Is 'short' the problem?
1/11
» Let's face it - appearance does matter in most situations in life.
» A tall frame is traditionally associated with an intelligent, outgoing and charming personality.
» Short people are (wrongly) believed to be bad tempered, dominant and unhealthy.
» But is it possible to 'grow tall' after a certain age?
Can you 'grow' taller?
2/11
» 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
3/11
» 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
4/11
» 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
5/11
» 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
6/11
» 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 oversized glasses.
Tips to look tall: Dressing (Men)
7/11
» 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
8/11
» 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
9/11
» 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
10/11
» 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
11/11
» 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!