At 5’4” tall, I’m on the verge of calling myself a petite dresser. And although I can avoid shopping short both inside and out, as someone who works in fashion, my friends shorter than 5’3” are constantly asking me for styling tips. Their most asked question? How to make their legs look extra long in leggings. Now, it’s fine to just choose a cropped silhouette, but when that’s not an option, there are several popular shoe styles that you can choose from to give your legs some extra length. And last weekend, the group chat was abuzz because I circulated an image of Nicola Coughlan showing off a pretty-girl-approved styling hack: pairing full-length leggings with court heels.
Nicola Coughlan wears funnel-neck jacket, black leggings, court heels and Mulberry Scotchgrain Bucket Bag (£695)
(Image credit: Backgrid UK)
Nicola, seen here in the UK, ditched the usual trainers and loafers and paired her black leggings with high court heels. Not only does this formal shoe style look effortlessly good when paired with casual leggings, but the combo is also suited to elongating her frame—proof that sleek heels do the trick for styling leggings for petite women. Adding a khaki-waisted funnel-neck jacket, square turtleneck, and a Mulberry Scotchgrain Bucket Bag (£695)I can tell that this off-duty chic look is one that both petite and non-petty fashion lovers will be recreating this season. And while we wait for the weather to warm up here in London, it makes for a perfect transitional outfit.
Keep scrolling, as below, I’ve completed my edit of the best leggings and court heels on the market right now, all of which can, of course, be mixed and matched to recreate Nicola’s chic beautiful-girl-approved styling combo.
Buy leggings and court heels:
H&M has some of the best activewear on the high-street.
The gold buckle-detail is instantly recognizable.
This dark brown color creates a nice contrast to the black.
ysl
paris slingback pumps
These are at the top of my luxury wish list.
leset
Rio Jersey Stirrup Leggings
Stirrup leggings will always get a yes from me.
just a little
leather high heels
No one would guess these were from the High Street.
An investment pair you’ll keep forever.
Mango
Asymmetrical Patent Leather Court Shoes
Between the luxe burgundy color and the asymmetric silhouette, these court heels are seriously elevated.
wolford
wow perfect leggings
Wolford leggings are editor-approved.
Smoothest heels I’ve seen in a very long time.
Lululemon
Align™ Super-High-Rise Pant 28″
This espresso color is just as versatile as black.
MS
Leather Stiletto Heel Pointed Court Shoes
The styling possibilities are endless.
