The Specific Shoe Styles That Will Make Your Legs Look Amazing

We’re big proponents of embracing your body type, but we get that sometimes a slight tweak in your selected wardrobe options can ultimately determine how flattering an outfit does (or does not) look. Specifically in the context of today’s story—long legs—knowing which shoes to slip into and avoid is a quick fix that any petite lady can benefit from as well (author included!).

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to visually appear like you have longer legs. However, today we’re specifically focusing on shoes because we just launched our Who What Wear holiday shoe collection.

Scroll down to read which shoes are great for elongating your legs, and if you have any others you like to wear too, leave them in the comments!

Ankle Boots Under Trousers

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

This combination proves especially helpful during winter's frigid months when bare ankles are out of the question. Rather than tucking your jeans into ankle boots, choose a slightly cropped pair with a kick at the bottom for an elongating look. 

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Crisscross Straps

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

It's a general rule of thumb that if you're on the shorter side, ankle straps are a no-no because they cut off your legs. However, a stylish alternative is a pair of heels with crisscross straps in the front, due to the diagonal lines drawing the eye downward. 

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Mules

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(Image credit: Timur Emek/Getty Image)

Similar to a pair of nude pumps, mules are effective at lengthening your legs because they blend in with your skin. Try a pointed pair to really amp things up.

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No Ankle Straps

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

If you're petite, you probably already know that ankle straps aren't the route to go if your end goal is looking taller. Visually, it chops off the lower part of your leg, which tends to be less flattering. Try a pair of pumps, like Leaf Greener's above, instead.

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Pointed Toe

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(Image credit: Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images)

Any shoes—flats or heels—with pointed toes extend your legs. Right now we're loving the backless pointed-toe loafers.

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Nicole Kliest
Freelance Contributor

Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)