A fashion stylist shared the simple changes she makes to her clients’ fashion choices to make them look longer and taller.
Melbourne native Melissa Murgana said no matter your height, “most of us can use these tips when getting dressed” — and they’ll improve the way you look and feel today.
“The biggest goal of the game in stretching is to create a vertical line without a break,” Melissa wrote on Instagram.
“And it’s all the little things that come together to create a flattering outfit that flatters your figure.”
Scroll down for videos
A fashion stylist shared the simple changes she makes to her clients’ fashion choices to add length and make them look taller (Melissa Murgana pictured).
The stylist’s first tip is to combine similar colors to draw the eye down (pictured).
Melissa recommends avoiding crew-neck t-shirts if you’re looking to elongate your figure, as they close your cleavage and instead opt for V-necks to draw the eye downward (both pictured).
The stylist’s first tip is to combine similar colors to draw the eye down.
“If you combine similar colors next to each other, it doesn’t create a horizontal line on your frame,” Melissa said.
One of the best things you can do to look taller is to invest in a color block pant suit as it creates an illusion of size.
Melissa recommends avoiding crew-neck t-shirts if you’re trying to lengthen your figure, as they can close your cleavage and contribute to shortening.
“Instead, V-necks draw the gaze down,” she said, opting for a classic white V-neck tee with a black blazer and jeans.
When it comes to shoes, the stylist said, avoid “dark straps at the ankle,” which serve to shorten your figure and make you look smaller than you really are
When it comes to shoes, the stylist said, avoid “dark straps at the ankle,” which serve to shorten your figure and make you look smaller than you really are.
“Try to get a shoe strap that goes away from the ankle to lengthen it,” Melissa said.
You can also opt for a nude colored heel that will always make your legs appear longer.
In closing, Melissa said to “avoid floppy jackets” and go for straight-cut ones instead so you can “see the pillar.”
Finally, Melissa said you should “avoid jackets that collapse” and instead buy straight-cut ones so you can “see your pillar” (pictured).
Previously, Melissa shared her three secrets to dressing for your proportions and the one trick you need to try to check if you’re dressing right for your figure.
The first is to think deeply about your color pairings.
“Wearing two opposite colors really draws attention to that center part,” the stylist explained in a previous video.
“While two complementary colors really elongate the silhouette.”
Melissa’s second fashion secret is that you should always tuck your tops in instead of letting them hang down.
The reason is that this highlights where you are narrower.
“If you leave your top open, it cuts you off, doesn’t balance the top and bottom, and hits you at your widest point: your hips,” Melissa demonstrated.
“Here, a subtle curve draws attention to itself [your waist] unlike here [your hips].’
Melissa’s five fashion tips to remember right now
1. Know your body and focus on what suits your figure and not just what’s trending.
2. Invest in solid and versatile pieces that will work hard in your wardrobe.
3. Don’t underestimate the power of a bright color in your accessories. It helps if your wardrobe is full of solid, monochromatic, or neutral colors.
4. Make sure you “style” your outfits. There are tons of tricks for tucking away shirts, t-shirts, and jeans to make everyday items look smarter.
5. Have a few neutral outfits for each season so you can reach for them when in doubt.
Previously, Melissa shared her three secrets to dressing for your proportions and the one trick you need to try to check if you’re dressing right for your figure
In closing, Melissa explained that whether you have a long torso, a short torso, or even no clearly visible waist, it is extremely important that you dress for your waistline.
“If you have a small torso, Vs are your friend,” she said.
“Use V-necklines and vertical lines to elongate your torso.
“If you have a longer figure, opt for high-waisted pants or skirts and draw attention with horizontal stripes instead of up and down.”
For those who don’t have a clear waist definition, the stylist recommends that you try to “create a focal point for your frame.”
You can do this with a belt and/or a cinched waist.
When you do this, you instantly look more folded and slimmer at the waist.
More information about Melissa Murgana can be found here.