When dressing for your particular body type, whether Pear, Oval, Diamond, etc., one must also take height into consideration. So for those of you who are on the shorter side of the spectrum, but would prefer to be on the taller side, here are a few pointers to help with that task. Of course, one must know the average height for males (5'10" - 5'11") and females (5'4" - 5'5"). If this is at or near your height measurement, and you'd still like to seem a bit taller, please read on.

For those of you who are of a Kevin Hart or Scarlett Johansson stature, this blog's for you!

While you won't actually be taller, these tips/tricks will create the illusion of height, which is the ultimate goal. This is achieved by creating continuity and distance, while minimizing distractions between head and toe.

The era of oversized clothes has passed, and if you're wishing to create the illusion of height, should never return to your wardrobe. Fit matters! Short Rise, not Low Rise jeans and trousers are what you should be drawn to. Short Rise will fall at your actual waistline, adding length to your lower half, while the other falls nearer the hip which will only serve to make your legs seem stumpy. Avoiding the look of stumpy legs also means that 'Skinny' should be stricken from your vocabulary and replaced with 'Slim', when it comes to jeans and trousers. Shirts and Jackets should have shoulders high enough on the garment to leave a small gap between the arms and torso, when the arms are at your side. This provides a slimming effect, and a slimmer torso will equate to a longer torso. When it come to Jacket length, one that falls nearer the waist would serve to add a bit of length to your legs. But be careful not to go too short, as you want to avoid looking like two halves creating one whole.

Being proportionate is essential. Big features on your clothing will not add the lengthening effect you are looking for. So, for example, opt for lapels and collars on the slim side, tie knots on the small, and pinstriping on the thin, just not too slim, small or thin. And rather than the standard 1/2" exposed sleeve cuff, opt for 1/4" cuff. These features will serve to draw the observer's eyes upward and keep things in better proportion to you smaller stature. And to keep those eyes more focused on your upper half, accessorizing this half will do the trick; add a pocket square, hat, some eyewear or the like.

On the subject of Suits, avoid all black as much as possible. While darker colors are what you want, darker shades of grey for example, too dark will minimize your already minimal frame. Keeping in mind that creating a continuous line is the goal, consider pinstriping for your suits. In addition gents, consider suspenders over a belt; belts will break up that continuous line you're trying to achieve. And both genders should hit the brakes on breaks. The excess fabric that causes a break in your pant leg will only make your legs seem that much shorter. Don't be ashamed of your shoes, show them off by eliminating breaks.

The last little tid-bit I leave you with to elongate your frame is color, or perhaps the lack thereof. Not to say that you can't or shouldn't wear colors, but you should aim to be monochromatic. And if you must wear color seperates, be sure to wear the darker color on your bottom half. This serves to achieve the intended goal of elongating your petit frame.

Add these tips to your wardrobe repertoire in totality or in portions, and add the illusion of inches to your frame. But never be diminished or ashamed of your height, remember 'good things come in small packages'!

Be sure to enjoy the journey while creating your own unique style!

- LoneWolf Styling