Mar 20, 2018

Fake Longer Legs With These 11 Style Tricks

by Kat Collings

Whether you were genetically blessed in the gams department or not, most of us wouldn’t mind creating the illusion of even longer legs. And it turns out that there are some easy tricks fashion girls follow for achieving this. While finding flattering angles using some easy photo tips often works, there are also some fashion choices you can make to pull this off.

We’ve scoured the street style scene to figure out how fashion girls are faking long legs with their clothing and accessory choices. From nude heels and high-waisted trousers to vertical stripes and monochrome colors, we’ve picked up on some of their insider secrets. Click through to check out our tips to fake some serious stems, just in time for the height of leg-baring season.

Photo:

Style du Monde

Trick 1: Wear a nude shoe.

Shoes that match your skin tone will visually extend the leg.

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Getty Images

Trick 2: Bring your waistline up.

High-waisted skirts, pants, or shorts will create the illusion that your legs start at a higher point.

Photo:

Style du Monde

Trick 3: Try one color from head to toe.

The monochromatic look creates an uninterrupted visual line. Just make sure your ankle and tops of your feet are covered.

Photo:

@ada_oguntodu

Trick 4: Opt for pants with vertical lines.

Vertical lines orient the eye to look up and down, which has a lengthening effect.

Photo:

Collage Vintage

Trick 5: Ditch the ankle strap.

Ankle straps visually bisect the legs. Opt for standard or low-cut pumps instead.

Photo:

Style du Monde

Trick 6: Longer hems are your friend.

Especially when worn with heels, a floor-grazing hem makes your legs look incredibly long.

I.AM. GIA Mira Pant in Black. - size XS (also in S)

I.Am.Gia Mira Pant ($110)

Available in sizes XS to L.

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Getty Images

Trick 7: Pointed shoes are best.

Round-toe shoes can have a shortening effect, while pointed pumps elongate the leg. Extra points for choosing a style with a low vamp so even more foot is exposed.

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Getty Images

Trick 8: Go for slightly cropped jackets.

Similar to wearing high-waisted pants, a cropped jacket will also make it look as if your torso is shorter, making your legs look longer in proportion.

H&M Denim Jacket ($50)

Available in sizes 14 to 26.

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Getty Images

Trick 9: Shorter is better.

If you’re comfortable showing off your legs, a higher hemline (within reason!) will make your gams look longer.

Photo:

Style du Monde

Trick 10: Choose tall boots.

While ankle boots have a special place in our heart, a thigh-high boot creates a longer visual line. Magnify the effect by making sure a gap of skin doesn’t show by wearing a dress, skirt, or jacket with a hemline that ends past the top edge of the boot.

Zara Sock Boots ($60)

Available in sizes 5 to 11.

Photo:

Getty Images

Trick 11: Asymmetrical hems work in your favor.

Your legs will look as long as the shortest point on an asymmetrical top or dress.

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