These 8 Color Combinations Make You Look Taller

Ever wonder which colors are best for short men? These easy color combinations will make you look taller, guaranteed.

Here’s one of the most common questions I get from men under 5’8″ who want to start dressing better:

“What colors and color combinations should I wear?”

It’s an important question, and the answer can be complicated. In fact, I did a full presentation about color – including skin tone and contrast – that you can watch right here.

But if you want to skip the complicated, theoretical stuff and get some quick, actionable advice about color, you’re in the right place.

In this post, you’ll learn about eight color combinations that are perfect for shorter men (or anyone who wants to maximize their perceived height).

These are not monochromatic color schemes, such as black on black. Those are also great for shorter men, but today we’re focusing on…

Analogous Colors

While monochromatic colors are different shades of the same color, analogous colors are different colors that are closely related.

For example, blue and green are analogous.

They’re neighbors on the color wheel. Analogous colors combos are perfect for shorter men because they blend into each other smoothly, creating a streamlined appearance and minimizing jarring contrast.

Blue and orange, on the other hand, are complimentary colors because they’re complete opposites.

When used in an outfit, complimentary colors can be pretty jarring, so they’re best used in small doses (like in the pattern of your necktie).

If you pay attention, you’ll notice that many of these color schemes contain analogous colors.

Color Combos That Make You Look Taller

Here are eight color combinations that will make you look taller, in no particular order:

#1: Blue + Grey

This is a classic, sophisticated color combination that anyone can pull off and that will never go out of style. The blue can be anything from light blue to deep navy, and the grey can be anything from light grey to charcoal.

Just keep in mind: the closer these colors are in shade (lightness/darkness), the more powerful the heightening effect will be.

For example, navy and dark grey works better than navy and light grey.

#2: Blue + Green

Green is another color that pairs really well with blue. From forest green to hunter green to olive, the choice is yours – it’s going to look great.

Blue and green are both very natural colors that go well with earth tones and neutrals (like white or brown), which makes them very easy to pair with layers and accessories.

#3: Black + Burgundy

This is a decidedly formal color combination, but it’s a great way to break out of the ubiquitous “all black everything” look that you see at every formal event.

The most basic version of this would be black jeans and a burgundy t-shirt or sweater. It’s a solid look that most guys can pull off with very little effort.

#4: White (or Light Blue) + Tan

My go-to summer color scheme is tan and white. And by white, I mean any very light color, especially light blue or pink (think unsaturated, washed out versions of these colors).

You’ve probably heard that wearing dark colors makes you look taller and thinner, and there’s some truth to that.

But light colors are okay too. What you want to avoid is a light top and dark bottom (or vice versa).

A dark jacket worn open over a light outfit is totally fine because it maintains the unbroken line from neck to ankle (example).

#5: Green + Brown

This is a natural, earthy color scheme that takes a little finesse to pull off. If you don’t do it right, you could end up looking like Robin Hood (or worse, one of his merry men…).

But if you do it right, green and brown can look very suave, and it’s great for shorter men because it helps cut down on horizontal contrast.

Like all of the color combos on this list, wearing green and brown won’t cut you in half visually, which is the major benefit of wearing analogous colors.

#6: Grey + Brown (or Tan)

This is one of my favorite color combos, and it seems to be kind of underrated. Like the grey/blue combo, it works with many different shades (light and dark).

I personally love lighter greys and browns together (e.g., light grey and tan).

#7: Black + Brown

Wearing black and brown together isn’t easy to pull off, but you’ll look downright elegant if you get it right.

It’s kind of like navy and black – somewhat controversial amongst the proletariats, but a well accepted secret amongst the style elite.

Since black and brown are so closely related (i.e., both pretty dark colors), they work well together on the shorter frame.

#8: Brown & Blue

Last but not least, brown and blue is a great color combo because you probably already have both of these colors in your closet.

Whether it’s light brown/tan and light blue (youthful and warm) or dark brown and navy (mature and sophisticated), this is often my go-to combo for casual and dressy outfits.

This combo also works well because many of your shoes and accessories are probably brown.

Almost every guy has a pair of brown leather boots, tortoise shell sunglasses, a brown belt or watch strap…you get the point!

Questions About Color Combinations To Look Taller

Here are some commonly asked questions about which colors make you look taller:

What colors look best on short people?

Short people can wear whatever colors they like. Dark colors tend to be slimming and heightening, but light colors are okay too, especially when combined in low contrast ways.

Do dark colors make you look taller?

Yes, dark colors make you look a little taller and slimmer, especially if your clothes fit close to your body (slim fit, not relaxed).

What pattern makes you look taller?

Small scale patterns – think thin lines, not thick lines – will make you look a little bigger. Vertical stripes do have a slight heightening effect, but horizontal stripes are okay too (as long as they’re not too thick).

Does wearing all one color make you look taller?

Wearing all one color or closely related colors will make you look taller. All of the combinations on this list involve closely related colors.

What color shoes make you look taller?

Shoes that don’t contrast with the rest of your outfit make you look taller. So, if you’re wearing a dark shirt and dark pants, wear dark socks and dark shoes to look as tall as possible.

Does white make you look taller?

No, wearing white does not make you look taller.

Does tucking in your shirt make you look taller?

Tucking in your shirt can make your legs look longer by raising your perceived waistline, but it only works if your pants have a medium or high rise. Tucking in your shirt to low rise pants won’t make you look any taller.

Does being slim make you look taller?

Yes, being slim makes you look taller.

Closing Thoughts

These eight color combinations are by no means your only choices, but they’re a safe bet for shorter men who want to look as tall as possible.

But even if the idea of “dressing tall” doesn’t sit well with you, look at it this way: the right colors ensure that your outfit doesn’t make you look shorter, regardless of your height.

Questions? Comments? Leave them below!