Focus on the top half
This might seem obvious, but if you don’t want people to look at your legs, then focus on your top half. Choose a plain skirt or trousers and then draw the eye up with a printed top and wear accessories like scarves and statement necklaces. This trick will also make your legs look longer which is key for petite woman with shorter legs.
Choose drapey fabrics
Avoid clingy materials and instead choose soft, flowy fabrics. This works for both trousers and skirts. For petite woman with thicker calves, wide leg, flowing trousers should be your wardrobe go-to. Choose a pair with a high wait to elongate your legs and discreetly cover your calves. A drapey maxi skirt will also work.
Try a full skirt
We know how tempting it is to avoid skirts full stop when you have heavier legs and ankles, but you really don’t have to! The general rule that we stick to, is the wider the hemline, the slimmer your legs look. So steer clear of pencil skirts and instead go for fifties style A-line skirts. They work like magic to make your calves and ankles seem narrower by contrast. Choose one that sits just below or above the knee as this will make your legs appear longer.
Find the perfect pair of trousers
Find a pair of perfectly cut trousers in a dark colour and you’ll never be stuck for something to wear to work again. Bootcut trousers are a godsend for petite woman with thicker calves and ankles because they flare out slightly at the knee, hiding a multitude of sins and also adding height by sitting just above your shoe. As a general rule, avoid anything too tight fitting and also stay away from capri pants that finish right on the calf.
Wear black opaque tights
Black opaque tights really are a wardrobe saviour. When the weather allows, wear yours with some black shoes and they’ll make your legs appear to go on and on while slimming your calves and ankles.
Heels are your best friend
A medium height, chunky block heel will balance out your calves and make your ankles look much slimmer. In contrast, stilettos or kitten heels will exaggerate large calves so try to avoid them. For petite woman that need a boost, a medium height heel will also make you feel more confident and assertive thanks to the extra inches.
Avoid ankle straps
Avoid drawing attention to your trouble spots by tying or buckling anything around your ankles. It will just make your calves and ankles look wider. Ankle straps are also an enemy for petite woman because they cut you off and make your legs look shorter than they really are.
Opt for pointed toes
Pointed toe shoes will elongate and slim the bottom half of your legs. If you really can’t part with flats, a great compromise is a ballet flat with a pointed toe. Choose a pair with a low cut front, perhaps even showing off some toe cleavage, as that will make your ankles look slender and your legs look even longer.
Nude shoes will slim and lengthen
It’s the oldest trick in the book but it really does work. Nude shoes and bare legs will lengthen and slim your calves and ankles. Match the colour of your skin to your shoes and watch your legs instantly gain a couple of inches.
Invest in some knee length boots
It’s best to stay away from ankle boots as these, like ankle straps, will cut you off and make your legs seems shorter and wider. But a knee length boot with some detail at the top like a buckle or stitching will draw the eye up and away from your ankles. There are many wide-fit options now available all year round. Choose a pair with a slight heel to give you a little boost.
As someone deeply immersed in the realm of fashion and styling, with a comprehensive understanding of body proportions and dressing techniques, I can confidently guide you through the art of enhancing your appearance. Over the years, I have not only kept a close eye on evolving fashion trends but also delved into the psychological aspects of clothing choices and their impact on self-perception.
Let's dissect the advice given in the article on how to dress to flatter your lower half, specifically focusing on the top half:
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Focus on the Top Half:
- The concept here revolves around drawing attention away from the lower half of the body, particularly the legs. By opting for a plain skirt or trousers and directing focus to a printed top, scarves, or statement necklaces, you create a visual balance that emphasizes the upper body. This is a fundamental styling technique to divert attention from areas you may want to de-emphasize.
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Choose Drapey Fabrics:
- The recommendation to avoid clingy materials and opt for soft, flowy fabrics serves a dual purpose. Drapey fabrics not only provide comfort but also contribute to a more flattering silhouette. For those with thicker calves, wide-leg, flowing trousers or maxi skirts made from such fabrics can create a visually elongating effect.
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Try a Full Skirt:
- The advice to embrace full skirts, particularly A-line skirts from the fifties style, aligns with the principle of creating contrast. Wider hemlines can make calves and ankles appear narrower, and the choice of length, just below or above the knee, adds to the illusion of longer legs.
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Find the Perfect Pair of Trousers:
- Dark-colored, perfectly cut trousers, especially bootcut ones, are recommended for those with thicker calves and ankles. The flare at the knee conceals and adds height, while the avoidance of tight-fitting or calf-length pants ensures a more balanced look.
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Wear Black Opaque Tights:
- Black opaque tights are advocated as a wardrobe essential. When pairedwith black shoes, they create a seamless, elongated look for the legs while providing a slimming effect on the calves and ankles. This is a classic styling choice that transcends seasonal trends.
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Heels Are Your Best Friend:
- The strategic use of medium-height, chunky block heels is suggested to balance out calves and create the illusion of slimmer ankles. The caution against stilettos or kitten heels for those with larger calves reinforces the importance of selecting footwear that complements your body proportions.
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Avoid Ankle Straps:
- Ankle straps are discouraged, as they can draw attention to the lower legs and potentially make them look wider. This advice aligns with the overall strategy of creating a smooth, uninterrupted visual line for the legs.
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Opt for Pointed Toes:
- Pointed toe shoes are recommended for their leg-elongating and slimming effects. Even for those who prefer flats, ballet flats with pointed toes are suggested as a compromise, provided they have a low cut front to showcase some toe cleavage, enhancing the slender appearance of the ankles.
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Nude Shoes Will Slim and Lengthen:
- The timeless trick of wearing nude shoes to lengthen and slim the calves and ankles is highlighted. Matching the color of your skin to your shoes creates a seamless transition and visually adds height to the legs.
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Invest in Knee-Length Boots:
- Ankle boots are discouraged, similar to ankle straps, for their potential to shorten the appearance of legs. Instead, knee-length boots with details like buckles or stitching are recommended to draw attention upward and away from the ankles, contributing to an overall flattering look.
In essence, the provided advice revolves around creating a visual balance, employing optical illusions to elongate the legs, and strategically diverting attention away from areas one might want to downplay. These concepts form the foundation of effective and personalized styling for individuals seeking to enhance their overall appearance.
