Must-Have Shoes if You're Petite and Don't Love Sky High Heels

Pulling an outfit together often comes down to what you choose to put on your feet and let's face it. The choices are endless! No heel, high heel. Block heel, kitten heel. Ankle strap, no strap. Slingback, platforms, wedges, stilettos, flats, peep-toe, d'Orsay—you get the picture. The style of shoe you decide to grab can sometimes even make or break the look you're going for. High heels have the ability to instantly elevate an outfit, but what are your options if you don't want to teeter on tall high heels or simply value comfort over style? Let's take a look at 5 shoe styles to invest in if you'd rather skip those sometimes beautiful yet painful 4"+ high heels!

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Pointy Flats

You don’t have to wear high heels to look polished. Pointy flats are chic and extend your leg line so that your legs look longer. A pointy toe also allows your shoe to pop out and be seen when you’re wearing them with long pants (by wearing your pants to right above the ground, you are also creating the illusion of a longer leg). Added bonus? They’re much more comfortable to wear than stilettos!

photo: ICUTESHOES

Flatforms and Platforms

Still want that extra inch (or two, or three) of height? Fret not! You can still achieve that by wearing a flatform or platform shoe. You will get the desired amount of height, but with more stable and comfortable support. Another styling tip is to avoid wearing shoes with an ankle strap. This can visually cut your leg. If you are looking to get around this effect, you can wear a nude-to-you shoe so the straps blend in with your skin tone.

Lower-heel Pumps

Sometimes we just want to confidently walk down the street with some power heels on! And you can definitely rock the look without opting for six-inch heels. Try something a little lower, like a still-tall three-inch heel. Or, wear a kitten heel, a feminine classic, for a more demure look. Play around with different heel heights to find what really works for you and the look you’re going for.

Knee-High and Over-the-Knee Boots

Long lines help create the illusion of a long body. When the weather gets chilly, you can look longer and leaner by wearing knee-high or over-the-knee boots. You’ll get an even longer effect by wearing the same color boots, pants, and tops to create a monochromatic look. Choosing a boot with a heel will add the desired height you want. Shorter boots, like ankle or calf-length boots, while still stylish, will actually visually cut your legs.

Nude Shoes

No matter what shoes you opt for, wearing them in a hue that is nude for your skin tone will make your legs look longer. This is due to the illusion of uninterrupted skin from leg to foot. Combining a nude shoe with any of the styles mentioned previously is a double whammy for making your petite frame instantly streamlined. While these tips and tricks will create the illusion of more height, you always have to first wear what you love and feel comfortable in! Only style yourself to look taller if you want to—because petites are amazing just as they are!

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*Cover photo: Pexels