An Affordable Workwear Look For Spring + A Few Tips On Dressing Taller

Sweater - H&M | Pants - H&M | Shoes - Dee Ocleppo (similar here and here) | Bag - Proenza Schouler | Sunglasses - Illesteva (similar here) | Necklace - Nashelle | Bracelet - Vita Fede

Paperbag pants sound awful but they are one of my favorite silhouettes. Anything that accentuates the waist is usually a winner for me. The key is making sure the leg is still slim and tapers at the ankle. I found these at H&M and was instantly impressed with their fit and look! A perfect workwear option but they would be great with flats, a tank and a denim jacket for the weekends. Because the pants are so voluminous, I like a fitted sweater or blouse to wear with it and this v-neck is a great staple for under $20.

Another bonus with paperbag pants is they tend to make you look taller because they are so high-waisted. I'm only 5'4" and have a long torso with short legs. So I am constantly trying to find ways to elongate my legs in outfits. This look is a perfect example of how I do that. Here are a few of my tips to make yourself look taller:

• Choose high-waisted pants over low or mid rise as they create a much longer silhouette.
• Wear nude shoes. Find shoes that are close to your skin tone as they will give the illusion that your legs are longer.
• Tuck things in. I rarely will ever leave the front of my shirt untucked because it helps to show off the high waist of my pants/jeans. This helps to continue the long line that a high waist pant will give.
• Choose slim fits and cuts. I do love voluminous pieces here and there, but for the most part I like to stick with a slimmer silhouette, especially when it comes to pants/jeans. A slim cut that hits high on the waist does wonders for helping make me appear taller and my legs longer.

It took me many years of buying the wrong types of clothes and testing out different looks and styles for me to finally find what worked for my frame and body type. I will occasionally try a new fit or style because I love fashion, and sometimes it will work. But other times, I have to admit to myself I can't wear certain things and I've learned to be ok with that. 

What style of clothing or fits look best on you? What do you gravitate towards?

Shop more paperbag pants: