You’re under 5’3” and your six-inch heels are your best friend. The only pair of flats you own are your gym sneakers and you’re rarely caught outdoors in them. Of course, you’d trade your heels for comfortable flats in a heartbeat, IF ONLY you were a few inches taller.
We feel you.
Being short is great when you have people around to help you stow away your bags on the aircraft, but not so much when the whole world seems to be towering over you.
But you really don’t need to punish yourself in painfully high heels all the time. These style secrets will teach you to work those flats in your favour.
1. Wear Nudes
It’s an unwritten rule; every short girl must own a pair of nude ballerinas. They instantly add length to your foot, and create that illusion of height, making you look taller.
2. Skip the Round-Toe
Round-toed shoes make your feet look smaller (yay!), but they also cut off length. Opt for the pointed toe or a slightly longer and narrower toe. Square-toed shoes are also a good option.
3. Try Sleeker Styles
Bulky shoes only weigh you down. So instead of a heavy pair of sneakers or oxfords, try a sleeker pair that doesn’t make you look short and stubby.
4. Don’t Give up on Boots
Who said short girls can’t wear flat boots? Try a sleek knee-high pair instead of an ankle or mid-calf pair. They’ll make you look taller too.
5. Ditch Ankle Straps
Flat sandals or ones with a tiny wedge can be convenient picks for short girls, but if they have an ankle strap, avoid them like the plague. Ankle straps, especially thicker ones, break the continuity of your leg. We’d recommend you wear these only if your maxi dress or skirt ends just below your ankle and hides them.
6. Think Tiny Heels
Give the kitten heel, the baby wedge and the one-inch block heel a chance. They give you that little height that could make all the difference, plus the comfort. It’s a win-win.
7. Gladiators Don’t Exist
Even if they become the ‘it’ shoe trend. All those straps are just not going to do anything for you. Trust us; they are pretty much a nightmare for short women.
Finally, remember that flats are the short girl’s way of cold-shouldering the fashion police. So don’t care too much. Just wear your attitude and you’ll look amazing anyway.
(Lisabelle Gonsalves has recently turned freelance writer, after a 10-year career in lifestyle journalism. A travel blogger with a borderline unhealthy love for shoes, when she isn’t writing for her favourite beats – fashion, food and travel – she’s daydreaming about boogying with Meghan Trainor. Don’t judge.)
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