Longer legs: we see ’em, we like ’em and we want ’em. They instantly transform your gait, help you look taller and you feel like Naomi Campbell as you strut into your office.
So what if we told you that you can get longer-looking legs, no matter what your height is? It’s easier to get than you think it is!
The secret lies in your choice of shoes. Avoid anything with too many straps crossing your feet, or boots that cut off around your ankles. Instead, look for details that help draw the eye up and down or help create the illusion of smaller ankles and calves.
Here are five tips and tricks that can help you look taller and give you slimmer legs!
Nude pumps should be your go-to shoes for when you’re looking to get the illusion of slimmer legs. Be sure to pick a nude that’s closest to your skin tone to enhance the slimming and lengthening effect it has on your stems.
View this post on InstagramBreak out your Spring wardrobe with our ANNABELL pumps in caramel patent leather #JimmyChoo
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Buckled straps help keep this pair securely on your feet, and there’s the ombre heel that adds a bit of panache. We reckon they’ll look great for after-work drinks, with your corporate attire and weekend dresses as well.
If you’re looking for a basic pair of nude pumps that you can leave underneath your desk, look no further. This pointy nude pump is the perfect shoe-rescuer for when you get roped into a last-minute meeting and you don’t want to look under-dressed.
A cute cut-out and knotted details on this pair of slingbacks makes them great when worn with a fancy Sunday dress, but formal enough to be paired with a white suit for work.
Select shoes with low-cut vamps (the part that covers the top of your foot). The lower the cut, the longer your foot looks – and voila! Instantly longer and thinner legs! Plus, there’s no harm in showing a little toe cleavage, as it helps amp up the sensuality of your overall look.
View this post on InstagramEiffel Tower ? Original Picture : @olivialafabuleuse
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Don’t want to have to deal with aching feet? Opt for a pair of mid-height heels, like this pair of slingback pumps. The pastel hue is great for pairing with a range of colours, from neutral hues to a bright pink outfit for that tone-on-tone aesthetic.
Another pair of shoes guaranteed to keep your feet feeling happy at the end of the day, these block-heeled embossed leather steppers add sophisticated style, whether to a pair of skinny jeans and an oversized boyfriend shirt, or a dressy blouse and pencil skirt.
If solid colours are your office wardrobe staples, consider patterned kicks to punch up your look. This pair comes with an eye-catching black-and-white pattern and a silver-toned detail that doesn’t fall short when it comes to work-appropriate style.
We’ll admit, they might not necessarily be great for your feet or posture, especially if you wear them all the time, but there’s no denying the appeal of stilettos in the quest for slimmer-looking legs. Plus, thinner heels make you look taller, too!
One quick tip when it comes to comfort: If you’re looking for comfortable heels to wear all night, always make sure it fits you perfectly in the first place.
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If you’re into the classic or vintage aesthetic, definitely consider adding this to your cart. Wear this pair of heeled sandals with a boucle skirt, a midi length or even your favourite jeans with a pretty top.
Sky-high heels aren’t exactly the most comfortable but you can elevate the ball of your feet with platform heels, while maintaining the height. Add this romantic dusty shade to an all-white outfit, or wear it with your favourite denim.
A juxtaposition of florals and a snake-effect finish, this pair is part alluring and part feminine. Then there’s that sexy ankle strap. We’d go with an LDB or an elegant, structured playsuit, and a sultry lipstick shade for a classy, slightly vampy evening look.
While shoes with chunky heels don’t always do your legs much justice in terms of slimming it down, shoes with chunky soles do! Thick soles make your ankles look slimmer, and platforms and flatforms are especially great for emphasizing smaller ankles!
View this post on InstagramSeeing stars ✨. Which #Elyse is your favourite? #StellaMcCartney #StellasWorld
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Go for a preppy look with a pair of loafers, and match with slim trousers or a knee-length A-line skirt.
Let your toes breathe a little on the weekend with a pair of flatform sandals. Plus, the espadrille texture on the wedge keeps it casual without looking sloppy.
Kick back with a pair of platform oxfords. The PU suede upper brings a subtly luxe vibe, while a colour-blocked sole adds visual interest.
The slimming effect even works with flats! If wearing heels all day don’t appeal to you, try pointed toe-flats! Not only are they incredibly comfortable, they are also chic enough to be worn with all of your outfits.
Animal prints never go out of style – here, a leopard print together with a tapered toe imbue glossy black leather with a certain sense of effortlessness and chicness. We love this with a pair of tailored shorts or trousers.
Can’t go wrong with white flats, but how about experimenting with them a little? Slip on a pair of brightly-coloured socks or wear a gold bracelet around your ankle for a cooler way to jazz them up.
Powder blue mules get an edgy sartorial update with studded straps and a unique ring embellishment at the toe cap – we’d wear this pair both to the office and to a party for a statement but totally wearable look.
Image: Showbit, Instagram / Additional reporting: Soleil Mahani and Michelle Lee / This post first appeared on 11 July 2016.