How to look tall - Slideshow

Can you 'grow' taller?

► With the end of the teen years, our body is usually done with vertical growing.

► Genes and diet dictate how tall we grow. Therefore, a healthy diet is essential during the growing years for bone and muscle development.

► If you're still in the growing stage and think you're not progressing well enough height-wise, speak to a GP.

► For those who've crossed their teens, it's still possible to 'look' tall and improve your appearance with the right dressing.

Growth Hormone

► Several claims are made in the market about synthesized growth hormones that will raise your height-bar.

► Be wary of these claims as many may prove baseless.

► Besides, growth hormones are for the overall growth of the body, and not height alone.

► So consult a doctor before you decide to take growth hormone supplements.

Tips to look tall: Dressing

► Monochromatic clothing (single-coloured outfits) makes you appear tall as the colour continues in an unbroken line.

► It need not be boring though. Add some contrast with accessories - like a bright scarf.

► Avoid clothing that is either too loose or too tight. Wear clothes that fit well at the torso.

► Keep your jacket short. Long overcoats can 'cut your legs short'.

► Sleeveless tops work well too.

Tips to look tall: Dressing

► Stiff and bulky fabrics won't work - try a lighter weight variety.

► Vertical detailing is a smart option - especially for work clothes, pinstriped pants are just the thing.

► Dark, neutral colours can work magic on a short frame. The darker the colour, the better it'll look.

► Wear denims that fit you right - pencil jeans look good on a thin people but for those on the plump side, it will only add to a generous back and thighs.

► Short skirts and skirts with more length than width can do a good job too.

Tips to look tall: Accessorize

► Unbutton your jacket or cardigan to enhance the vertical effect.

► Let one end of your scarf hang down.

► For jewellery - use long chains over chokers; loopy, dangle earrings over studs.

► Big belts look great, but not on a short frame - go for something more discrete yet casual.

Avoid over-sized glasses.

Tips to look tall: Dressing (Men)

► Short and heavy men should avoid double-breasted coats, belt below paunches and must wear their trousers at the natural waistline.

► Low-rise pants will make you look short.

► Tip of the tie must reach the waistband.

► Tuck in shirts - they look neater too.

► Try V-necks instead of round or turtle necks to add to the frame.

► Spiky hairstyles work well - but make sure you can carry it off.

Tips to look tall: Posture

► A good posture will really help you 'walk tall',

► Slouching, on the other hand, makes you appear short, fat and grumpy.

► Exercise regularly to get your posture right.

► Straighten your back out with simple exercises and practice walking tall with eyes straight ahead.

Tips to look tall: Hair

► Upswept hairstyles can add inches to your height.

► Add volume to the crown with a layered style

► Shorter hair gives an illusion of height - in fact, any style that reveals your neck is quite good.

► Some gentle backcombing, if not a revamped hairstyle, might do the trick too.

Tips to look tall: Shoes

► Don't shy away from heels - it can really help elongate your frame.

► If stilettos are difficult to manage (or give you back problems), block heels can work just as well.

► Tennis shoes and boots - yes. Flip-flops and sandals - no.

► Men can consider shoe lifts - sneaky shoes with built-in height enhancers!

Walk Tall

► Sport a 'tall' attitude - your confidence can take you places.

► Dressing is always about getting the balance right - take advice from a stylist when in doubt.

► If you're on the heavy side, losing weight is a good idea.

► Practise stretching exercises to iron out your frame.

► Hang around with shorter people - you'll genuinely be tall then!