10 must-have items a petite woman needs in her work wardrobe to look taller

Photo: Zara

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We all love the illusion of height (a good high heel is our best friend), but this is particularly so for petite women. If you have no idea where to start, here are 10 easy tips to follow:

 

High waist bottoms

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This is my favourite method to look much taller. High waist bottoms elongate your lower body as the eye sees your waistline resting above your hips. It’s all about proportion – tuck your blouse in or opt for a crop top to show off those endless legs. The trouser leg should go down to the floor for more elongation. Photo: Zara

For more fashion stories, check out http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion/what-is-my-lucky-colour-chinese-zodiac-2017 and http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion.

Nude heels

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Nude heels not only give you that height boost, the colour is close to your skin tone so your legs look like they go on forever. They also match pretty much anything and can provide some interesting contrast to your work #OOTDs when you wear dark coloured clothes. Avoid thick ankle straps as they’ll make your legs look stumpy. Photo: Zara

For more fashion stories, check out http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion/what-is-my-lucky-colour-chinese-zodiac-2017 and http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion.

 

Pointed shoes

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I have to admit I once frowned upon pointed shoes as I felt they looked like elf shoes and were far too narrow for my broad feet. But I got my first pair of pointed flats and never looked back. It’s amazing how they instantly elongate your legs because of the illusion of longer feet. They’re easy to pair and make you look put together even when you’re not super dressed up for work. Photo: Zara

For more fashion stories, check out http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion/what-is-my-lucky-colour-chinese-zodiac-2017 and http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion.

V-neck

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Embrace V-necks as they give the illusion of a longer torso. Experiment with your existing blouses and undo the first few buttons for the same effect. You can never go wrong with vertical necklines. Photo: Zara

For more fashion stories, check out http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion/what-is-my-lucky-colour-chinese-zodiac-2017 and http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion.

 

Vertical stripes

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A foolproof way to elongate your frame is to wear vertical stripes as they keep the eye running up and down rather than side to side. This piece with a floral patch is sweet and fun, and it helps that the the floral detail runs vertically as well. (And it’s V-neck!) Vertical stripes work on bottoms as well. Photo: Zara

For more fashion stories, check out http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion/what-is-my-lucky-colour-chinese-zodiac-2017 and http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion.

 

Thin waist belt

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Using a waist belt cinches the waist and gives definition when you’re wearing a loose fitting dress, but a chunky belt will cut your body into half and make you look shorter. Go for a skinny belt to highlight your natural body proportions. Photo: Topshop

For more fashion stories, check out http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion/what-is-my-lucky-colour-chinese-zodiac-2017 and http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion.

 

Short jacket

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Wearing a short jacket to highlight where your torso ends will also make your legs appear longer. This houndstooth jacket with frayed ends is effortlessly chic. Photo: Zara

For more fashion stories, check out http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion/what-is-my-lucky-colour-chinese-zodiac-2017 and http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion.

 

Smaller prints

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Make a statement at work by wearing prints, but avoid big prints as they will overwhelm your frame. This bodycon dress is not too loud and is perfect for work and play. Photo: ASOS

For more fashion stories, check out http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion/what-is-my-lucky-colour-chinese-zodiac-2017 and http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion.

 

Long necklace

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Wearing a long necklace elongates your torso and makes you appear taller, whereas wearing a choker makes your neck visually shorter (and your face look rounder). Photo: SheShops

Get this necklace at http://accessories.sheshops.com/necklaces/triangle-and-bar-rhodium-necklace.html.

For more fashion stories, check out http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion/what-is-my-lucky-colour-chinese-zodiac-2017 and http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion.

 

Avoid midi dresses and skirts

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Midi is a tricky length for petite ladies as you risk looking frumpy. It’s more flattering to wear something that ends above the knee or goes all the way, maxi style. Photo: Mango 

For more fashion stories, check out http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion/what-is-my-lucky-colour-chinese-zodiac-2017 and http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion.