This is a question I get a lot from readers — how do I make my legs look longer? Even though I’m 5’6″, which I consider about average height, I definitely am always looking for ways to elongate my legs. Who doesn’t want long legs, after all? After years of trial and error and being in front of the camera, I feel like I have a few good tips to offer you on this, so I’m sharing them below. If you have any secrets of your own, please let us know in the comments!
xx, Ashley
Cropped tops
I feel like the term “cropped tops” might send your mind to super short teen-style tops that you can’t necessarily wear on a daily basis. This is not the kind of cropped top I’m referring to. Think sophisticated, yet slightly shorter tees, sweaters and jackets or blazers. Wearing cropped tops makes your torso appear shorter while giving more length to your legs. I personally love a good cropped sweater like the one I’m wearing here. It doesn’t have to show any skin, just a shorter hemline to trick the eye into thinking your legs are longer.
You can accomplish the same thing with a slight front tuck, but we all know fall and winter make tucking trickier since tops tend to be thicker. Here are some perfectly “cropped” sweaters that will give your legs length without any midriff moment (no thanks!).
High-waisted bottoms
This is the tip I rely on most when trying to make my legs look longer. High-rise denim, shorts, trousers, etc. make it look like your legs start sooner than they do, which makes them look longer than they actually are. Combining high-waisted denim and a cropped top is an easy daily go-to of mine.
Heels
To really elongate your legs, add a heel — ideally a nude one. This is why you see me in a lot of low, neutral-colored block heels. They add just enough height but are also comfortable and practical. If you want to take it up a notch, wearing a pointed toe option will really take it to the next level. Not all heels are created equal, though. Avoid ankle straps or shoes that cut you off at an awkward spot, which can have the opposite effect if you’re not careful.
Color coordination
Monochrome looks are also one of the best ways to make your legs longer. If you don’t want to go all one color, I recommend going with a nude pointed-toe pump. This would look great for a special event or formal office situation. Or another option would be to coordinate the pant and shoe color. Making them the same shade will create the illusion of longer legs.
Images by Mary Hafner
Beautful secrets of your legs just fantastic 🙂
5’6″ is actually above average height for a woman in the U.S. Depending on your region and circle of friends it may not seem that way, but the average, not the median, height is definitely under 5’6″.