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STYLE ADVICE
HOW TO DRESS: SHORTER MEN
By Style Feed Staff, 20 January 2017
Muscular guys, we’ve already got your style needs covered here. Now it’s time to address the wardrobe challenges facing the shorter man. According to some (presumably tall – and smug) statisticians, the average British male measures up at a none-too-shabby 5' 9". But for those of us who fall short of that lofty standard, here are five style rules to tackle those sartorial woes.
Picture: Xposure
1. Keep things matching or monochrome
Sure, we’re looking to inject some vibrancy into our ‘fits in 2017, but if you’re of the short persuasion, you can’t go wrong with a palette of monochrome tones. That’s because darker shades allow your outfit to flow from top to bottom seamlessly and, in turn, create the illusion of a longer or extended frame. It’s not to say you can’t expand your palette at all, but focus on offering hints of colour through detail rather than large blocks of contrasting hues.
Picture: Getty
2. Layering is key
The ability to layer is arguably the most effective weapon in anyone’s sartorial arsenal. Not only can you tactically stay warm without huge pieces weighing you down, done right, you can disguise height – or lack of – effectively. The key, however, is to mix up the lengths and widths of your cuts, playing with proportions, rather than drawing all the attention to how you’re slowly being consumed by your oversized, longline tee.
Picture: Splash
3. Avoid baggy trews
We’ll be the first to admit we’re keen advocates of wide-leg trousers, but the key to complementing a shorter silhouette below the belt is to keep your jeans neat and narrow. If you’re pin rolling, avoid letting the cuffs creep too high, as it’ll truncate your legs and give the appearance of shorter limbs. Instead, keep them sitting tidily above your choice of kicks or avoid folding altogether to ensure no big gaps.
Picture: REX
4. Go vertical
Although the classic horizontally-striped Breton has become a wardrobe staple, vertical stripes are the vertically challenged man’s best friend. They help create the illusion of a longer body and draw the eye up towards the face (which is, handily, your tallest point).
Picture: Xposure
5. Get it tailored
If you’re feeling flush, it’s always worth getting your suit tailored. Not only will it fit like a glove, but tailors know how to flatter your frame. With suit trousers, for instance, shaving a few centimetres off the bottom can completely alter the shape. A good tailor will know how to counteract this and keep them looking as if they were made for you.
