Stay solid (but different textures add more fun)

Colorblocking is fine and dandy. But if you’re looking to look taller, stick with one color for the evening. Bored with just a solo hue? Pick a multi-material dress, like this one, to make keep your ensemble elongating and elegant.

 

Expert’s tip: If you’re going for the monochromatic look with separates, pair tops and bottoms with distinctly different textures.

 

Kimchee Blue Lyra Dress, $69, urbanoutfitters.com

Pick a tiny print

Bigger does not always mean better. Case in point: ginormous prints that engulf and diminish your itty-bitty frame. Keep it small and simple to make your shape shine.

 

Expert’s tip: Don’t waste your waist with a big belt that takes up half the size of your torso. Opt for a skinny belt, which won’t ruin that tall illusion you’re trying to achieve.

 

Upscale Dress, $30, urbanog.com

Above the knees, please

No, we’re not insisting on rocking minis to every event. Simply put: anything drifting below your knees (we’re looking at you, midis) shortens already short sweeties. Not that we’re hating on maxis—just make sure your hemline’s not tripping you or sweeping the floor as you walk.

 

Expert’s tip: Don’t wear an ill-fitting garment, no matter how cute. Enlist the help of a tailor for the perfect fit. Trust us, it’s worth it.

 

Sugar Maple Chartreuse Jacquard Dress, $71, lulus.com

Lengthen with lines

You know how vertical stripes make you seem slimmer widthwise? They also make you seem longer lengthwise. Oh, stripes, what can’t you do?

 

Expert’s tip: Wear black tights with black shoes to make your legs look long ‘n’ lean.

 

Studded Bodycon Dress, $25, forever21.com

Stick to strapless

There’s no denying it: strapless just looks ah-mazing on petite pretties. Bonus points for an adorbs sweetheart neckline.

 

Expert’s tip: Bag those big bags. As a rule of thumb, your purse shouldn’t be so big that you can fit most of yourself in it.

 

Do a Little Sprig Dress, $50, modcloth.com

Work the right waistline

The waistline of your dress or top defines where your legs start (to onlookers, not to doctors). Your best bet is an empire dress, which creates the illusion that your gams go on and on.

 

Expert’s tip: Improve your posture. Nothing adds inches quite like straightening up.