How To Look Taller In A Dress

By Kat Robertson, Stylist

Choosing the Right Dress to Look Taller

All women are different heights and those that are shorter want to look taller in dresses, especially for special occasions. This can be achieved in a number of ways but it comes down to choosing the right dress to give the appearance of more length. The two methods here have been used by celebrities to create more beautiful looks and every woman can look for these specific styles when searching for their own dresses.

The BCBG dress here, which can be found at Nordstrom, is a great example of the empire waist and how it creates a taller looker. Notice how the waist line is actually raised all the way up to right under the bust line and brings more attention to the top. The scallops and layering add even more length to the dress and the lace trimming is the perfect finish. Shorter women will find this dress extremely flattering paired with some wedges.

This Adrianna Papell gown also includes an empire waist too, which makes women look taller for classier events. Lots of evening gowns have empire waistlines because it creates a gorgeous effect which can be seen with this dress. The matte sequins and beads trimming the cascades at the waist really compliment the halter and V-neck. Shorter women should look for gowns that have detailed empire waistlines like this dress.

This Alice + Olivia shift dress brings a classic look with a shorter hemline. The shift is plain and simple and looks very flattering on most women. The shorter hem will elongate legs and make women look taller, especially when paired with the right shoes. Available at shopbop.

This J Crew dress features three quarter sleeves and a hem that falls to mid-thigh to show off the legs. It is a simple frock but still adds that lengthening effect. For some reason, the horizontal stripes seem to add to the effect and might actually make the wearer look much taller. Stripes might be added to the list of how to make you look taller in a dress.

Celebrities Do It To

Eva Longoria is 5’2 on paper for her height but the actress always seems taller in most of her appearances. This is thanks to her shoes of course and sometimes her dresses that make her look taller. This fabulous dress uses the empire waist with a ribbon to produce the image of a taller Eva. The dress is already charming but the added effect makes it twice as good