ONE SIMPLE TRICK CAN MAKE YOU LOOK TALLER AND SLIMMER
When looking back at a post on celebrating International Women’s Day, I noticed how using one simple trick happened to make you taller and slimmer. The post was about how I love the simple and elegant style that French women seem to be able to create effortlessly. Their style looks like it just happened, and that is part of the appeal.
* This post was originally published in March 2021 and has been updated.
I noticed that when you dress the top half and the bottom half of your body in the same color, you create a longer vertical line which helps you appear taller and slimmer. If you are 6’4″ and would rather not appear taller, then you might not want to try dressing in this manner. But, for the rest of us, this one simple trick might be one that you will enjoy.
Using prints to help you look taller and slimmer
You can use prints to help you look taller and slimmer in two ways. You can wear a printed top and bottom that are the same print. Or, you can add a printed item and a solid item in the same color. The eye still moves up and down easily since the column has the same background color, even though a print has been introduced. Honestly, I usually add my prints as a cardigan or a ruana.
Cheetah Print Cardigan || black v-neck tee || Black Bootcut Jeans || Black Ankle Boots
Microfiber Tank || Slim Crop Pants || Similar Kimono/Ruana Wrap
Here are some examples of how you can use prints to make you look taller and slimmer. Click on the photo below to go to the retailer.
What color will help you look taller and slimmer?
The truth is, any color will work for creating a taller and slimmer illusion. Many people prefer black since dark colors recede and give a slimming effect, but all colors will work. It works even better when your shoes are also the same color as the outfit, especially if they are pointy toes since that elongates your leg.
Similar Velvet Pants || Similar Velvet Top || Similar Tweed Wrap || Red Suede Pumps
Black Velvet Slim Pants || Black Velvet Tank || Similar Ruana || Similar Block Heel Pumps
Similar V-Neck Camisole || Similar Pants || Similar Camel Blazer || Suede Pumps
Create a column of color
You can create a column of color by using one piece of clothing, such as a dress or jumpsuit, or with two separate clothing pieces that are the same color. However, you don’t want to break the vertical line with either look by adding a belt of a different color. You might notice below that I just broke the belt rule. The reason this look still works to make you look taller and slimmer is that the belt is not a color that catches your eye. A black belt works for this outfit, but a brown, red, or ivory belt wouldn’t.
Raw Hem Jeans || Cowl Neck Blouse || Similar Check Blazer || Block Heel Ankle Boot
2-pc Black Sweater Set || Shawl Collar Cardigan || Black Suede Ankle Boots
Variations for looking taller and slimmer
By now, you’ve caught on to the column of color, whether it is a solid color or a print. But, besides the solid and print variations, you can also do a variation where the top and bottom don’t match. I know that sounds completely the opposite of what I said above. If I wore a white jacket and a camel camisole, the outfit would still work for helping me look taller and slimmer. The column of color would be the jacket and the pants instead of the top and pants. Here are some examples where the top and bottom don’t match, and clicking on the photo will take you to the retailer.
I have a lot of camisoles in my closet. Some of my camisoles are solid-colored, some have lace, and some have prints and patterns. I think that everyone needs a few basic camisoles and then some “fun” camisoles to add some spice to their wardrobe. I usually pick a size large when I order a camisole since I don’t want any belly rolls to show through, and if possible, I look for ones that had adjustable straps. That allows me to decide how low I want my neckline to be. Here are a few for you to consider.
These ecru fly-front ankle pants are some of my favorites, but they are an older pair and are sold out. I love the color of these pants, and I love the length, also. These pants are perfect for work, church, baby showers, or any other time you want to look polished and put together.
Camel and white are some of my favorite color combinations. It is such a beautiful and classic combo, and I think it looks elegant when worn together. The camel blazer is an old one that I pulled from the back of my closet. I have a thing for blazers, so I have lots of them in several colors and prints.
You will hardly ever see me wearing a blazer all buttoned up because I like a blazer to hide my waist instead of accentuating it. I added my camel-colored heels and LV handbag to tie the camel color together in the look.
I love wearing neutral color heels since they help to make me look taller and slimmer by elongating my legs. This high heel shoe has sold out, but this kitten heel version is still available. I have found that shoes from J. Crew run at least a half size large, so I sized down to an 8 1/2, and they fit me perfectly.
The most important thing is to feel good in your own skin and embrace your unique style. Experiment with different looks and find what works best for you! You’re a fabulous, fashionable woman, and you deserve to feel like it!
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Verse of the Day!
John 14:26
26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
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I love the looks you put together!
You are so right, Carl! (That’s an Alabama quote.) A column of color in the middle makes me look slimmer!
I love the strappy camisoles but do you wear a strapless bra with them?
It depends. I wear a strapless bra if you will be able to see it, but if I’m wearing a cardigan or a jacket that will stay on, I don’t worry about it.
I’ve been paying more attention lately to dressing in ways that make me look taller and thinner, so I loved your post. I have been using your advice from a previous post of wearing a belt to lengthen the eye between the belt and feet and it works!
Love this post..I often wear camel and white…and even though most don’t think of white as slimming if worn correctly it really is.. my white button fly jeans are my husbands favorite on me..I typically pair with a white or cream camisole or t and add a tan topper…easy and an effortless look.
Great post Tania…love you in the red😊
To coattail on Sharon’s comment I too love all the looks but the red is very becoming with your hair color and skin tone!
Looking taller is always a plus for me and now that my middle is hanging on to extra pounds I’m always perusing ways to camouflage it. Thanks, Tania
I enjoyed this article and as I read through it I realized that you wrote the reason I bought that cheetah cardigan…and I got lots of compliments … and they are all your fault…. So thank you very much!!
These are great tips to keep in mind. It doesn’t necessarily have to be dark colors. Love the reds!
Thank you for always bringing an “Ah Ha” moment to my fashion sense! Your comfortable, sisterly suggestions and advice is so refreshing. I consider your morning emails a blessing. Again, Thank You.🥰
thanks for a great post today. taller and slimmer is what I like. all of your suggestions are right on
Really love the all red look, quite sexy, wish I had that combo! Maybe get it soon. 🥰
Love the red tweed wrap with the black pant suit. Some great suggestions, Thanks
Great tips to try!
You look absolutely beautiful in the black velvet outfit with the red tweed wrap!!!
Enjoy your post always but todays post was really good!
Hi Tania. I am 6 feet tall but still need to look slimmer. Those are some great tips, and you are really rocking the outfits. Go girl.
Janus
Love this trick for us short gurls! Thanks for all of your great info and suggestions.
I enjoy this blog and you have lots of good suggestions. I really like the outfit with the camel colored blazer. However, re blazers, while I do like them, I had to stop wearing them as I got older because too many retailers place the chest pocket quite high. It’s never a functional pocket anyway and I am at a loss as to why it is placed on women’s clothing. As I have aged, my bustline is much lower than it once was. I no longer purchase any clothing with a chest pocket. And speaking of pockets, I do wish retailers would add functional pockets to women’s clothing. The pockets on that particular blazer could be a trifle larger and placed a little lower on the jacket which would increase the comfort and just-plain-usefulness of the jacket itself!
I love the looks with the all white top and bottom and added ruana wrap or blazer.
I am always looking for ways to make me look taller!!! Thank you!
Great information! Thank you!
What a clever and easy way to appear slimmer. How come I never could come up with that?? That’s why I need you daily. Thanks so much! I love all the combos you’ve come up with. I don’t know if I would feel comfortable with the cream/white colors though, being on the heavy weight side. I’m tend to go to the dark colors, black or navy.
Thank you for sharing this! We would all love to look taller and slimmer and with this simple trick we can manage it. I’m so glad you both laughed off the incident on the highway. Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Thanks for the tip! Love the white on white with camel blazer and heels! I really enjoy your post.
Thanks for the tip! Love your outfits!
I used to do this more often and have gotten out of the habit, as a person on the shorter side, thanks for the reminder! These outfits all look great on you!!
Thanks for the tip. I’ve used this trick of column in black but I might have to give white a try.
Tania, thank you for the words of encouragement you shared in the very last paragraph! I really like the column of colors you created in the various outfits.
I love all of these combinations! Cannot wait to try them in the coming weeks! Thank you!
Good morning everyone ! Thank you for these beautiful ideas. I love the camel and ecru, one of my fav color combos!
In the short time I’ve subscribed to your newsletters I’ve enjoyed all your helpful tips. You look lovely in the red velvet outfit! Thanks for sharing this often forgotten fashion tip for looking taller
Wonderful tips that are simple and easy!!
Though I have used this style trick for years- I always like to see new combinations and colors. I absolutely love your blogs. I see that most of the clothing is from Chico’s which I know is your brand affiliate. I wish they carried more in plus size at least to 24w. I would be able to buy some of their cute clothes.
Love all the outfits, thanks for the tip.
I have lost some height which makes me sad so thank you for the reminders about column dressing and other tricks to make me appear taller!
Thanks for the tips! Man I love that Banana Republic cowl neck top. It’s gorgeous.
Great ideas. I like to stick to a column of black or navy and then add a jacket or cardigan.
Nice post!! Love the blue outfit best!
Oh – more camel and ivory, please!
Love this post Tania!!! As I’m short, I need to remember this and implement it more often. Thanks so much for all the outfit ideas!!!
All great looks! Think I like the neutral colors best!
I love all of these! My problem is I can’t wear heels anymore I have bunions on both feet makes me so sad I miss heels so much! My feet are terrible. I can’t find a decent shoe that looks good with dress pants any ideas would be appreciated. I also have small feet😩 Thank you!
With bunions you probably can’t wear pointed flats either but the new square toed flats are also very stylish you just need a little bit shorter pant.
I also have bunions; I wear Hush Puppy Chaste ballet flats. Very comphy.
Lots of great looks!
I love any ideas that help with looking slimmer and more put together!
I always loved the solid color top and bottom trick. Then just throw on a third completer piece and it becomes a great look. Also, makes putting together an outfit very easy…added benefit!
Very helpful post. Love the information with supporting photos.
The longer length necklaces you wear with each outfit elongate the look of your torso too. Adore your wavy hair in the first photo! ❤️
Thanks for the ideas for looking taller and slimmer. At 5’3″ I always want to look taller and definitely slimmer! I have added the black pointy toe block heel shoes to my Amazon cart.
At being only 5ft 2in. I certainly need some clothing designs to make me look taller for sure! Thank you
Love the caramel and white outfit. I do this too, often pairing a black tee or tank with black leggings and something colorful over it. Great look and easy to achieve.
Thank you I get such good outfit ideas from you , today I need to organize my closet and order a few things like the camisole from J crew or Banana Republic all on sale Thank You
Hi Tania,
I just love that raspberry ensemble! Gorgeous. But all your outfits are gorgeous. I am definitely a shoe and purse fanatic and enjoy all the shoes and purses you add.
Love these looks! I am only 5’2” so definitely giving this a try !
And also love the pic of your hair where it is curled looks so nice!
I love the column look! I’m also a big fan of blazers and just started wearing them again thanks to you!
Beautiful ❤️
Loved these tips to look taller. By the way, loved your wavy hairstyle in some of the pics!
Great post! I love that you featured colors other than black.
Who knew you could use something other than black to make you look slimmer!?!
Love the neutral outfit!
Love the outfits you are wearing today.
Love the camel and white, it’s beautiful
Thank you, saw some new ways to create the column of color!
At 5’2” I need all the help I can get! Thanks for the tips. One question I have about camisoles…. Most have thin spaghetti straps. Do you wear a normal bra and not worry about the straps letting a jacket or cardigan etc cover them up? This is why I don’t own many camis. I never know.
Sandy, it depends. If I’m wearing a cardigan or jacket and know I want take it off, then I dint worry about what kind of bra I have on. Otherwise I’ll wear a strapless bra or a cardigan with one built in.
Some great ideas!
Love your post. Such great ideas!!
This was such an informative post. And, as always a picture is worth a thousand words. Cute story about your trip back!
I’m a visual learner so having all the examples helps me. Thank you!
I love the look of so many of these outfits. But the red one is unexpected. Love it.
thank you for this post. I’m not always sure about wearing the same color top and bottom, but you’ve convinced me. I really like the blue jean outfit you posted, I think it’s my favorite on you.
Brilliant post! I never considered top-to- bottom white (or anything other than black) would be slimming/elongating!
I love the kimono.
I wear a lot of black! Maybe I’ll branch out with these style options
I love tans and whites or off whites outfits too! So chic!
Wow! These outfits are so put together, love every one of them. Very slimming !
Love your suggestions Tania! Appreciate all the different styles/looks you have on the blog today.
Glad you and Joe didn’t get into a “Christmas Vacation” situation with the trucker. I’ve gained some weight in the last 6 months and I have been using your dressing tips to look slimmer and taller in the past week.
I love every single one of these outfits today! Thank you!
I do this all the time with navy and black
This was a very informative post. Thank you!
Loved many of these outfits today!
Love these suggestions. Anything to make me look slimmer is a great idea!
I love the one color look.
Love the looks.
This is a wonderful tip. Thank you!
Love the ideas of how to dress to appear taller. I am vertically challenged and no longer wear high heels so any tips and tricks are always appreciated!!
Love the many styles that can make one look taller and slimmer! Will have to add more pointy toe shoes – kitten heels for me) to the wardrobe!
Great tips to look taller and slimmer. Love your look!
Tania
You look fabulous in the bright “red” colors!
Being 5’2” and short-waisted has always been a challenge for me. Classic colors such as black, camels/browns work well for me. Your outfits are always an inspiration!
Your hair looks amazing! The cream and camel are perfect on you!
The camel and white are classic.
Hi! I’m 6′ tall, I dont need help in that area, but sure need help in looking slimmer. I love you in the red outfits, as well as the blue. Thanks for the tips!
Great lesson to relearn today. I know I learned it first time around but I think I needed a refresher course. I’m now thinking about how to put some of my garments together. Thanks Tania.
Good reminders of how to pair colors for long lines. As always you nailed it!
I love all of these. I especially love the navy one.
Loved all the outfits, and as a shorter person I appreciate the tips on looking taller and slimmer!!
You can never go wrong with the colors Camel and white.
Loved all the tips on how to make yourself look taller. At 5’2 and short waisted I’m always trying to look taller.
First of all, I really appreciate how your blog honors the Lord!! Second of all, I’m short! (4′ 11″) Actually, I like to say I’m “less tall”!! I really like seeing how the column of color can help me look taller and thinner.
Yes! The Bible verses and your devotions are very inspirational. Thanks for giving glory to the Lord. ❤️✝️
At 5’4”, the tips on creating an illusion of height is so helpful. Love the outfits that you put together!
This outfit looks so good on you! It’s a good one to try to replicate.
Just ordered the pants! I love those. I shop Chico’s often didn’t see them. they look great on you
A beautiful polished look. Love the pants!
Beautiful, sleek outfit!
Beautiful outfit! I too have large calves so I know what you go through with the stomping lol. Thank you for all the great tips you provide us. I learn something new, about looking my best, from you every day!
Loved today’s post on colors to help you look taller.
Classic!
I like the color combination of today’s fashion. So easy to look at and classic?.
Love the camisole and shoes. Just a great outfit that does make you look taller. Great tip! Thanks.
Wow – what a stunning outfit. I like everything about it and I do wish I could still wear those gorgeous heels. No link to the LV bag? HAHA I also likethe different background you are styling in front of – the front door was lovely and I liked it, but this is nice for a change.
Love those pants!
Beautiful look Tania, I will have to try it!😊
I never wear camis but should try them also.
I guess having 58 year old arms I prefer them covered or at least short sleeves.
Love this look! It looks beautiful on you! Very flattering! Happy Birthday Wishes to your Husband! 🎈
Love this look with the blazer! Thanks for the reminder on the column if color making you look slimmer.
As always,,,, looking cute and always great ideas Tania.
Love the column look.
I like this column of color idea. Recently I have thought about wearing something other than blue jeans but I didn’t know where to start! This is the solution! I guess staying with solid colors is easiest.
How about something for us girls who don’t want to look as tall? It ain’t easy being 5’10” 😰
That outfit does look very sophisticated. The camel and white/cream look so nice together as you’ve said.
I’m a big fan of the column of color since I’m 5’2″.
Great post! Thanks!
Oh my! You are giving the French women a run for their money this week, aren’t you Tania? And, as usual, give Joe a cheery HAPPY BIRTHDAY from all of us!
Thank you for explaining the column of color way of dressing. It really simplifies a few things in my mind for elegant, flattering outfits. Now, if only I could get my feet into those gorgeous pointed kitten heels, I’d be purring like a French kitty!
Very nice outfit and good tips on “column of color.” I also appreciate your links because I’ve been looking for a camel blazer for several years.
Ooh la la! Love your outfits these past two days, Tania! You look so classy & elegant, and very French. That howlite necklace is on its way to my closet. Oh, and Happy Birthday, Joe!
Love the look and your tips…
Very classy look. Love the pumps but would need the lower heels for sure. It definitely makes you look taller
Love love love this outfit! You look fabulous!!
I love the look. I hear you on the large calves, I have to get wide-calf boots and get my cowboy boots stretched.
I love the Alfred Dunner jacket you recommended, those angled slash pockets are a wonder when a person is trying to make herself look slimmer (esp. through the hips).
I got some pointy toe taupe shoes with a block heel recently, but I haven’t had occasion to wear them yet (stupid COVID).
Thanks for sharing!
Love the look! I will try this since I’m a little on the short side.
I agree about the column of color. In my opinion, your colors are very soft and feminine, so pretty.
It is my husband’s birthday month too, and he said the same as Joe. No big fuss!
Lovely as always
Love your French inspiration you look good in everything… very stylish. I am cleaning out my closet and donating … I want a simple look now since i am getting older. Turned 70 in February, it’s a number to me, and I love clothes. Love a capsule idea makes it easier to get dressed and the organization of it all. Keep up the great work always fun to see what you will do next!!
Beautiful! I love this look!
You wear it very well. Thanks for the tips.
I agree, camel and ivory are a classic and elegant combination….
I love this look. Classic 🙂
I agree about the column of color. Your choice of colors are very soft and feminine, in my opinion.
It’s my husband’s birthday month too, and he has the same attitude as Joe! Men!!!!!🙃
NICE!!!!!
Thanks!!!
Love this outfit. Very chic!
Thanks, Elizabeth.
I just bought a shell pink cami and plan to wear it out to dinner soon as I’ve gotten my vaccine. Time to celebrate!
I am planning a trip to Tennessee once I get my vaccines.
Love the column look.
Thanks, Karen
Just goes to show how simple putting together and outfit can really be! My mother-in-law did a lot of column dressing and always looked very stylish and put together.
Once you start this way of dressing, it is so simple to do.
Another great look!
Thanks, Kristine.
You look so put together. The pants are what really elevate the outfit ln my opinion.
They are my favorite part of the outfit.
Love the column look!
Thanks, Tracy.
Such a clean spring like look. It is simple and polished.
I think it is a very polished look also.
Another great look…are you sure you’re not French? The LV bag completes the outfit perfectly!
Lol! That made me laugh, Janice.
Classic elegant style with today’s outfit.
I agree, Julie!
Thank you for the tips on dressing in a column of color. I like the cuff detail on your pants!
The cuff is my favorite detail.
Like this clean uncluttered look!
Yes, it is very clean and uncluttered looking.
Totally love this entire outfit!! I love the color camel. My winter coat is a long camel color coat that I picked up at a consignment store for almost nothing.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Camel is such a versatile color!!!
Thanks for the refreshing ideas on a column of color. I’ve been the master of the solid black column for most of my professional career. But now in retirement, i can try some other approaches. And camel kitten heels are on their way to me!
I have the kitten heels also, and you will love them.
Looks lovely! Very dressy and gives a soft peaceful look! 🎂Joe
Yes! It is calming and elegant looking.
Love this look . Makes me want to buy a camel colored blazer. By the way, how old is Joe???
A camel blazer is so versatile. It looks great all year round. Joe will be the big 65 this year.
This is my favorite way to dress.
You look very classy in this outfit. Great choice!
Thanks, Cathy. It is a classy way to dress.
Love the look. Great idea.
I wouldn’t suit that colour scheme but I could use other colours.
Thank you for inspiring us.
You look so put together! Love the white and tan together. Thank you for the kitten heel alternative!
I have those heels also, and they are great.
You can use any color, so pick the ones that suit you the best.
Gorgeous and CLASSIC. I love this one—every piece Tania. Even your hair is in keeping with your color theme!
Haha! Yep, my hair even matches. Lol!
LOVE this look!
Me too, Linda.
I love this beautiful classic look. My favorite colors togethers are camel and white. I am 5’3 124 lbs so i always want to look taller and leaner.
I think the color combination is very classic and elegant.
Love this look! Very elegant and stylish!!
Great outfit, Tania; and a nice transition outfit as well. A big Happy Birthday shout-out to Joe!
I agree, Terri!
Thanks!!!
Love this fashion lesson! I always want to appear taller!
Me too, Carla. I am 5’6″, but the taller I appear, the slimmer I appear.