Did you succumb to any post Christmas sales?
As usual I was lured into Anthropologie where I went a little bit totally overboard. A sale of already reduced items then reduced again by 40% works out to be around 75% off which is a nice after Christmas gift indeed. Sadly I see that the sale has been reduced back to only 25% off sale. You snooze you lose I guess.
Now, as promised, how to look taller by dressing taller.
Here I am looking my average height of 5’4″ in my Anthropologie Peaked Chevron Maxi skirt which is a warm knit and wonderful for the cold Canadian winter. Sweet right?
And I wave my magic “get taller” wand and voilà suddenly I’m six inches taller!
Yes, a tall hat is a bit of a cheat but a gal’s gonna use all the tricks in the book if she wasn’t blessed with long gams.
I bought this faux fur pillbox hat at Anthropologie as well. That store is my kryptonite and truly the very last retail store I shop in, otherwise I shop thrift, vintage or consignment. I can’t seem to give it up. I want to start a Anthropologie Anonymous group so I can kick the habit. I know I can’t be the only one with this addiction. They had me at scented candles and innovative art displays. They complete me.
(Get out of my head Jerry Maguire!)
The handbag is vintage (sim and so pretty!), boots are super old (sim but I LOVE these!), top is old H&M (sim) and necklace is handmade by me.
Those of you on my Instagram account will remember this vintage blue velvet opera coat.
The coat looks a bit purple above but it is in fact very blue.
I am doing my very best Julie Christie imitation from Dr. Zhivago. Now just throw in the handsome Dr. and I’ll be set.
The hat is very warm and cozy and doesn’t really mess up my hair too much (I LOVE it). The coat is very comfortable but might take a bit of getting used to as it is so long. I have to be careful not to step on it when I go from sitting to standing and trying to get out of the car without getting it dirty is a bit like advanced car yoga. Otherwise I adore the colour, fabric and cut.
Another tip to looking taller is the coat. I’m one long lean line all the way down to the floor.
I look like a giant here!
I’m going to grind your bones to make my bread. It’ll be gluten free!
For those of you too young to know or remember that nursery rhyme it starts out Fee-fi-fo-fum and is spoken by the giant in Jack and the Beanstalk.
The only place you’d ever find a fairytale floor length coat in cobalt blue like this is in a vintage store or in a thrift shop. It is made in Montreal by Lou Ritchie. I’m always excited when I can purchase a vintage piece that was made in Canada.
Here are some style tips for those of us that are vertically challenged.
15 Tips How To Look Taller By Dressing Taller
- Wear heels. If you can’t stand heels for very long try just a kitten heel or a wedge or pull a Tom Cruise and get lifts put in your shoes. If it’s good enough for Tom…
- Wear pointed shoes. They extend the line of your leg and visually lengthen your body.
- Choose shoes that don’t cut your body at the ankle or have high vamps. Nude Pumps are the best for elongating the leg.
- If you do decide to wear booties or Mary Janes try to wear matching tights. This will maintain one long uninterrupted visual line.
- Wear a short dress, skirt or shorts. I’m not saying you need to wear a mini skirt (but do if you want to!) simply bringing the hem up to above the knee will make your legs look longer.
- Wear a maxi dress or skirt. It creates one long lean line to the floor. A coat like I’m wearing also does the trick.
- Wear a tall hat or wear extra tall hair. A top bun, or just really wonderful thick voluminous hair makes you appear taller.
- Wear monochromatic. It provides one visual line and does’t cut the body into segments.
- Wear high waisted pants or skirts.
- Choose a skinny belt over a wide belt. It still defines the waist but doesn’t visually cut the body into segments.
- Avoid capris and culottes. Slightly flared pants that go straight to the ground when worn with heels make your legs appear longer.
- Make sure your clothes are well fitted and all blazers hit at the hip bone or above.
- Wear v-necks.
- Wear vertical stripes.
- Choose a smaller handbag.
Okay, what did I miss? Any tips you’d like to pass along?
Or were you one of the lucky ones blessed with long legs?
Here are some tips on how to wear a midi skirt when you are petite.
Linking up with What I Wore, My Whims Wednesday, Throwback Thursday,
I avoid Anthropologie since there is just too much to love! It smells great, is interesting, the couches are comfortable – I could live there! And then buy everything… Sounds like you got fantastic deals however!
I really like that hat! It’s such a statement piece. The skirt is fantastic, too. And the coat is just so you! I probably would give up after repeatedly stepping on it and getting it dirty (which I just know would happen within 5 minutes of wearing it…), but it really does look awesome on you!
They are smart with those couches and their interesting books since my husband doesn’t mind shopping at Anthro with me. He can just hang out on the couch and read. The only thing they are missing is an espresso bar.
Oh yes, if they had coffee & espresso, people would never leave! And I probably couldn’t stay away… 😉
If they start an Anthro support group, let me know. My wallet will insist I attend. Love that store.
Your dressing tall works — before I met you, I thought you were six feet tall. Even after I met you, in my mind, you’re 5’10” — proof that these techniques work.
Ha you and I will be the founders : ) of AA
That coat is out of this world! Such a knock-out colour on you. What a wonderful find, that’s why thrifting is so much fun.
I can’t add to your tips! Except stand next to even shorter people 😉
Xx
Ha! Yes : ) I need to stand far away from the likes of you.
No I cannot add any tips… You might like my height and legs, I am jealous of your waist and hourglass figure (so feminine) and the fact you don’t have the bit between breasts and waist bulging out.
All those tight (or fitted) tops look ridiculous when your stomach is bulging. Oh old age…..
Never mind. We are doing fine compared to. And everything is relative. And there is always somebody more beautiful, taller, prettier etc. I suppose when you are on top of the heap, it is pretty lonely up there.
Greetje
You are so right that we are always envious of what we don’t have.
I’m hoping my waist doesn’t decide to up and disappear this year as I turn the big five oh. It seems like this past month it has decided to start expanding in advance of my birthday.
Well… you know I cheated by having it sucked back into shape. Something you will NEVER consider haha.
Greetje
Anthro lovers unite. But that coat! That didn’t come from Anthro and it is A-Ma-Zing! BTW, I would LOVE to be 5’4″. I don’t even know what the air is like up there. The one tip you missed is to avoid having your photo taken standing next to taller people. In my case that’s just about everybody. In group photos I try to be seated or stand on a step if possible so that you can’t tell how naturally close to the ground I am. And if I must stand right next to a tall person I try to make it look like I am the normal person and They are the freakishly tall person. Attitude.
Yes…the coat was a real find : )
Okay you and I will hang around together and I will feel super tall! Ha ha.
I can see you would totally own the attitude.
Great tips Suzanne. I must admit I thought you were much taller anyway, but do look freakishly tall in some of these shots today. I’m loving the skirt, but am totally in love with that maxi coat – it looks divine! There’s a lot to be said for just appreciating what you’ve got. I think you’re blessed to be attractive with great hair and a fab figure which ain’t bad for a girl of any age never mind heading to the big five-oh. You’re still a youngster compared to some of us…
Anna
Anna’s Island Style
I aspire to be freakishly tall! Ha ha! The magic has worked : )
Well I never would have guessed you were older than me. All that swimming and biking is keeping you young.
Very useful advices!, and such an amazing coat!!, I’m loving it insanely!!, it’s a fabulous! and you look cool and elegant and fabulously statuesque as a russian queen!!, love how it looks with your beautiful skirt, that black and white pattern really caught my eye!
You know, we spanish people are not really tall, so 5’4″ is perfectly average here: you’ll welcome to visit us!
besos
I’ve been to Spain a few times and loved it : ) I must come again!
You look fabulously tall! All of these strategies definitely work. I’m 5’5″, but I don’t usually worry about looking tall, in part because I live in Asia (hence, I’m already rather tall), and I’m married to a short guy (I wear heels occasionally, but then I’m slightly taller than he is…) 🙂 In Michigan, or around my own siblings, I cease to look so tall.
Yes I’m sure you are quite tall for Asia, although my husband tells me that the further north you go, the taller the people are.
I love all your wonderful tis on how to look taller. I usually give these tips to my clients as well but what’s funny is I rarely follow them myself. Lol! Oh well! I do love anthropologie as well. They have such beautiful things and even the store smells amazing. I love your skirt, the pattern is so lovely. And that coat is to die for!
Rebecca http://www.winnipegstyle.ca/Blog/default.cfm
Long, tall Suzanne … you look 5′ 7″ ! Love the cobalt blue coat on you, very regal.
♥ carmen
I have to stay far, far away from Anthropologie. It’s just too tempting. You always look tall to me, but you’ve outdone yourself with these outfits – you look truly statuesque ! I guess I’ll just do the opposite of your suggestions to look a little shorter :)!
Having the extra weight has made shopping not very fun for me so I have not even looked online. I did get the email for the Anthro sale and was so tempted. You got some great items during from the sale and love your tips for making me look taller. I need all the help I can get.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Would love for you to stop by & join TBT Fashion link up.
I think we are heightists in this world. Who said taller is better? It’s just taller!
You don’t follow point 15 with your gorgeous massive bag 😉
Definitely Dr Zhivago material here with the coat and hat.
I would totally wear that coat, and just stand there patting the hat…or stroking it with my cheek.. not at all creepy!
Sounds like I need to be grateful for no Anthro here 🙂
Xo Jazzy Jack
wow, love the blue! big kiss
http://www.stylentonic.com
Great tips, Suzanne, and how I love that Anthro skirt! I shall join your group – and luckily for me the nearest Anthro store is over an hour away. the coat is out of this world gorgeous! xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Suzanne you look amazing! Truly, I just want to say it again. You look amazing! I think I am very lucky not to have access to any brick and mortar Anthroplogie. I browse online sometimes though. I am always amused at how people under 5’7 are always longing to be or look taller. I would shave off three inches in a moment’s notice. However, while I have height I do not have long legs or a long and lean look. My mum does though and she hates it too. The grass is always greener. I don’t think you need any extra height, fake or real. You look great the way you are and you are full of drama and presence. xoxoxo
I may have long legs, but like Greetje, I am also envious of your hourglass shape. You can’t tell how tall you are in the photo of you in the skirt (sans hat) – you could be 5′ or you could be 6′. The pattern on the skirt does draw the eye up and down so it would add visual height. Love the hat!
I’ve never been much of an Anthropologie shopper – I have a couple of things from there that I found on their sale rack several years ago. My friends’ store, From Mars, here in London, is my weakness, and the only place I buy retail any more.
It is so nice when you have a local store that you love to shop at.
Omg that blue coat. So fantastic. It goes so well with the patterned skirt, too!
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
That is major hattage going on there. I bow down before the awesome hattage! Judith of Style Crone would be very envious. I’m sure she’s not an envious person but …
I’m happy to admit to envy (in a non destructive way, you understand) so I’ll envy from afar the hattage and the drop dead gorgeous coat. Wow, does looking at that coat make my heart skip a beat.
I gave up trying to look tall years ago! At 5’1′, I’m never, ever going to look anything other than 5’1′ despite all the tips and tricks and you know, I really don’t mind. I’ve always been the smallest – at school, amongst friends and family. And just my luck that I end up married to a real giant – bloomin’ 6’4″! The Dutch are generally above average in height, so now I’m the smallest in his family too! The gods of fate are having a real laugh at that one!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
Wow! Does he have to lift you up to kiss you? Ha ha! Although I’m sure you’ve heard all those jokes before.
Hee, hee, no, he has to prostrate himself on the floor first to kiss my feet!
Hahahahahaha! Right you are! All hail Queen Jacqueline.
what an amazing hat and coat and you do look very tall.. I need to try this out.
Hope to see you at a Labour of Fashion linkup.
http://www.alabouroflife.com/2016/01/a-plethora-of-plaids-when-you-fashion.html
The coat, the hat. the skirt. Wow! You look amazing, and tall, too!
I ma glad there is not an anthropologie near me, it would do me in as well!
Julie, Dr. Zhivago: “snow snow, i love the snow.” Yes! Very!
There are so many Anthros in NYC, I guess the closest to you is Rockefeller?
Great round-up of info and tips. I have nothing to add and I use all of these tricks. I am 5’3″ and when I met Sylvia of 40+ she told me she thought I was much taller based on my photos. Hehehe. You look fabulous (and very tall) Thanks for sharing! : ) Ana
Sylvia is quite tall isn’t she? Greetje is even taller. I’m a little person when I’m next to them.
I can’t believe how much taller you look with that hat on! I had several real fur hats like that, that my husband brought back from Russia. I sold them all to Buffalo Exchange before we moved to Vegas… 🙁
Your opera coat is to die for!
A REAL Russian hat? Gah! Those people at Buffalo Exchange got a deal, although I must say I’m pro faux fur and don’t care for the real kind. They wouldn’t be needed in Vegas though! Unless you’re doing a show on the strip ; P
Great hat!!! Great coat!!! You look like a giant!
What a wonderful post dear 🙂 I wish you a happy healthy 2016 with lots of fun!
Check out my new post – My amazing kitchen floor makeover 🙂
LOVE Maria Inredning – it’s Swedish for decor
That coat is aaaaaaaaaaaamazing! It makes you look giant!!!!!!!!!!! And the hat is fabulous too! I always feel like Julie from Dr S with myfurry hat too!!x
Love the entire outfit! It also helps to stand next to someone shorter….then you look really tall!! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Love that hat!! It’s such a great statement with the coat. You always seem taller than 5’4″ to me so your tips work. AA is a favorite I’ve been abstaining from. I snoozed.
Gal, you have so many items in your closet that make me green with envy! Like this blue coat; wowza! WANT!
Good tips too.
I don’t do many sales in person, but online… yeah, totally got a few items….
You look great here- I like the B&W skirt and how it contrasts so well with the coat. All the tips are so useful. I used to never really care about the height thing but lately have noticed it making a difference in some outfits. I’m thinking more pointed toe shoes in my future…
You’re tall though right? If not you photograph tall, with very long legs.
No, I’m 5’4″ too, actually (though, before you told me, I’d always assumed you were taller)! But, yes, I have long legs. Good to know I photograph tall, since that is the aim of those post 🙂
You photograph VERY tall! Ha! Lucky long legs.
Brilliant : )