Clothing Colors That Can Make You Look Taller

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If the history of Hollywood it-girls has taught us anything, it's that some of the most conventionally attractive women have legs for days. From Naomi Campbell to Gigi Hadid, taller supermodels have set a particular beauty standard that may make you want to add a few inches to your height. While shorter gals are just as beautiful in reality — think Kim Kardashian, Janelle Monáe, and Salma Hayek — there's nothing wrong with wanting to look taller. Since leg-lengthening surgery is still a few years from becoming mainstream, your best bet is making yourself look taller with some fashion tips.

"When it comes to creating the illusion of height, color choice plays a subtle but powerful role in how the eye perceives proportions," says costume designer and wardrobe stylist Chloée O'Hayon-Crosby. Speaking exclusively to Glam, O'Hayon-Crosby explains, "Darker shades — like black, deep navy, charcoal, and rich earth tones — naturally elongate the body by creating a streamlined silhouette. Monochromatic dressing is also key; wearing one color from head to toe removes visual breaks, making you appear taller and more fluid."

But if black and monochromatic palettes aren't your thing, the expert recommends honoring your personal style over optical illusions. "The key is knowing how to use color and pattern to your advantage, whether you're looking to lengthen your frame or create balance in your proportions," she says, adding that there are certain shades to avoid, even if you don't want to stick to dark, dreary tones. Additionally, particular patterns can also play a role in how tall you seem.

When it comes to the way they affect the illusion of height, dark and light colors really are like night and day. "Lighter and brighter shades, particularly when color-blocked, tend to break up the silhouette, making you look more compact," Chloée O'Hayon-Crosby shares in an exclusive conversation with Glam. Therefore, airy palettes are to be avoided if you're trying to look less Eva Longoria and more Tyra Banks. "Pastels and neons, though playful, can also make the body appear wider rather than elongated," she adds.

Along the same lines, you don't have to rock monochrome 'fits around the clock (although we've put together a list of monochromatic outfits to inspire your one-tone looks if you're curious), but do stay away from obviously clashing colors. O'Hayon-Crosby points out that ensembles "like a white shirt with dark pants create a horizontal line at the waist, visually shortening your frame." While color-blocking is a no-no, you can still have fun with certain patterns and prints that are known to elongate the stature. And don't worry: There are plenty of other tips for infusing more color into your wardrobe, including going for colorful accessories. Something like the Charming Tailor Clutch Evening Bag in hot pink would add a pop of color to your 'fit without affecting your perceived height.

All-black monochrome is one way to go about looking taller, but it's far from the only strategy. Chloée O'Hayon-Crosby confirms that patterns and prints can be powerful if this is your goal. "Vertical stripes, pinstripes, and elongated patterns draw the eye up and down, creating an illusion of height," she tells Glam exclusively, adding, "Vertical gradients and ombré effects can have a similar lengthening effect, drawing the eye upward." Classic prints are one of the classic style trends staging a comeback in 2025, so there's plenty of opportunity to look chic and a little taller, whether you go for the iconic pinstripe power suit or a dress with vertical stripes. 

On the other hand, there are also patterns and prints to avoid, including horizontal stripes and oversized designs, which draw the eye out horizontally. "Small, subtle patterns like micro-prints or tonal textures can be neutral, but the scale of the design matters — larger prints tend to shorten, while finer details can elongate when styled correctly," O'Hayon-Crosby notes. In the same way that certain clothing colors and patterns make you look older, these prints won't do you any justice when you're trying to get your Hailey Bieber on.