Boost your height and confidence in these footwear styles.
When you’re a petite woman, finding the right shoes can feel like a never-ending quest. You want something that not only elevates your style but also gives you a little boost, whether that’s in height or in confidence. Thankfully, there are plenty of shoe styles out there designed to flatter petite frames, elongate your legs, and make you feel like you’re walking tall.
“It’s definitely easy to think that shorter girls might want a bit of height with their shoe preferences, but I truly think most women can wear nearly every style of shoe,” says Los Angeles-based stylist Sarah Schussheim.
Take a cue from the singer Sabrina Carpenter, who constantly slips into a platform stiletto to add height without sacrificing sophistication. Or, songstress and actress Ariana Grande, who has made over-the-knee boots a signature of her style, helping her elongate her figure. Although these styles may not traditionally be recommended for petite women, they work well because, according to Schussheim, the proportions of your clothing matter more than the footwear you choose. “I think that a girl who is shorter could absolutely rock a Prada kitten heel, Alaïa ballet flat, or a Loewe loafer with a bottom that hits the leg in a spot where it elongates rather than shortens the line,” she adds.
Still, there are some footwear styles and silhouettes that work better for women on the shorter side, helping give the illusion of a higher stature. Ahead, read through some of the best shoe styles for maximizing your height.
Pointy Pumps
A pointy pump is a timeless staple for anyone. But when it comes to petite women, they come in handy to elongate your silhouette. The sleek, tapered shape draws the eye downward, creating a streamlined look that flatters your silhouette. With a slingback version, for example, the addition of the strap and a slightly lower heel gives the pumps a more relaxed vibe compared to the classic silhouette.
Slim Sneakers
For petite women, it can be tempting to reach for the chunky, platform sneakers to add a bit of extra height. However, ultra-chunky styles can sometimes overwhelm your frame and make your legs appear shorter. Instead, consider opting for the slim version. Despite being flat to the ground, the sleek and streamlined design of a slim sneaker elongates your legs, creating a lengthening effect that balances your proportions beautifully.
Platform Stiletto
Sometimes all you want is to add extra height, and a substantial platform is the way to achieve it. When opting for an ultra-high platform, balance is key. A super-thin stiletto heel is the perfect counterpoint to the thickness of the platform, creating a sleek, sophisticated look that elongates the legs without adding unnecessary bulk. Thanks to the extra height and structure of the platform, you can go for more oversized or bulging styles on top.
Over-the-Knee Boots
For years, Ariana Grande has popularized slim over-the-knee boots, which she often styles with an oversized sweatshirt or a mini dress. That formula is a tried-and-true for petite women by now, yet it had evolved to become more polished. Instead of a slim over-the-knee boot, go for slouchier leather styles, pairing them with a mini skirt suit or tailored shorts during the cool weather months.
