Okay so here’s the thing, I love my skinny capri leggings. They’re comfy like pajamas but look kinda put together, you know? Problem is, I’m not exactly blessed in the height department. Sometimes I’d throw them on with a t-shirt and trainers and just feel… stumpy. Like a garden gnome someone misplaced. My tall friend Sarah would just blink at me and say, “Interesting vibe today,” which is code for “Girl, you look like a can of Pringles.” Not the look. Needed a change.
The Whole Leggy-Looking-Tall Mission Started
Right. Tuesday morning, staring into the black hole of my closet. Grabbed my fave black skinny capri leggings. Usually, I just chuck on any old top. Nope, not today. Remembered that one tip everyone screams about: HIGH WAIST IS YOUR FRIEND. Dug out this black camisole top thing, super basic, but it sat right at the top of the leggings. Tucked that sucker in deep. Like, “meet my ribcage” tucked. Honestly? Felt kinda restricted at first. Like where does my lunch even go? But looked in the mirror. Huh. Waist was suddenly there, and my legs looked… longer? Started where my ribs ended? Weird magic.
Okay, step one: achieved. Torso looks shorter, legs look longer. Fine. But still felt a bit basic Betty. Needed something more. Pulled out this longline cardigan. Washed-out denim blue, hits mid-thigh. Put that on open over the top. Boom! Vertical line magic. All the guides say vertical = tall. Seems legit. The denim blue kinda matched the slightly faded black of my leggings? Sorta created one long column of colour from shoulder down. Held up a chunky belt, thought about cinching the waist over the cardigan. Looked at myself. Nah. Felt fussy. Stuck with letting the cardigan hang open, just creating those clean vertical lines.
Now, shoes. This is where I usually fall flat. Literally. Old Converse? No way. Made me feel stumpier. Flipped-flops? Disaster. Found these chunky sneakers I impulse-bought last month. Platform sole, maybe an inch thick? Not mad-high, just enough. Slid those bad boys on. Instantly felt taller. The extra inch is subtle but crucial. And the sneakers have a slightly pointy toe? Like, not elf-pointy, but almond-shaped? Huge difference. Makes your leg line go further. My mom walked in, saw the sneakers, said, “Those look like moon boots, honey.” Thanks, Mom. But secretly loved them.
Accessories – The Tiny Details That Actually Count
Almost forgot the neckline! The camisole was a pretty deep V. That’s another thing – deep necklines kinda pull the eye up and down, more vertical vibes. Had a simple silver pendant necklace, thin chain, tiny pendant. Tossed that on. Nothing chunky dragging attention.
Then hair. Usually a messy bun living on top of my head. Decided on a high ponytail. Sounds minor, but pulling hair straight up really lifts everything. Shows off the neck, feels taller. Felt like a cheerleader minus the enthusiasm.
Bag time. Crossbody purse? Maybe not. It cuts you right across the middle, especially if it hits your hip. Found this smaller tote style bag with shorter straps. Grabbed it by the top handles instead. Held it up near my hip or even just carried it on my forearm. Keeps the silhouette cleaner. No horizontal straps breaking things up.
The Final Reveal (& Why It Worked)
Stood back and looked. Okay, actually felt kind of tall? Or taller than usual. Compared to my usual leggings-and-tee look:
- Seriously Tucked Top: Created a high waist, defined where legs start.
- Long Cardigan: Added vertical length and flow.
- Chunky, Slightly Pointy Shoes: Gave literal height and elongated feet/ankles.
- Deep V & High Pony: Pulled focus upwards.
- Sensible Bag Holding: Avoided cutting across the body awkwardly.
Wore it out to grab coffee. No one gasped, “Wow you’re tall!” obviously. But I felt stretched out, sleek, put together. Definitely didn’t feel that gnome-ish energy. Biggest win? Still felt comfy. My legs looked way longer than they have any right to. Almost forgot I’m basically Hobbit height. Gonna stick with this formula whenever the skinny capri urge hits! Maybe next time swap the cardigan for a similar long, open shirt… See what happens. The mission continues!
