5 Style Lessons All Women Under 5’2” Can Learn from Kelly Ripa

On a recent episode of Live!, Ripa stepped out looking professional and cool as a cucumber in denim that didn’t hit at her ankle, but rather skimmed the floor. Can a petite gal do that? Isn’t that breaking a fashion rule? It’s not, but there’s a method to this height-busting madness—and something several PureWow editors recently discovered in their own search for the perfect cut of petite-friendly denim. The trick is in the knee-less style, which gives the illusion of added length and height without tapering in at the wrong spot and wreaking havoc on the overall proportions. Additionally, while Ripa is wearing this style of jeans on the longer side, the hem doesn’t drag, which means it’s still a look that’s tailored to her frame.

Sure, to pull off this style, Ripa adds a pair of what appears to be at least three-inch heels. But (!) the secret to the sartorial success of this midi-length pleated dress on Ripa’s frame is the hemline—it hits at the ankle, heels or not. In fact, a length that hits just above the ankle bone is ideal for anyone on the shorter side since it provides a slight break in the fabric (that skin peek-a-boo is elongating) and puts shoes on display. (Pro tip: Take your dress to a tailor if you have to just to get the length correct.)

A blouse and pencil skirt that hits mid-calf is one of Ripa’s go-to style uniforms for Live!. But it’s the proportions of the skirt and. the tube-like fit that help make her appear taller than her 5’2” height. For example, with this cherry red option—not only is it a high-waist cut, it hits Ripa mid-calf, which draws attention to her lower legs, giving the illusion of a taller frame.

Yes, for all intents and purposes, Ripa’s look reads as a little black (or navy blue) jumpsuit. So chic. But the cut-outs that are decked out with bejeweled and glittering bows help draw the eye upward, which again creates a lengthening effect. The moral of the story for petites? Standing a bit taller is as simple as adding a surprising detail—or even a stand-out accessory—above the waist.

With all of Ripa’s ensembles, the style recipe that helps her appear taller is one that’s borrowed from some of the best stylists in the world: the rule of thirds. It stems from art and architecture and is basically a theory of composition that suggests the most interesting images set a focal point that’s anywhere except the middle of the frame. Instead, the most compelling images can be broken into thirds, either vertically or horizontally. Now, take Ripa’s style: The lines of her looks never ever cut her petite frame in half (or at the middle). Instead, they create a line that highlights the top third—and Ripa’s natural waist—leaving the remaining two thirds connected, which has a lengthening effect.