by Susan E. Carr

Created on: October 25, 2009

There are few women, or people in general, who are completely satisfied with their bodies and body structure. If being too short waisted is point of contention with you and how you feel about your overall look, there are a number of ways to enhance those attributes you do feel good about, while taking the focus away from a short waist. Having a short waist means that you have less length between your hips and your ribcage.

Creating the illusion of a long waist line is done in a number of ways. Wearing dresses that either have a drop waist or an empire style waist will offset the short waist line look. Wearing a hip belt flatters and accentuates the hip line rather than the waist line. If you do like to wear belts, choose a thinner variety and matching the color to the dress gives a more subtle appearance without drawing attention to the waist. Dresses with V-necks, scoop necks and vertical strips give the impression of length. Fluid fabrics and empire waists go a long way in drawing attention away from a short waist, and perhaps highlighting a lovely pair of legs instead. If your empire dress has a solid and a pattern design, the pattern design looks better on the top of the dress flattering your bust line, while the solid colored material on the bottom of the dress draws attention to length. Wrap-around dresses are not only comfortable and stylish, but also give the illusion of length, and are very flattering in general to most body types. Stay with form-fitting sheath style dresses rather than those with a waist line or wide belts. A straight styled dress with a hip length jacket is a lovely combination not only for concealing a short waist but also as a classic style for most body shapes. Avoid overly embellished dress styles, or those with ruffles, buttons and other add-ons, and instead look for sleek classic dresses with clean lines. Especially in winter, the sweater dress may be a lovely option, since it does not have a clearly defined waist. Sweater dresses that may have a cowal-shaped collar are very flattering and drawn attention to the upper body and face. Accessories such as a lovely scarf around your neck will not only keep you from feeling the winter chill, but the horizontal lines of a scarf create an illusion of length.

Sometimes women with short waists may also have a problem with weight accumulating around the tummy, back or arms. Therefore, it is always important to buy the right size so that items fit well and do not appear to be too small. When purchasing wardrobe items try not to focus only on a short waist line. It is highly likely that you have positive attributes such as long legs, a beautiful bust line, or a slim body, as well as a "lovely" smile. When you focus on highlighting the positive aspects of your body type, you will feel good, have confidence, and automatically create a winning look.

Learn more about this author, Susan E. Carr.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.