Further from my general explanation of body proportions the other day, let’s look specifically at some of the common issues for the longer body, shorter leg.
One of the more common body proportions is the longer body and shorter legs. Now where you gain your length may not be the same as the next person, but overall when you look at your head to leg-break measurement, it’s longer than legbreak to foot.
If you’re long in the chin to mid bust point – and this is very common, avoid strapless or spaghetti straps as you will appear to have a very low bustline. A well fitting bra that keeps ‘the girls’ up high is also a must, as it will give you the appearance of a longer, slimmer waist.
If you’re long from mid-bust to waist, avoid empire lines as they further elongate your body. Wide belts are usually really flattering for your body, they will break up this long proportion and draw attention to your smaller waist. Wear higher waisted garments. Avoid low-rise trousers and jeans. Look for tops with ruffles, pattern or detail through to distract if you feel very long through this proportion.
If you are long in the rise (that’s the crotch to waist) measurement, don’t wear waistbands on your natural waist as you will appear unnaturally long in this measurement, instead opt for mid-rise pants and tops that end around your hip bone. You can layer two tops if one is cropped.
As a longer bodied person, avoid ending tops at or past your leg break, keep them shorter to the hip bone, or for longer line jackets, down to just above the knee.
To elongate your legs, wear pants with no cuffs and avoid pocket detail. Look for vertical creases, seams and pattern (such as pin stripes). Match shoes to pants, and wear your pants as long as possible. If you like heels, they’ll add length and balance to your body, but they are by no means compulsory!
For skirts, keep them around the knee (just above or just below, depending on your legs and knees), knee high boots are great in winter, and nude shoes and sandals are perfect in summer. Low vamps on shoes will add extra inches to your legs.
Long Body, Short Legs by imogenl featuring 3.1 Phillip Lim jackets
This is great advice! I have the short leg syndrome, as you’ve probably noticed – so I need all these tips!
I love these looks– inspires me to go shopping but I loathe to leave the house and I have come to realize that shopping on line is always a bad idea. But I am finally strating to realize what my body type might be– long legs–short torso, big boobs, big hair. Yikes! Oh Imogen, when are you coming to Hong Kong? I could use your help!!!
I love the outfits you posted! The black and white polka dot dress with the pink (or red, can’t totally tell) belt and cardigan is amazing! Gonna have to recreate that!
Nic – hope they help!
SWC – you and I sound the same – though I don’t have the big hair, but I do have the short body. long legs and big boobs! I hope to get to Hong Kong one day! We have the same birthday and same body – how weird!
Lmac – thanks – it’s pink – but you could do it in red too!
Fascinating stuff … and it makes me realize how little I know about my own proportions!
Sal – so much to know!
So happy to learn that being “long in the chin to mid bust point” is common. What about when this is unfortunately paired with a big bust such that 1) v-necks reveal too much chin/bust skin and 2) a higher necked top minimizes the skin but makes your boobs look huge! Turtlenecks? Necklaces? Help!
Anonymous – go for large scale necklaces, they take up the space and distract from a large bust.
Alternatively, collared shirts, unbuttoned to just above the cleavage line with a necklace. See my post on big busts.
Thanks for the tips Imogen! What other kinds of necklines look best with large scale necklaces for the
long chin-bust/big bust combo?
This is my first trip to your blog and I am SO IMPRESSED! Keep it coming!
Anon – go for V necks, and wrap tops, avoid crew necks and turtlenecks.
Also, wear a cami or tank under tops to cover the top of your cleavage, whilst still leaving an open neckline.
Hi Imogen– matching body types and birthdays? Strange!
Great post… your blog is a a true gem.
Imogen, I get the nude shoe concept, but I think it keeps one from looking ‘grounded.’ It sort of looks like you are walking on air, unanchored.
I wish I could emphasize my waist to make my legs appear longer, but it’s not my best spot.
Imogen … its great to read HOW to dress with these proportions. I had done these measurements once and knew my proportions, but didn’t know how to use that information. Thanks.
Brilliant! This has helped me so much. With your other posts, I’ve learned so much about my body and how to dress it.
I wish you were coming to New York, or that I could fly to Australia and be “made over” by you.
Thanks!
Christine