This article was co-authored by Sarah McDonald and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Sarah McDonald is a Certified Stylist and Image Consultant and the Owner of Pivotal Style. She helps both men and women feel confident through clothing by guiding them on how to dress based on body type, color tone, lifestyle, and personal and professional goals. Sarah received her Image and Style Professional Certification from The Fashion Stylist Institute.
There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Finding the perfect outfit is all about striking the right balance, especially if you have a short waist. Don’t worry—there are plenty of stylish ways to flatter your body type without sacrificing your wardrobe in the process. Scroll through this list and see if any of these options appeal to you!
Steps
Grab low- or mid-rise pants.[1]
X
Expert Source
Sarah McDonald
Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.
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High-rise pants don’t unlock your full potential. They take up a lot of your outfit, and can leave your ensemble feeling a bit disproportional.[2] X Expert Source Sarah McDonald
Certified Stylist & Image Consultant Expert Interview. 26 August 2021. Instead, grab a pair of mid- or low-rise pants instead—these make your legs look shorter and your waist look longer, which creates a really balanced outfit.[3] X Research source
Pick empire cuts.
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Empire-cut clothing helps re-define and lengthen your waist. Unlike other dresses and skirts that sit on your hips or waist, empire cuts place the central seam directly beneath your bust. This really adds a lot of length to your figure.[4] X Research source
Choose garments with diagonal hems.
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Diagonal hems help your waist look a bit longer. The longer, lowest section of the shirt helps add some length to your torso, while the shorter end gives your outfit a bit of structure. Search through your closet or shop for diagonally hemmed tops to try out this cool, dynamic look![5] X Research source
Dress monochromatically.
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Pick tops and bottoms in matching colors.[6] X Expert Source Sarah McDonald
Certified Stylist & Image Consultant Expert Interview. 26 August 2021. Rifle through your closet and look for any pants, skirts, or blouses that are the same color. Pair up these items to create a really dynamic, cohesive outfit. The single color makes your waist look a lot longer.[7] X Research source- For instance, you might wear a navy blouse with a navy pair of slacks.
Wear drop-waist garments.
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Drop-waist dresses and tops make your waist look a lot longer. As the name suggests, drop-waist dress seams fall around the hips instead of the bust or waist. This really lengthens your torso, which is great if you have a short waist.[8] X Research source
Try V-neck tops.
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A dramatic neckline helps lengthen your torso. This type of neckline helps make your waist look longer than it actually is.[9] X Research source Medium-length and long, dramatic V-necks are really great with a short waist.[10] X Research source
- Stay away from boat-neck tops—these can make your waist look a lot shorter.[11] X Research source
Wear a lifted bra.
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A well-supported bra helps maximize your torso. Unfortunately, a loose, less supportive bra leaves your bust a bit droopy, which doesn’t make the most of this body type. Instead, shop for a bra that really lifts and supports your bust—this helps you really maximize your torso.[12] X Research source
- It may help to double-check and re-measure your bra size before picking up any new bras.
Pick out thin belts.
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Grab a belt that’s 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) or thinner. Unfortunately, belts can be a slippery slope if you have a short waist—chunky belts take up a lot of space, and really emphasize your short waistline. Instead, dig through your wardrobe for a really thin belt, which adds an extra dimension to your outfit without being over-the-top.[13] X Research source
- Low-lying belts work well if you have a short waist. You tie this belt very loosely around your waist, and let it naturally dip into a flattering V-shape.[14] X Research source
Pick dangling accessories.
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Long accessories add some length to your outfit. Grab a long scarf or necklace, which helps change up the focus of your outfit. Pick accessories that help redirect the eye to different sections of your outfit, and draw attention away from the waist area.[15] X Research source
- For example, pendant necklaces are a great accessory option.[16] X Research source
Don’t tuck in your shirt.
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Leave your tops draping or half-tucked. Tucking in your top can make your outfit look a bit unbalanced, which isn’t super great. Instead, let your top dangle over your waist or tuck part of it into your waistband.[17] X Research source
- For instance, you can tuck your top in front of your belly button, and let the rest dangle.
Avoid cropped jackets.
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Cropped jackets tend to emphasize your waist. When dressing a short waist, length is the name of the game. Unfortunately, cropped jackets sit close to your waist, and make your outfit a tad unbalanced.[18] X Research source
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References
- ↑ Sarah McDonald. Certified Stylist & Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.
- ↑ Sarah McDonald. Certified Stylist & Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.
- ↑ https://youlookfab.com/2015/08/24/12-tips-how-to-dress-a-short-waist/
- ↑ https://youlookfab.com/2015/08/24/12-tips-how-to-dress-a-short-waist/
- ↑ https://youlookfab.com/2015/08/24/12-tips-how-to-dress-a-short-waist/
- ↑ Sarah McDonald. Certified Stylist & Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.
- ↑ https://elementsofimage.com/fashion/petite-dressing-if-youre-short-waisted/
- ↑ https://youlookfab.com/2015/08/24/12-tips-how-to-dress-a-short-waist/
- ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CSnjy2z3Q7A&t=0m56s
- ↑ https://elementsofimage.com/fashion/petite-dressing-if-youre-short-waisted/
- ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com/what-to-wear-with-a-short-torso
- ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CSnjy2z3Q7A&t=3m46s
- ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CSnjy2z3Q7A&t=3m17s
- ↑ https://youlookfab.com/2015/08/24/12-tips-how-to-dress-a-short-waist/
- ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com/what-to-wear-with-a-short-torso
- ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CSnjy2z3Q7A&t=2m1s
- ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CSnjy2z3Q7A&t=1m43s
- ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com/what-to-wear-with-a-short-torso/slide27
- ↑ https://elementsofimage.com/fashion/petite-dressing-if-youre-short-waisted/