Men’s Style: How to Dress to Look Taller

In working with my male clients, I have come to discover that men carry as many wardrobe and body insecurities as women. Whether they like to admit that or not, is another story. But I find it true (client after client), that there is something we all wish we could change about our bodies. I have found that most men who are shorter than average often feel sensitive about their height. In reality though, and just like women, men come in all sizes. And the truth is, if a relationship is right, nothing else matters. But that doesn’t wipe away the secret insecurity some men, and some women, may have about their height. As a personal stylist, I have developed five easy ways to help lengthen stature and boost confidence all at the same time! All it takes is a bit of strategic styling, a few tricks of the eye, an illusion of color, and even a hidden height secret.

1. Start With Your Shoes

As I have previously discussed, shoe choice is of utmost importance. But there is another secret shoe trick when it comes to style. By matching the relative pant color and tone to your shoe color and tone, you will effectively lengthen the look of your legs. It’s easy to remember:

• Light-colored pants with light-colored shoes
• Medium-colored pants with medium-colored shoes
• Dark-colored pants with dark-colored shoes

Don’t forget that your sock choice matters too! Make sure your socks are also within the same color range. But this is also where you can get creative! Try a navy dotted sock, or a purple/grey argyle choice. You’ll look both taller and get the change to be creative.  That’s a double whammy in the style world!

2. Go for the V

I’m talking about V-neck T-shirts or sweaters, and I highly encourage wearing them.  Different than a crew-neck, which is the typical rounded neckline, a V-neck offers you two means of style enhancers 1.) The angle of the “V” brings out the angles and the sharpness in your face and features. Simply put, that means you’ll appear even more attractive. 2.) It elongates the neck! By showing more neck, and a bit more skin above your chest, you are effectively lengthening your neckline, which in turn will make you look taller and slimmer! A crew-neck does offer a softer appeal (which isn’t a bad thing, just different depending on the message you want to send), but a V-neck should absolutely be part of your everyday style plan!

3. Do the “Half Tuck”

This is a relatively new styling trick for men, but it works every time. It’s called the “half tuck” – thank you to David Beckham for making it a “thing.” This is when your shirt is partially tucked into the front of your pants, and left hanging loose around the sides and in the back. The look is supposed to have a laissez-faire feel, where your shirt may have mistakenly gotten stuck at your belt buckle, but it is strategically the most important styling trick of them all: The more leg we see visually, and the more belt buckle we can see, the longer your legs will look. Have you ever worn a t-shirt and felt short in it? Try the half tuck. This unlikely style hero will be just the trick to add some swagger to your look, while also making you appear taller!

4. Reach for New Heights

Take it to new heights… to your head! Adding body to your hairline is another very easy technique to add a few more inches into your overall look. Try styling your hair with a touch of product, and add a bit of loft in the front. Girls love a well-groomed man. Not particularly into using products, or styling your hair at all for that matter? Sport a hip hat! A fedora, a panama, a pork pie (think Heisenberg in Breaking Bad), a Trilby (think Justin Timberlake) or even a newsboy cap! They will all help you add height, and even a touch of style to your look. Accessories always finish an outfit.

5. Discover the Secret That Stays in Your Shoes

While yes, there may be a hilarious Seinfeld episode about wearing height enhancers for your shoes, it’ actually is a very real thing. Check out a company called Lift Kits! They offer insole inserts that literally add inches to your height. The best part is that because they are inside your shoe, nobody will ever see them. So if height is really an insecurity point for you, there is nothing wrong with throwing these puppies into your kicks and feeling a touch taller. The truth is, when you feel confident, you actually stand taller, your shoulders are back, and you keep your head high – so give yourself an instant boost of confidence!

I am a firm believer in all these styling tricks. Not only have I watched them work for my clients, but I have witnessed my clients gain a boost in confidence, have a more active dating life, and carry a happier demeanor all around. Try one, or try them all – they are sure-fire ways to enhance your height with subtly and class.  Now, go get ‘em boys!