Height, especially for men, tends to play into that crucial first impression – but a great style can easily shift that narrative. For short kings standing 5’7” and under, mastering fashion is less about inches and more about illusion. From proportion play to smart styling tricks, the right wardrobe choices can visually elongate your frame, whether on Instagram or IRL.
Consider this your go-to fashion guide, featuring five easy styling tips to help you look taller. Inspired by well-dressed icons like Tom Holland and Bruno Mars, they’re proof that impactful style isn’t measured in height. Whether you’re dressing for photos or everyday wear, these tips are all about refining proportions and using fashion to your advantage.
Monochromatic look
A monochromatic outfit refers to dressing in one colour or shades of the same colour. This styling technique gives off the illusion of looking elongated, while the use of multiple colours in an outfit can make one appear shorter instead. However, some rules can be slightly bent. If you’d like to add a pop of colour, subtly wear it on your inner shirt while keeping the open jacket and the bottoms unicoloured.
High-waisted pants
The “rule of thirds” doesn’t just apply to photography, art or design – it’s good for fashion rules too, especially to make your legs look longer. Also known as menswear’s golden ratio, it simply divides an outfit into one-third featuring a top or jacket, and the remaining two-thirds, the pants. An easy way to achieve this is with high-waisted trousers that sit at or above the waist. This raises the waistline, creating the illusion of longer legs and a more elongated silhouette.
Short shirts or outerwear
For the top part of the rule of thirds, let your upper torso appear shorter by ensuring the hem ends at the hip. Simply tuck in or wear cropped shirts. The rule also applies to outerwear such as blazers, cardigans, and jackets. This gives off a relaxed and effortless look, and it’s a method widely favoured by Gen Zs, including fashion icon Jacob Elordi.
Match pants with shoes
There are two key reasons why you should match your pants with your shoes. First, high contrast breaks up your leg line, making you look shorter. Keeping your pants and shoes in a similar shade creates a continuous line, helping your legs look longer. Second, keeping them in the same hue lets you wear elevated soles more discreetly, adding height without drawing obvious attention.
Tall hats
Bruno Mars’ go-to styling tip for looking taller? Hats with wider brims. “I’m a short guy, and that’s always something I have to think about. I’ve always done the hat thing. Now I’m doing ones with bigger brims to make myself look taller,” the 16-time Grammy winner said in an interview in 2015. If you’re not a fan of hats, try holding your hair up with wax instead.
Keep up with the latest fashion news here.