by Kimberley Heit

Created on: November 06, 2009

If you are a tall, thin guy and you'd like to look more filled out, there are many fashion tricks that can help. This article explores several to help get you started.

Eight tall and thin fashion tips:

1. Wear horizontal stripes

Many shirts feature vertical pinstripes that help to elongate the body, but as a tall, thin man you want to look for styles that feature horizontal stripes. A horizontal stripe will help make you look wider. If you'd like to increase the width of your upper body to look more masculine, look for a wide horizontal stripe across the chest region. There are shirts and jackets that feature horizontal stripes, but they can be more difficult to find so you may find yourself searching for a bit before you will come across any. You can also look for styles that feature horizontal seam lines, because this has the same effect as a stripe.

2. Layer up

By doing a bit of subtle layering you can help create more bulk. Simply look to wear a t-shirt under a button down shirt, or polo shirt, a knit over a collared shirt, or try a vest for formal looks. Just don't go crazy and try to pad your body with too many layers. You don't want to look like a homeless person who wears all the clothes they own at the one time.

3. Embrace different colors

When people want to look slimmer they are encouraged to wear head to toe black. The reverse is true if you want to diminish your lean appearance. Try wearing a few different colors. For example, you could wear tan pants with a darker jacket and another different colored shirt to break up a suit. Or perhaps layer a T-shirt in one color under a button down shirt in another color. Also consider wearing light colors like white, beige and pastel shades.

4. Try a double breasted jacket

Men who are tall and slim look great in double breasted jacket styles, because they add visual width to their appearance. If you want to wear a dark suit, this style makes a good choice.

5. Choose square or round toe shoes

Recently, slightly pointy toe styles have been very popular in the men's footwear department. However, because these have a lengthening effect they will not do a tall, thin any justice. As a tall, thin man you want to look for square or round toe shoes, because these will help to shorten the appearance of your legs, rather than enhancing their length. You could also consider wearing a different shoe color to your pant hem. This helps break up your visual length and therefore add to your visual width.

6. Wear well tailored clothes

Steer clear of wearing your clothing two sizes too big, this will only hang off you. Instead wear pieces that are a good fit, but not too tight on your body. Clothing that is semi fitted is the most flattering.

7. Wear wide leg pants with a cuff

On your bottom half, a wide leg pant with a cuff can help to detract from your height and make you look a little bulkier.

8. Wear textured fabrics

Texture can help to create volume on your frame. Think chunky knits, distressed jeans, cords and leather jackets with multiple zippers. If you like to dress traditionally, a cable sweater can be very flattering.

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