Style Secrets: Fake Perfect Proportions

Wear a high-waisted skirt to shorten your torso and lengthen your bottom half. And choose a hemline that hits just above the knees—exposing more leg elongates your leg line.

Ann Taylor Loft blouse ($44), French Connection skirt ($168; Macy’s East), Ann Taylor shoes ($138)

Disguise a long torso with a fitted blouse that flares out a bit at the hips, and get a leggy look with pants hemmed to floor length.

Anthropologie blouse ($88; Anthropologie stores), Nanette Lepore linen-blend jeans ($240; Nanette Lepore New York), Charles David handbag ($325; 310-659-7110), BCBG Max Azria pumps ($210; BCBG Max Azria boutiques)

Break up your midsection by choosing an empire-waist dress with a wide waistband in a contrasting color.

Ann Taylor dress ($158), Be. True necklace ($130), Boden heels ($148)