https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:52:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height/page/2#post-345856 Sat, 07 May 2011 16:04:05 +0000 Scarlet 345856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had no time to comment on this thread and now I have so much to say! First of all, last time I checked 5’ 4” is average height (like Elly says), so I think it is telling how many people identify themselves as short at this height. I think Angie really put her finger on it that height is a sought after commodity, and the question is why? My best guess is that height represents physical power, and people like to project power. I actually think this is similar to the way people loved SUVs (until gas was too expensive)--it made them feel higher and more powerful.</p> <p>Regarding heels, I think a lot of women love heels because of the way they change, legs, ankles, rears, posture, attitude (what was said here already), but plenty of women on the heels/flats poll said some variation of, I am short—I need all the help I can get.</p> <p>To those who say that daily life is a struggle because chairs, desks, cabinets, etc. are not designed for short people, I would counter that and say everything is designed for an average man. No wonder that we have trouble. </p> <p>Maya – I know what you mean about attractiveness. I hadn’t exactly thought about that before, but I feel the same way. I am pretty sure that people's preferences for their partner are all across the board. Kind of begs the question then, again... By the way, I posted wide-leg pants here once and you liked them. I admit, though I have to wear heels with those or it looks off to my eye. Hubby disagrees though, so who knows.</p> <p>Thanks for the interesting discussion to everyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height/page/2#post-345432 Fri, 06 May 2011 20:49:51 +0000 Elly 345432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm . . . . well techinically, all of you ladies that are 5'3" to 5'4" are considered AVERAGE in the U.S. So the handful of us that are 5'6"-7" and up are TALL. For many years women is this country have been getting taller, but right now that is being balanced by the growth of ethnic populations that are generally shorter (hispanic, asian). So, we actually may end up with a large gap between the super tall and the petite. It will be interesting to see.</p> <p>Me, I am 5'8". Statistically, I am tall for a woman, but in the world of women that are 5'10" or above and compared to men I don't seem tall. Also, I don't look tall because I am very proportionate (I'm bigger all over, not skinny). Still, I need tall sizes. I often top out of the tallest regular retail sizes for sleeve and pant length, so I would hate to see what women that are 6' do for those items unless they only hit up the specialty stores that carry inseams in the 38 or 40" range. Fashion clothes, trendy clothes are not offered in the sizes that tall women need. When I can't walk into a store and put on a skirt without showing my panties, women that are actually models are posed so funny because the photog is trying to hide the bits! So even though there are tons of great fashions that might look better on tall ladies, it is almost impossible to find them in the sizes tall people need when shopping retail! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height/page/2#post-345376 Fri, 06 May 2011 18:27:10 +0000 Steph 345376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vix, I totally agree with you on the "I don't want to be tall..." and "I don't want to be short..." thoughts. I do think that a lot of it is situational. One of my best friends growing up was a 6 foot tall woman. Both she and I wished that we were of more average height, but when asked, I would always say that I would rather be as short as I am than as tall as she as. She, however, always said she would be way more comfortable at her height than mine. My guess is that a lot of the comments about not wanting to be tall OR short come from that place. Personally, I am just so used to being short that I can't imagine life as someone very tall. When I am in a group with people smaller than I am (a rare occasion), I always feel very uncomfortable and kind of gigantic. But I bet when my friend is with women who are taller than her she feels tiny and insignificant. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height/page/2#post-345355 Fri, 06 May 2011 17:43:54 +0000 Janet 345355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never thought of being short as a negative thing any more than I would think of being brunette or blonde as a negative thing. It's simply how we're made. </p> <p>I take it for granted that I'm comfortable with my height (5'7"). Height is one of those things that you simply cannot imagine having differently than you do, if you get my drift. Sometimes, my husband will stand two steps down from me to see how it feels to be reversed in height -- he's 6'6" and has no idea what it's like to have to climb on stepladders to get to things, or see over a crowd at a concert. </p> <p>I like being tall-ish, but even at my height I wouldn't mind being taller. I like heels mainly for how they make my legs look more shapely, but I don't mind the extra inches either. Maybe it's because I'm surrounded by husband and stepsons who are all over 6'5"! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height/page/2#post-345353 Fri, 06 May 2011 17:35:10 +0000 londonkiwi (now back in NZ) 345353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At 5ft 4, I am the shortest in my immediate family. My Mum and sister are both around 5ft 6. I am a full foot shorter than my husband, it will be interesting to see who's genes my daughter has inherited!</p> <p>I am pretty happy with my height. In NZ I am on the slightly shorter side for women of my generation. In the UK I am about average. </p> <p>Despite my height, I have long legs and I do think that they are actually out of proportion to my height. Other than that, I don't really mind being the height I am, as I am neither short or tall, just average. If I wear 4 inch heels, it does freak my husband out though as he is not used to me being that height!</p> <p>I have had the advantage of being tall - I stopped growing at 12, so at that point was tall in comparison to my class mates. At that point in my life I was a reasonably good swimmer with some potential and also good at netball. However, my height or lack thereof, prevented me from excelling in either sport. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height/page/2#post-345315 Fri, 06 May 2011 16:04:15 +0000 Shauntelle 345315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 5'2" and, like Mo, come from a family of fairly tall people. My mom used to be the shortest in our whole large extended family at 5'3" until I grew up (not! lol) and took away her grown and before her, my great-aunt held the "shortest" title, also at 5'3". The rest of the women are all 5'6" or taller and our guys are all over 6'.</p> <p>Despite that, I've never really felt short. As I like to tell my teenage son, I'm tall for my size and what I lack in height I make up for in spirit! </p> <p>I didn't learn about correct fit in clothing until about 3 or 4 years ago (when I started watching What Not to Wear!) so I don't think shopping bothered me that much since I didn't realize all my stuff was too long in the first place. I did start wearing heels so that my pants wouldn't drag the ground, but in the end, I just fell in love with them. Love how they look, love the sound of me walking across a room in them, and when I slip on a pair of heels it gives me "attitude." I feel sexy and confident in a pair of pretty heels so that's why I wear them. Since I don't really think of myself as short, I've never worn them to try to feel tall...and, in fact, I feel like my bottom is more of a hindrance to finding clothes than my height.</p> <p>That said, I do have the "can't reach the top shelf" issues... And now that my oldest is in high school, I have to be more concerned about looking "age appropriate" because practically all the kids at his school seem to be taller than me... so it's easy to be mistaken as another teenager if I'm dressed down. That has pluses and minuses... I'm just a few years shy of 40, so I feel like it's a blessing that I'm aging well, even if I have to bear my son teasing me that his friend's think I'm his sister.</p> <p>ETA: My whole real point is that maybe I'm obtuse but I didn't realize anyone was putting down short people here or elsewhere. Maybe it's the circles I hang in, but most of the people I know or have met online in terms of fashion, really stress making the best of yourself whatever you look like. It just occurred to me that maybe all the leg lengthening talk could be putting down short people but I just figured that was a cultural thing... Americans love long legged women and since every model we see is generally pretty tall, we're kinda brainwashed into that. But that's why I don't read fashion mags anymore and rather get my fashion tips and fix from YLF and what-i-wore today type blogs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height/page/2#post-345238 Fri, 06 May 2011 14:33:03 +0000 Vix 345238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Western cultural ideas of beauty aside, some of these "oh I wouldn't want to be any taller because XYZ" comments seem the inverse of taller women saying they wouldn't want to be shorter because of ABC!</p> <p>I don't know why people can't be happy with their own height OR see advantages to being shorter/taller. </p> <p>[But then I have to admit I find the whole "love every aspect of the body you have 100%" movement as oppressive as the "fix every aspect of the body you have to meet norm du jour" movement.]</p> <p>Anyway: I have a rather tall personality *plus* dislike being in moving/still crowds and lacking a view, so I would love a few more inches. For whatever reason, my fake (heeled) height feels more natural to me than my real one. </p> <p>However, I hang with 5'1 women who are totally dialed into that height and wear flats almost exclusively. And then I have tall friends who would like a few inches less, and I have tall friends who pop on heels that make them 6'1 because they love being taller!</p> <p>It's all good -- but yes, I believe some proportions may suit one height over another.</p> <p>[Unfortunately for me the tall-women-in-heels thing defeats the purpose of *my* heel-wearing, but oh well. ] </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height/page/2#post-345197 Fri, 06 May 2011 11:52:02 +0000 anne 345197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AT 5"4 I am just on the cusp of being short - and am I am pretty certain I would be under average height among my generation of women in Australia.</p> <p>I always wanted to be an inch taller than my mum and I made it.</p> <p>I agree that proportion is more important visually than height. I have short legs, and I would quite like them to be longer (which is impossible to acheive) which would make me taller if everything else remained the same - but really it is more about proportion.</p> <p>I do think,however is is harder to hide an extra few pounds when you are short. I have had tall friends who I have not realised are overweight for ages (usually til they bring it up), since they can "carry it".</p> <p>And your chances of looking either short legged or short waisted are increased too, I think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height/page/2#post-345179 Fri, 06 May 2011 07:42:30 +0000 ButterflyLady 345179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 5' 3.5" and I don't think about it often. Petite ranges don't fit me, as they are too short, so I've just got used to buying from regular ranges and altering if I need to. </p> <p>Some people have said to me, when I tell them my height, that I don't 'look that short' LOL No idea what they mean - I have good posture from lots of Pilates, but my reasoning is that I can do nothing about it, so I just forget it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-345146 Fri, 06 May 2011 04:40:22 +0000 Maya 345146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I disagree that tall women are more easily fitted and flattered by virtually anything. I really feel for tall lanky gals actually. It must be incredibly frustrating to struggle with things being too short or hitting too high. It's much easier to take away fabric than it is to add it, and petite sizes are much easier to find than tall. Tall women can pull off bigger prints and handbags better, but petite women can pull off smaller prints and handbags better, so it's more or less an even exchange. I also find that I can easily get away with things being too long just by combining them a certain way, but it's much harder to make things look right when they are too short.</p> <p>For virtually everything else, it's all a matter of proportion, not overall height. I am trying to think of anything else that absolutely requires a tall frame besides wide leg pants and I am drawing a blank. I guess maxi dresses, but I don't even like them on tall girls so I'm not sure if I can count that.</p> <p>I rarely wear heels but if and when I do, it's never to look taller. I think that's utterly silly. Maybe I'm just extra observant, but I have never felt "fooled" by someone's footwear. If you're wearing 4" heels and you're still only 5'4, trust me, I can still tell that you are short! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-345039 Thu, 05 May 2011 23:37:07 +0000 Aida 345039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Patty your comment illustrates Scarlet's point nicely: proportion is much more important. It's not like being shorter automatically makes one ill proportioned, which seem to be a prevalent thought and part of the reason, I think, shortness is a bit maligned. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-345032 Thu, 05 May 2011 23:21:06 +0000 Aziraphale 345032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to add my two cents about heels. The fact that they make me physically taller is only an incidental bonus. I mainly wear them because they make my legs and butt look nice, and add a level of sophistication to an "evening out" outfit. If I were 5'11", I'd still wear them -- even if it meant I'd tower over a lot of men. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-345030 Thu, 05 May 2011 23:19:14 +0000 Patty 345030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Holey Moley you ladies all photograph taller than your listed heights!!! O_O </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-345012 Thu, 05 May 2011 22:52:09 +0000 KristineK 345012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Diana and Aida. I don't really have many specific fashion-related problems with being short, but in other areas of life... well, it's another story. Desk/chair height is a constant challenge and don't even get me started on the problem of always having people taller than me obscuring my view in movie theaters. Sometimes I think I should take a booster seat with me ;-)</p> <p>I wear heels almost 100% of the time (usually in the 3-4 inch range), both because I'm in love with the way they look and because I work predominantly with men, most of whom are a good deal taller than me. In fact the three men I work with most frequently are all a full foot taller than me, so I'll take full advantage of anything that levels that playing field a bit, so to speak. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-345009 Thu, 05 May 2011 22:49:38 +0000 lyn* 345009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wish I was shorter. Men think I'm too tall. :(</p> <p>"... but models are tall!"<br /> "so?" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-345008 Thu, 05 May 2011 22:40:00 +0000 Mo 345008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Even though I'm 5' 4 1/2" I tend to think of myself as on the short side. Partly this is because my whole family is tall. My younger brothers and both uncles are 6' 2" or 6' 3". The ladies, too- my mom comes in the shortest at 5' 10" but my aunt, cousin and grandma were/are all 6'. So just my mom and one older brother are under 6', and not by much. I got some crazy gene from 3 generations ago or something lol.<br /> But this discussion has made me realize that overall I am quite lucky. I'm relatively proportionate and most things fit me right off the rack. I do have short waist issues and armholes too big, etc. but we all have our minor troubles with fit. At work at the bar it would be helpful to be taller when it comes to reaching that top shelf of alcohol but then again, plane rides I am quite content to have some leg room in a basic coach seat. :)<br /> But Scarlet, I do see your point that this seems to be a characteristic that's easily made to seem unenviable whereas other body types we would not so readily lend such negative connotations to. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-345004 Thu, 05 May 2011 22:33:45 +0000 Becky 345004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I *like* being short, and have for most of my adolescence and all of my adulthood. Yes, sleeves and hems have to be shortened, but that can be done much more easily than adding length. I do get a bit grumpy about seating; most chairs/benches/couches are uncomfortable for me because my feet don't rest comfortably on the floor. They dangle freely, which is bad for circulation and is hard on the back after a while. So if I have a choice, I sit on the floor or cross-legged on chairs. But overall, I'm quite happy at my height. If someone comments, I always respond, "I'm taller than both of my grandmothers!" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-345001 Thu, 05 May 2011 22:25:05 +0000 Heather 345001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is some thread! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-344998 Thu, 05 May 2011 22:19:34 +0000 Beth 344998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My perfect height would be 2" taller than I am now at 5'5", but on the list of "things I wish I could change" it barely registers. </p> <p>On the other hand, my SIL is gorgeous and an even 6'. I've never seen her in heels and I know she'd prefer to be slightly shorter.</p> <p>We're all fab at any size! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-344990 Thu, 05 May 2011 22:03:41 +0000 Aida 344990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I go back and forth about being annoyed with my height (5'3") and not caring. In terms of fashion I don't really think about it; I almost never think to myself, "I can't wear this style because I am too short". Height is just another body proportion to work with when dressing, not a hindrance but simply a characteristic. In regards to shopping I find my height to be far less of a problem than other areas (though luckily I'm fairly easy to fit overall).</p> <p>I wear heels with the same view as Mary and Taylor: I just like the aesthetic (this goes for leg lengthening dressing, too), and I like the way they make my legs, feet and seat look. The extra few inches are nice too, and while a factor, not a major one. With heels I move into the "normal" height range of 5'6"-7" but because I'm small framed I'm usually still thought of as short. So it's not a huge help there ;)</p> <p>Like Diana said, I find my height more challenging in other areas of life. The main one that bothers me is that the shorter height coupled with my youthful appearance sometimes gets me taken less seriously. And still gets me carded, which I don't appreciate yet 0:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-344989 Thu, 05 May 2011 22:03:18 +0000 Steph 344989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not even 5'1, and I don't mind being short, but I do agree that when others speak it often seems like short is a negative. I used to work with a group of people who constantly teased my about my height--I actually never minded, because I didn't see anything wrong with being short.</p> <p>I absolutely adore wearing heels and do so almost all of the time. However, I think that there are a lot of reasons to wear heels that don't have to do with appearing taller. There is no way I am fooling anyone into thinking I'm tall just because I'm wearing a 4 inch heel. I like heels because I have bulky calves, and heels make them look leaner. I also like them for the proportion--my legs are far shorter than the average person of my height. And I love the aesthetic too--I really like cute shoes, and more often than not, I find those shoes are heels. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-344949 Thu, 05 May 2011 20:49:20 +0000 rosee 344949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We should learn to appreciate our heights (among other assets) for what they are -- short, average or tall.<br /> I'm 5'6, so average, but I also have fit issues: pants are often too short for me (especially now that I know about PPL) and I often have to go into the tall sizes to get the length I need. Sometimes the tall pants are too long in the rise, so another problem. I can fit petite tops and jackets as long as they are a shorter sleeve (long sleeves are too short again). Even though I'm at the height at which most clothes are mass-produced, I have fit issues too. Can happen to anyone, I guess.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-344939 Thu, 05 May 2011 20:33:25 +0000 taylor 344939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually like being on the petite side in both height and frame(barely 5'4)...as I have gotten older i appreciate it even more:)<br /> I don't wear heels for the height...I am with MaryK...it is all about the aesthetic that heels bring to the outfit. I think if I was even an inch or 2 shorter it might look even better, I tend to look lanky sometimes and much taller than I am.</p> <p>I was shopping the other day and asked the sales girl if "this dress came in petite" and she said "Oh I don't think you are a petite" I slipped off a shoe and was shorter than her...we both giggled:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-344929 Thu, 05 May 2011 20:05:47 +0000 Patty 344929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's the aesthetic that heels bring to the person--they make your calf much more shapely and bring out your rear--a body geometry change and the shoe looks nice to.<br /> As for fitting tall--I'm told I'm tall, when it comes to getting fitted clothes all the tapers--waist, knees, elbows, bust (but I'm small) are in the wrong place for me too. Certain stores for certain pieces are out of the picture completely for me (since YLF that I know the difference).<br /> Lengths! The first years after I was finished having kids and camis were becoming popular (in my circle anyway) they were all so short I couldn't bare (LOL) to wear them and they would not stay tucked if I wore them layered. There are more choices now tho but seems to me trends start in short lengths--not that I'm trendy .<br /> Pants--I just walk into a store and ask if they do 34/36 before doing anything.<br /> It's the thrill of the hunt now--even if I don't bag a buy.<br /> Now lets talk about left handed buttons and zippers hahahahaha while I check the top shelf of MaryK's cupboards for a bag of popcorn. =^D </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-344918 Thu, 05 May 2011 19:55:51 +0000 Queen Mum 344918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Honestly, I never have figured out why some ladies are so unhappy about being so nice and petite At 5'7 I wouldn't want to be any taller and wouldn't mind being an inch or 2 shorter actually. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-344917 Thu, 05 May 2011 19:55:18 +0000 Arya 344917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It took me a long time to get comfortable with my height (5'2"), even though I stopped growing *many* years ago! It's really only since I've become more self-actualized (and self-accepting) that I've come to embrace my petite stature, and so many other things. Sure, I often have to ask for help at the grocery store (blast those top shelves!), but I'm no longer embarrassed by it - people seem to appreciate the opportunity to help, actually. Since I have sewing skills, I've taken to making my own clothes or modifying the ones I buy to better suit my figure.</p> <p>As for heels, I adore them! It's sort of like how I adore wearing make-up, even though I'm perfectly happy with my lovely, naked face. I like the sound that heels make on a hard floor. I like how my legs look - even better - when I'm wearing heels. I like how my foot looks - even better - when I'm wearing heels. And yes, if I'm honest, I also like being just an inch or two taller for a few hours. Even with those inches, I'm still petite, so it doesn't feel like I'm fooling anybody...least of all myself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-344905 Thu, 05 May 2011 19:42:07 +0000 qfbrenda 344905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't mind being short. I'm 5'1" but have enough of an attitude that I have no issues telling my 5'6"-and-still-growing son what to do. I figure any short mom of a bunch of future men needs to be a bit tough. ;)</p> <p>Anyway... I agree with the others. I don't find being short a disadvantage, just a characteristic like any other height would be. And I don't wear tons of high heels to try to compensate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-344896 Thu, 05 May 2011 19:24:09 +0000 RoseandJoan 344896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it is human nature to want what we don't have but it is so counter productive, there is no such thing as a bad height and life is so much easier when we accept that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-344887 Thu, 05 May 2011 19:02:16 +0000 modgrl 344887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love being short and agree with Maya, there are tons of things that look great on me that would be silly on a tall person. Shopping can be challenging... dresses and suits are too long in the torso, pants are not only too long, but the knee break is in the wrong place. These problems can't be easily tailored. Just about all skirts are midi's or maxi's on me, and not because I want them to be. It's only those years when mini's come back in style that I can actually find skirts that are the right length for me. I have to be careful about leg shortening styles and watching my proportions.I have a somewhat youthful appearance and I make sure that I avoid styles that could be perceived as cute or little and somewhat juvenile. I don't want to be taller, I just want more petite clothing options! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-height#post-344872 Thu, 05 May 2011 18:36:57 +0000 MsMary 344872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't wear heels to be taller. I wear 'em because I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way they look! I think I still have a Barbie doll fixation... </p>