How to dress to look taller

Add a few inches to your height with these top style tips.

Pants
Matching the colour of your pants to your shoes creates the illusion that you're taller. "This creates a streamlined effect, instead of cutting your leg at the ankles," says Danielle du Plessis, a stylist and fashion designer. Here are more tips:
- Avoid wearing crop shorts - they will cut you in the wrong place, making your legs look stumpy.
- Stay away from skinny jeans - not only are they a fashion fad reserved for women, but they will also emphasise your shortness.
- Don't wear your pants too high - wear them just above your hips for maximum results.
- Avoid any kind of gathering around the hips caused by full pockets or tight and badly designed pants - they will make you look wider and shorter.

Longer shirts
Longer shirts equal a longer torso - or at least it will look that way. Du Plessis says: "This can add several ‘visual inches' to your entire body." When you're not in the office, longer shirts look better than those tucked in. And since it's winter, opt for longer length jerseys, jackets and blazers that fall just under your buttocks.

Patterns
Go for vertical stripes when wearing items of clothing with patterns. Horizontal stripes will make you look wider than you are. "Many people find that a monochromatic makes them look taller," says Du Plessis. "The uniform effect of representing one colour across the whole body will add inches to your height. This is because the human eye interprets a monochromatic outfit as a single unit, and this tricks the mind into believing the person is taller."
Tighter fit
Clothes that are baggy and too big will make you look small and squat, instead of taller. "Clothes should be fitted and sleek, creating a lean look," advises Du Plessis. "Avoid belts if at all possible. If you need a belt, make sure it's thin and the same colour as the pants."