It’s funny the body hang-ups we have, isn’t it?
Over the years I’ve become obsessed by the fact that compared to most friends, colleagues and supermodels, I have a longer body and shorter legs.
When I explain this concept to whoever will listen, everyone looks baffled. They of course don’t notice and, quite frankly, don’t care. However, I believe that the clothes we buy should make us feel our very best, so I’m always on the hunt to find styles that cater for the intricacies of my body proportions.
Trousers are the main concern when shopping for this particular body hang up. At 5’6 I’m not classed as petite or tall but I find the majority of ‘regular’ fits just don’t cut it for me. I am therefore always on the hunt for the perfect trouser that’ll give the illusion of a higher waist and longer leg.
Here are 4 of the best trousers for short legs and longer body shapes.
The versatile pair of jeans
Every girl knows the plight of finding a good pair of jeans and I have seriously struggled over the years to find my ride-or-die pair. Not only do you need to find the right size, but you also need to keep up with the ever-changing styles.
The pair I go back to time and time again are the trusty Levi’s 501.
The crop is key because I find that Levi’s 501 is too baggy and low in the waist for me. The crop style has a higher waistband, and you can choose the length to make sure it falls perfectly. For me, the most versatile length to go with any shoe is where it ends just on the ankle bone.
The classy colourful flare
The Eliza offices are located just around the corner from a giant H&M, so I’m lucky enough to be able to pop in regularly to see what’s new. Recently I have discovered their flared trousers, which seem to have been tailor-made for the long-body, short-leg girl!
A flared trouser, if you have short legs, can be really problematic as more often than not, they are too long. It’s unforgiving too – they can’t be turned up easily and I never get round to tailoring anything professionally. This pair comes in an array of colours, are the perfect length for shorter legs. I wear mine with trainers and they end just a couple of centimetres above the floor.
The date-night-ready faux leather trousers
If you haven’t checked out Abercrombie & Fitch then I urge you to do so. Long gone are the days of matching tracksuits and lace-trim tops. This brand has had a total makeover and their trousers have quickly become a firm favourite of mine.
The vegan leather 90s straight pant is a real stand out as the waist comes up high and you can also choose a variety of leg lengths that range from extra-short to extra-long. The brand also does this style in multiple shades of denim and it’s recently introduced a crossover-style waistband that creates a really flattering silhouette.
The workwear tailored trousers
As a girl with short legs, I tend to avoid COS for trousers as I always find them so long. However, I recently discovered the slim-fit kick flare style and I’m a total convert. Cut above the hip they give the illusion of a shorter body, and even though the trouser stops well above the ankle, when worn with a heel, it has the effect of elongated legs especially as the kick flare exaggerates how small the bottom of your leg appears. It’s a perfect style for the office and will easily take you from day to night.
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