Style inspiration: Tips & Tricks On How To Make Your Legs Look Longer

Many women of petite or average height may dream of having long, slender legs. While you cannot alter your genetics, there are a few tricks you can use to create the illusion of lanky legs. Wearing bottoms in the right colors can both slenderize and elongate your leg, and making smart choices about hemlines, waistbands, and shoes can also go a long way in creating the look you've always wanted.

*Use Color to Your Advantage*
  -Match your shoes with your pants or stockings
 For example, try wearing black hosiery with black heels. This monochromatic look creates a clean line, and the eye travels from the top of your leg straight down to the floor without stopping.
-Choose pants within the same color range as your boots or heels
 If you cannot match the color exactly, get as close as possible in order to create a somewhat clean line. For instance, tuck your darkest wash jeans with your favorite black knee-high boots.
-Wear a monochromatic outfit 
Matching the color of your stockings and shoes creates a long looking leg, but wearing an entire outfit in that color creates an even more streamlined appearance that extends past your leg.

*High Waists and High Hemlines*
 -Wear a dress or skirt
The hemline of the skirt hides where the leg starts, especially if you choose a pencil or A-line skirt.
-Try on a skirt with an asymmetrical hemline 
Straight, horizontal hemlines interrupt the eye as it travels down your leg. Maximize the amount of length you can get from wearing a skirt by choosing an asymmetrical hemline that allows the eye to travel down in a smoother fashion.

*Wear the Right Shoes* 
-Slip on a pair of high heels 
Heels give you extra height, creating the illusion of an elongated leg. Opt for skinny heels over chunky heels to avoid adding bulk to your foot and lower leg.
-Look for open-toed shoes 
Sandals and open-toed shoes expose more skin on the top of your foot. The more skin you show, the more leg an onlooker's eye will see.
-Avoid heels with ankle straps
The horizontal line cuts your leg off at the foot, decreasing its length.

*Make Your Skin Glow* 
-Moisturize your legs with an oil-free lotion
Slather the lotion over your knees, your foot, and the back of your heel.
-Apply a basic moisturizer over your entire leg 
Doing so will hydrate your skin and help lock in the color.

Use an "instant glow" moisturizer or shimmer lotion to highlight the contours of your leg
-Apply it from the bottom of the cheeks to the center of the thighs, down the shins, and around the calf muscles.