Unlock the Secrets to Looking Taller: A Guide to Styling for Petite Women

There are four reasons why petite women may be making styling mistakes when wearing long skirts, which can make them appear shorter than they are.

1. Wearing floor-length skirts

The first reason is that long skirts can shorten your stature if not styled correctly, especially for those who are already on the shorter side. While floor-length or ankle-grazing skirts can be graceful and elegant, they can also overwhelm a petite frame, making the wearer look like a child playing dress-up.

Unless you’re supermodel-tall, a floor-length skirt can literally swallow you whole.

Therefore, shorter women should opt for a midi or ankle-grazing skirt that shows a bit of skin. This creates the illusion of longer legs and a more proportionate silhouette.

However, choosing the right skirt length is not enough. Pair it with sandals or heels, preferably with a pointed toe, to visually elongate your legs and instantly add a few inches to your height.

Ankle-length or midi skirts are more flattering and elongating for petite women.

2. Wearing overly voluminous skirts

The width of your skirt also matters. While this may not be as noticeable on taller individuals, it can be a game-changer for petites. Very full skirts, like tutus, will only add bulk and make you look wider and shorter.

Overly voluminous skirts can make petites look stout and stubby.

Instead, opt for a skirt with a more streamlined silhouette, perhaps with a bit of stretch, to create a lengthening effect. A-line or straight skirts are ideal. If you’re concerned about a tummy pooch, layer with a long blazer or a denim jacket to look more polished and streamline your shape. Additionally, pairing a fitted top with a flowy skirt creates a visually slimming contrast, making you appear taller.

Wearing a wide skirt can also add bulk to your frame, making you look heavier and shorter.

3. Wearing low-rise skirts

The placement of your skirt’s waistband can drastically affect your proportions. A long skirt with a low rise will divide your body in half, making you look both shorter and wider. On the other hand, a very high waist can be unflattering for those with larger busts or fuller upper bodies.

A high waist can elongate your legs, while a low waist will shorten your stature.

For a more balanced look, aim for a waistband that sits at your natural waist, which is typically two to three fingers above your belly button. Avoid skirts with a tight, constricting waistband, as this can be uncomfortable and create an unflattering silhouette.

The difference between a low-rise and a high-waisted skirt is evident.

4. Opt for small, delicate floral prints

When it comes to floral prints, it’s essential to consider the size of the print. Most Asians have relatively small faces and frames, so a large floral print can be overwhelming. Smaller, more delicate florals are easier to pull off and create a softer, more manageable look.

Large floral prints can make petites look heavier and shorter.

Now that you know the styling tricks to avoid, here are some outfit ideas to help you rock your long skirts and look your tallest:

A structured denim skirt is great for defining your shape, and a slit adds a hint of skin to create a slimming effect. Pair it with a lightweight knit top for a feminine, Korean-inspired look.

A long slit skirt paired with a form-fitting tank top showcases your figure and elongates your legs.

For a clean, simple look, team a tank top with a satin A-line skirt and a sleek shirt jacket.

Remember the slimming rule of “narrow on top, wide on bottom.” A simple white tee tucked into an A-line skirt defines your waist and creates a longer line.

The classic combination of a button-down shirt and a flowy skirt is always a winner. For cooler days, add a knit sweater.

For a professional look, pair your long skirt with a blazer and a button-down shirt, making sure to tuck in the shirt to emphasize your waist and create a polished silhouette.