Back to black

The trick to height is all in the illusion, girlies.  When you pile on the same color head to toe, your body appears longer. How can you get the look?  Slip on a your best LBD and work it with black tights and black heels. But keep in mind you don’t hafta go goth (unless you want to!). We like to mix in some vibrant hues.

 

Roxy Savage Knit Dress,  $30, pacsun.com

Empire state of mind

You may not be the kind of girl who digs the high-waisted look in jeans or shorts, but trust me, it really does the trick in dresses.  An empire waist visually lifts your torso up higher, making it seem like your legs go for miles in the process

 

Polka Power Dress, $48, modcloth.com

Vertical horizon

Here comes that illusion bit again.  Horizontal patterns extent our bods out to the sides, right?  It only makes sense to have vertical patterns do the same in making you seem taller or shorter.

 

Staring at Stars Woven Bodycon Dress, $50, urbanoutfitters.com

Bubblelicious

Fitted dresses look good on every height, but to really stop hearts, slide into a fitted dress with tiered ruffles and a bubble hem for extra volume.

 

Bow & Bubble Hem Dress, $27, forever21.com

Short and sweet

Petite babes totally win in the war of mini dresses—they’re hands-down always flattering on tiny chicas.  Embrace the super-short!

 

Pins and Needles Chiffon-Trim Knit Dress, $49, urbanoutfitters.com

Go long—wayyy long

Contrary to popular belief, petite babes can pull off maxi dresses. Look to Nicole Richie:  She rocks those lengthy threads all day (and night!).  Fact of the matter is that exaggerated hems just work for you: Especially if you sneak some higher-than-high heels underneath.

 

O’Neill Nina Print Maxi Dress, $60, lulus.com