The Trick to Looking Taller 19 Optical Illusion Pieces

People are always surprised I’m only 5’4″ — probably because I’ve cracked the code to make my legs look long and lean. It all comes down to a few clever styling tricks that can easily make anyone appear taller.

Diana Garcia, the stylist behind TheTraditionallyModern.com, agrees. “If you are petite, try avoiding ankle straps — it can cut the silhouette and break the illusion of longer legs,” she said when we chatted. “A pointed toe elongates your foot, giving you more length. Another shoe silhouette could be an almond or round toe. The key is to elongate your leg.”

I’ve curated a selection of 19 petite-friendly pieces that work wonders for enhancing your height, giving you the look of longer, leaner legs. From chic high-waisted jeans that visually stretch the legs to sleek pointed-toe shoes that extend your silhouette and even playful mini skirts that add a flirty touch, achieving that elongated look is all about these insider hacks. No matter your height, you can rock the long-leg look with these 19 wardrobe essentials.

19 Must-Have Fashion Finds That Will Make Your Legs Appear Longer

Heighten Your Profile With the Right Shoes

1. My Absolute Favorite: This sleek silhouette on these Thursday Boot Company Rugged & Resilient Chelsea Boots Chelsea Boots will extend your line, especially when paired with coordinating jeans.

2. Make a Point: I wore these Dream Pairs Pointed Toe Pearl D’Orsay Dress Pumps at New York Fashion Week and the pointed silhouette made my legs look elegantly long.

3. Stack ‘Em Up: A platform wedge, like these Kate Spade New York Tahiti Platform Wedge Sandals, add a few extra inches without the pain of stilettos.

4. A Natural Match: A nude shoe is the quickest way to add length to your legs. These Sam Edelman Hazel Pointed Toe Pumps are a comfortable, reliable pair that come in both soft beige and toffee.

5. Luxe Lookalike: These Qunvngutui Wave Stiletto Heels have an expensive, designer look and give you an extra 4.7 inches — for nearly 10x less than the pricey alternative!

Lengthen Your Line With the Perfect Pants

6. My Absolute Favorite: Willit’s Wide Leg Work Slacks have a 4.9-star rating on Amazon and come in 25-inch, 27-inch and 29-inch inseams, ensuring the hem hits just right.

7. Focus Up: The button top on Wit & Wisdom’s ‘Ab’Solution Skyrise Button Fly Wide Leg Pants draw the eye up, helping you appear taller.

8. Raise the Waist: High-waisted pants will always make your legs look longer. Try these gorgeous Joe’s The Margot High Waist Relaxed Straight Leg Faux Leather Jeans, which come in toffee, black and plated silver!

9. Flow and Go: The flowy, floor-skimming fit of these Feoya Wide Palazzo Pants will give the illusion you’re much taller.

Show Off Your Legs with Elongating Skirts

10. My Absolute Favorite: A classic black leather mini skirt, like this one from Jordache, should be a staple in your leg-lengthening wardrobe.

11. Pretty and Preppy: The matching belt and wide pleats on this Reformation Rory Belted Wool Blend Miniskirt will make your legs look sky-high (add black tights and boots if you want to keep it more modest).

12. Comfort Zone: This Favorite Daughter Skort gives the look of a chic mini skirt. The comfy, built-in shorts are perfect if you want to show off your legs while making sure you’re able to move around with ease.

13. Active Lengths: This high-waisted golf skort from ameIAEA keeps your gams glowing both on and off the greens.

Look Long and Lean with These Dresses and Sets

14. My Absolute Favorite: The quickest and easiest way to look taller is to put on a monochrome outfit, like this Darong Two-Piece Ruched Wide-Leg Pant Set.

15. Long and Luxe: Style the chic, curve-highlighting silhouette of this Sergio Hudson Sleeveless Wrap Dress with some high heels and your legs will look miles long.

16. Trick the Eye: The high neck on this Auselily Sleeveless Crisscross Backless Dress A-Line Mini Dress will draw attention up top while the mini length will elongate your legs.

17. V for Victory: The high-V empire waist on this R.Vivimos Boho Maxi Dress will trick them into thinking your bottom half is six inches longer.

18. Flowered Flaunt: This floral-printed Feiersi Sleeveless Sundress is a flirty, fun way to make your legs appear longer, thanks to its shorter length.

19. Sky High: The high waist on this Auselily Long Sleeve Maxi Dress with Pockets is the perfect optical illusion to give you more length.