Recently, my friend asked me for advice on how to dress for his body type. He’s 173 cm tall with shorter legs and a normal torso. His style is a mix of bad boy and smart casual, something like a Berlin vibe with a touch of elegance. He also loves jewelry, and honestly, I love that he’s unapologetic about it!

So, I put together a little guide to help him (and anyone else in the same boat) pick the right clothes to create balanced, stylish looks. Plus, I’ve included fashion mood boards I made for him to give you some inspiration.

Key Styling Tips for Shorter Men

Pick the right pants

Go high-waisted: High-rise jeans or trousers make your legs look longer. Tuck your shirt in to show off the higher waistline.

Cropped or no-break pants: Trousers that stop just above the ankle make your outfit look sharp and elongate your frame.

Wear shorter tops and jackets

Your tops and jackets should end around your hips. Long jackets or shirts will make your legs look even shorter.

Monochrome and matching colors

Wear outfits in one color or similar shades. It creates a vertical line that makes you look taller.

Match your shoes to your pants to keep the look seamless.

Shoes make a difference

Go for shoes with a slight heel or lift, like Chelsea boots, dress shoes, or classic Dr Martens. They add height without looking obvious.

Avoid oversized clothes

Baggy outfits will drown you out. Wear slim-fitting clothes that follow your shape.

Play with accessories

Jewelry like rings, chains, and bracelets adds personality without affecting proportions.

Outfit Ideas

Work Outfit (Smart Casual)

• Top: White T-shirt
• Bottom: Slim-fit high-rise charcoal trousers to elongate legs.
• Outerwear: Tailored black blazer with structured shoulders.
• Shoes: Chelsea boots in black leather.
• Accessories: Silver necklace.

Trousers H& M, Chelsea boots Lethato, Blazer Only& Sons 

Going Out Look

• Top: Black fitted Henley shirt with a few buttons undone.
• Bottom: Dark indigo high-rise skinny jeans.
• Outerwear: Leather biker jacket for the “bad boy” element.
• Shoes: Classic Dr Martens boots.
• Accessories: Chain necklace.

Jeans Levis, Henley shirt Key Largo, Biker Jacket, Shoes Dr Martens, Necklace Vincero

Dinner Outfit

• Top: Slim-fit turtleneck in a neutral tone (e.g., camel or grey).
• Bottom: Slim-fit trousers with a slight crop (showing a hint of ankle or socks).
• Outerwear: A wool bomber jacket.
• Shoes: Classic Dr Martens boots.
• Accessories: Silver minimalist bracelets.

Turtleneck Jack & Jones, Trousers Massimo Dutti , Jacket The Kooples, Bracelet Cainte, Two Jeys 

Date Night 

• Top: Boho shirt.
• Bottom: High-rise black jeans with a clean finish (no rips).
• Outerwear: A leather biker jacket.
• Shoes: Classic Dr Martens boots.
• Accessories: Silver ring, and necklaces.

Jeans Lee, Shirt OAS, Ring Wolf & Badger, Necklace Wolf & Badger, Layered Charm

The most important tip? Get your clothes tailored. A perfect fit makes all the difference in looking stylish and proportionate. Hope you find this little guide helpful! If you have any questions or need more tips, feel free to drop me an email.

What’s your biggest struggle when it comes to putting an outfit together?