body’s 50:50 ratio, emphasizing the waist is key. So, how do you do that? Simply opt for high-waisted pants or skirts, as these styles have the advantage of lengthening the lower body.
How do you choose the right high-waisted piece? Since everyone’s waistline is different, a good rule of thumb is to ensure the waistband hits right at your navel.
Wide-leg or straight-cut high-waisted pants paired with a tucked-in sweater or a short cardigan will help create a flattering silhouette.
2. Wear crop tops or short jackets
Just like high-waisted bottoms, crop tops and short jackets can also work wonders in emphasizing the waist. Pairing a crop top with high-waisted pants will not only showcase your slim waist but also visually lengthen your legs and lower body. This is a crucial dressing technique for women with a 50:50 body ratio.
A cropped knit sweater showcases your slender waist while creating the illusion of longer legs.
Pairing a white tee with high-waisted wide-leg pants and a short jacket not only adds layers but also visually elongates your lower body by a few centimeters.
3. Tuck in your tops and use belts
The key to improving the 50:50 body ratio is always the waist. Girls with this body type should utilize tucking techniques to highlight their waist. Besides creating a neat appearance, it also helps to visually slim and enhance the body’s ratio.
Belts are also a must-have accessory to emphasize the waist. Choose belts that suit your figure to create a graceful and stylish outfit.
If your top is too long, tucking it in can create a waistline and form a more pleasing body ratio.
Pair a ribbed tee with high-waisted pants and a blazer for a chic and polished office look.
4. Opt for V-necks
V-necks are the most slenderizing of all necklines. Besides avoiding bulkiness, they also help elongate the neck. As a result, they can make you appear taller and improve your overall proportions.
A V-neck sweater or cardigan will create a slimming effect and elongate your neck, giving you a more streamlined appearance.
5. Go for tonal dressing and monochromatic outfits
Layered and colorful outfits can make you appear shorter and give the impression of a disjointed silhouette. On the other hand, tonal dressing and monochromatic outfits have the effect of expanding the field of vision, disguising any issues with the upper and lower body ratio, and creating a smoother and more slender silhouette.
A tonal outfit in all black not only looks stylish but also creates a lengthening effect.
6. Opt for lighter colors on the upper body
To achieve the effect of lengthening the legs, the upper body should be dressed in lighter colors than the lower body. This combination will also help avoid a heavy appearance on the upper body.
A light-colored short jacket paired with dark high-waisted jeans, both of which are figure-flattering pieces.
7. Show off your ankles
Exposing the ankles can make the calves appear slimmer and elongate the legs. We recommend that women with a 5-5 body ratio opt for ankle-bearing styles such as cropped pants, shorts, and more.
Ankle-length jeans create the illusion of longer legs.
8. Wear heels to add height
Opting for heels to improve your body ratio is the most direct and effective method. Whether it’s pumps, heeled boots, platform shoes, or sneakers, they’re all great tools to make you appear taller.
Singaporean fashionista Yoyo Cao has a petite frame and is rumored to be under 5’3″ tall. However, Yoyo often wears heels, which not only lengthen her lower body but also make her appear taller overall.
9. Choose pointed-toe shoes
If you want to create the illusion of longer legs, you can also opt for pointed-toe shoes, as they visually lengthen the feet and, by extension, the legs.
Pointed-toe heels, like V-necks, help slim the feet and “cheat” a few extra inches.
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