Let’s face it—having shorter legs can sometimes leave you feeling a tad self-conscious. You may have experienced the frustration of trying on certain outfits, only to find that they don’t quite flatter your proportions the way you envisioned. While there’s no way to extend your leg length outside of painful surgery, there is a solution and it lies in the power of shoes.
Picking the best shoes for short legs can create the illusion of longer, runway-worthy legs. So, get ready to strut your stuff as we unveil the secrets to elongating your legs through a little shoe magic!
Shoe Styles for Short Legs
When it comes to creating the illusion of longer legs, the right pair of shoes can work wonders. Here are some styles that are perfect for enhancing the appearance of shorter legs:
Low Vamp Shoes
Low vamp styles, meaning the front of the shoe doesn’t cover a large portion of your foot, are great shoes for short legs. The open front style of the shoe doesn’t create any breaks and in the ankles and helps create a longer leg line.
Nude Heels
One of the most well known tricks for shoes for short legs is to wear nude shoes. Opt for nude pumps that closely match your skin tone. The lack of contrast between your legs and shoes creates an uninterrupted line, visually elongating your legs.
Pointed-Toe Flats
Pointed-toe flats are versatile and flattering shoes for short legs for both casual and formal occasions. The elongated shape of the shoe helps create the illusion of length, making your legs appear longer and leaner.
Slingback Heels
Slingback heels with a low-cut vamp are a great choice for short legs. They expose more of your foot, creating an elongating effect.
Ankle Strap Sandals
Flat or low-heeled sandals can work against you when trying to look taller but one way to off-set the lack of heel is with an ankle-strap. Ankle straps are always a great choice of shoes for short legs since they create a slimming effect around the ankle, making the leg look longer and leaner. Choose ankle strap sandals with a slim, delicate strap rather than thick ones that can visually cut off your leg line.
Avoid Ankle Boots
Ankle boots can visually cut off your legs, making them appear shorter and may not be the best style of shoes for short legs. If you do want to wear ankle boots, choose ones with a lower cut and pair them with cropped pants or shorter skirts to show some skin and maintain the illusion of length.
Peep-Toe Heels
Peep-toe heels draw attention to the front of your foot, taking the focus away from the thickness of your legs. They create a feminine and flattering look that gives your legs and feet a longer and more narrow appearance.
Platform Shoes
Platform shoes offer extra inches to your height and balance out thicker legs for a longer, leaner appearance. They can be worn in various styles, from sandals to sneakers, providing comfort and fashion-forward appeal.
Chunky Sneakers
Chunky sneakers are a great way to give you additional height and elongate your legs without wearing heels. A cute pair of clean, white chunky sneakers can go with any outfit from a short skirt to even sweat pants. Chunky sneakers are definitely an essential for the short girl wardrobe.
Over-the-Knee Boots
Over-the-knee boots are a fantastic choice for adding height and length to your legs. Opt for styles that fit snugly to avoid overwhelming your frame and pair them with skirts, dresses, or skinny jeans.
Best Shoes for Short Legs
Nine West Women’s FIFTH9X9 LE Leather Pump
Introducing Nine West 9×9 Technology, a collection of shoes with 9 game changing technological advances for next-level cushioning and flexibility. With a low vamp cut and 3 3/4″ heel, these leather pumps will help your short legs look longer while remaining comfortable all day long.
DREAM PAIRS Women’s High Heel Platform Pump Sandals
DREAM PAIRS Women’s High Heel Platform Pump sandals are a top-selling nude sandal that also include a 4.5″ platform heel and flattering ankle strap. The chunkier style is a a great option for not only those with short legs but also people who suffer from cankles.
Jessica Simpson’s Daisile Peep Toe High Heel Sandal
Jessica Simpson is known for long, luscious legs and one thing she does amazingly right is her shoe line’s peep-toed heels. Super dainty and feminine, these colorful peep-toed heels have a pointy-toed heel and delicate ankle-strap, perfectly adorning your feet. They’re decently comfortable although this style may run a bit narrow in the front.
K KIP WOK Chunky Sneakers
A social media favorite, K Kip Wok’s Chunky Sneakers are the perfect comfortable, affordable chunky sneaker to make your short legs look taller. Add an additional 3.15″ to your height with a platform sole. Great for fashion as well as all day comfort. Not to mention chunky sneakers go with everything!
Jeffrey Campbell MEXIQUE-KH Knee High Platform Block Heel Boots
Jeffrey Campbell is renowned for their chunky, platform heels. Their MEXIQUE-HK platform, block heel boot will leave you feel sky high with its 5″ heel, 1.75″ platform. These sexy, over-the-knee boots are super comfortable, super sexy, and can be paired with both formal and casual looks.
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Styling Tips for Short Legs
In addition to wearing the right shoe, there are many different styling tips you can try that are flattering to short legs. As a shorty, you know the cut and fit of outfits almost play a more important role than the design it itself. Here are some fashion tips for people with shorts legs:
High-Waisted Bottoms
High-waisted pants, skirts, or shorts create the illusion of longer legs by elongating the lower body and raising the hip line. Pair them with high heels or other elevating shoes to instantly make your legs look leaner and taller.
Embrace Vertical Lines
Incorporate vertical elements into your outfits, such as pinstripes or vertical patterns. These lines visually lengthen your body and create a more streamlined appearance.
Choose The Right Hemlines
For short legs, opt for skirts and dresses with shorter hemlines, such as above the knee or mid-thigh length. This helps to show more leg and create the illusion of length. If you have thick ankles, avoid hemlines that cut off at the widest part of your calf, as this can draw attention to the ankles.
Bold Tops and Accessories
Pair your pants and shoes with tops that have interesting necklines, statement sleeves, or eye-catching accessories. This draws attention upwards and away from the lower body, creating a more balanced overall look.
Monochromatic Looks
Embrace the power of monochromatic outfits. Wearing a single color from head to toe creates an uninterrupted line, making you appear taller and giving the illusion of longer legs. Experiment with different shades and textures within the same color family for added depth and interest.
V-Necklines
When choosing tops, opt for V-necklines. The V-shape draws the eye vertically, creating the illusion of a longer torso and, by extension, longer legs. It’s a simple yet effective trick to elongate your silhouette.
A-line Pants and Skirts
A-line pants and skirts can be fantastic choices for creating the illusion of height and elongating your silhouette. Their flattering shape helps balance proportions and creates a streamlined look especially when paired with the best shoes for short legs like chunky sneakers or point-toed heels.
Cropped/Capri Pants
Cropped/capri style pants are another great styling choice for people with short legs. They expose your ankles and create a visual break in the leg line, making your legs appear longer.
Knee-High Socks
When you wear knee-high socks, they cover a significant portion of your lower leg, which can create the perception of an elongated leg. By adding a vertical element to the leg, knee-high socks draw the eyes upward, making the leg appear longer than it actually is.
Wrap Up
Short legs and thick ankles should never be a source of insecurity. With the right shoes for short legs and styling techniques, you can enhance your natural features and feel confident in your own skin. Remember to embrace your individuality, experiment with different shoe styles, and have fun exploring the world of fashion.
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