Fashion: Styling stretches the truth about your height

Vertical stripes will help you appear taller.

I'm not very tall and of average build and would like to look taller ... however, heels just aren't my thing. How can I dress to look even a little bit taller?

Remember stretching racks! Kidding.

The key to help you appear taller is to create a narrow, long silhouette through your styling.

*Wear one colour top and bottom or complementary tones. Contrasting colours have a visual stop-start effect.

*Wear tops, jackets, trousers, and dresses that are more fitted. I'm not suggesting they have to be figure-hugging but more closely follow the contours of your body as opposed to loose-fitting garments; a more streamlined look.

*Garments with side design panels, in a contrasting colour or pattern from the centre panel, can also help achieve this. This style can also give a slimming look.

*Wear open-front footwear, have as much of your skin/tights showing so it gives the appearance of a longer leg line. Be careful with ankle straps and ankle boots as they can visually cut or interrupt the leg line.

*Even the smallest of heels, say 2-3cm, can make a difference to your height appearance and are still very comfortable. Wearing a heel also narrows the calf. Opt for a finer heel rather than chunky/platform because visually it's more slimming.

*Vertical stripes draw the eye up and down, which can lengthen your look.

*Keep your styling minimal - garment lines, detailing. For example, a pencil skirt (narrow top to bottom) will give you more length than a full skirt. Same with patterning - opt for small patterns or no patterns at all. Too much going on may dwarf you.

*Wearing a skirt or shorts at, or slightly above the knee, together with an open-front shoe, will make your legs look longer.

Send your questions for Lisa to regionalfeatures@apn.co.nz

Lisa Lyford is the founder of Gorgeous Me, free DIY personal styling and makeover advice.

www.gorgeousme.co.nz