In the last post, we briefly discussed the barycentre (note: it doesn’t really have much to do with your height). In this one, we’ll share some tips on how to dress if your barycentre’s low.
Before classifying it as some “physical defect”, don’t despair: many famous people have it, including Kate Middleton and Jennifer Lopez. In fact, it allows you to wear some very iconic pieces, like palazzo trousers.
The real secret lays in tricking the eye, meaning we need to steal some centimetres off the torso and give some to the legs to optically make them seem longer. The leg optically starts where the hem of your shirt meets your trousers or your skirt, and ends where it meets the shoe or boot.
Dresses
In this sense, you can keep wearing dresses if you enjoy them: the onlooker will be clueless of where the leg starts because it’s covered. The best dresses are of the kind that highlight the waist, like wrap dresses or 50’s style. If you don’t like wearing belts (your best friend in this case), keep your look within the same colour palette. Or, tuck your shirt in on one side only, creating a diagonal line.
Tops
When it comes to your shirts, it’s best if they are tucked in. With a rounded hem, you can make your legs look longer on the sides. If your top is a bit short, it’s fine: wearing a long one over a pair of leggings may create an undesired focal point (your short legs in this case). Try avoid sleeves that are too long. Keep them at 3/4 or just slightly pulled back.
Bottoms
When it comes for skirts and trousers, go for high waist, keep your styles straight, and avoid unnecessary volume. All skirts are good, but avoid miniskirts because they can emphasize the imbalance between your femur and torso. When it comes to trousers, go with softer and more flowing fabrics, and ideally try to match your shoes with them. If you like wearing skinny fits, go high waist. When choosing shorts in summer, choose colours that are close to your skin tone.
Footwear
For footwear, keep a pair of nude pumps handy, and go for pointy or longer styles. Nude means the colour of your skin tone or very close to it. Avoid things that may split the legs, like buckles on shoes. In this case you will want to keep them lowered on the foot, thin and in a colour that doesn’t create contrast. Avoid calf length boots and ankle boots, because they create an unwanted horizontal line.
Accessories
When it comes to belts go for thick ones, because there is plenty of space in your torso that can be filled. For skirts or trousers, go for colours that match those of the bottom. For bags, buckles should be short: you can add a hole or take a few rings out of the chain. Ideally, try to wear accessories on the top part of your body, like a hairband or an important necklace. Create focal points where you want the eye to go!
You can also use these tips if you want to look taller, even when your barycentre isn’t low. For the rest, wear what works for you and enjoy the game of dressing up!
3 thoughts on “How to dress for a low barycentre”