Short | Body Matrix Categories
Short body types look short and lack length in their bone structure. They appear small as opposed to moderate or long. This is my guide for if you might be in the short category and how to dress for this feature
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Features
Length takes into account your true height and your ‘vertical line’ - how tall you appear. To be short means you appear to be 5”3 or shorter because of your body proportions. You can be long or short at any height; however, you are most likely to be short if you are below 5”3. These are some features to look out for:
large head in proportion to the rest of your frame - doll-like proportions
short upper leg
short limbs
5”3- in true height (but you can be taller than this and be short)
looks short
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Key style words
When thinking about the lines which work best for your silhouette, these are some key words to keep in mind:
short
small
low
mini
petite
cropped
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How to Style
You don’t have to include ALL of the following elements in an outfit to honour your short length, but one to three details will help to create this impression. There are also lots of other elements I could include, but I think this is a good starting point!
Cropped lengths
The most obvious way to honour your short vertical line is through extreme short lines. This includes mini skirts, hip-length coats, trousers which are cropped above the ankle. In being short you have a more extreme length, which means really short lines feel cool on you because your body can take it. At a red carpet event for instance, those with short lines can make a statement by wearing a mini skirt as it doesn’t feel casual against them; it highlights how short they are. Another example of raising the length for a formal occasion is incorporating a high slit to bring the eye upwards and shorten the length ultimately.
Mini items
If you are short, mini items are a great way to take advantage of your short length. There is a caveat that you need to be aware of your width - those who are petite + short can go extra mini and feel very effortless, but if you are wide you might choose to go slightly mini-sized rather than go all the way. This could apply to your clothing, such as a baby tee, but fit could also apply to your accessories such as a petite pair of hoops, a small pendant or a mini bag.
Broken lines
Creating a broken line throughout an outfit is really impactful for those with short lines. This means creating an outfit which is split into sections, rather than being one long, sweeping line from head to toe. You can do this with the silhouette with a fabric break (e.g. a crop top), you can do it with pattern and colour too where there is a dramatic shift rather than a continuous flow. You can even do it with colour mixing very light and dark colours on different pieces creating high contrast.
High waist
Typically, those with short lines look amazing when they raise the waistline to create a shorter shape in the torso. The waistline shouldn’t be too extreme as there is only a small space to play with! This is also affected by shape - the more straight the more low the waistline can be and still feel harmonious.
Celebrities with Short Length
Amy Winehouse
Ariana Grande
Audrey Tautou
Camila Cabello
Christina Ricci
Demi Lovato
Doja Cat
Drew Barrymore
Elisabeth Moss
Emilia Clarke
Eva Longoria
Florence Pugh
Ginnifer Goodwin
Hayden Panettiere
Hilary Duff
Jenna Coleman
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Love Hewitt
Julia Garner
Kelly Osbourne
Kerry Washington
Kristen Bell
Lady Gaga
Maisie Peters
Maisie Williams
Melissa Rauch
Mila Kunis
Natalie Portman
Nicola Coughlan
Penelope Cruz
Pink
Quinta Brunson
Reese Witherspoon
Regina King
Ruth Negga
Sabrina Carpenter
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Zoë Kravitz
Visit the Body Matrix ‘Hub’
Everything ‘the body matrix’ in one place. Learn about each of the body matrix categories and view outfit templates
Short body types look short and lack length in their bone structure. They appear small as opposed to moderate or long. This is my guide for if you might be in the short category and how to dress for this feature