If you’ve ever been styled by Aisling , chances are you’ve left the shop thinking two things:
"This woman could sell sand to the Arabs."
"I never thought I could wear that… but she was right!"
Aisling has been a part of Aine’s Boutique for over four years, and with 20 years of fashion experience under her belt, she’s become the go-to woman for honest advice, clever styling, and that signature Longford charm. You probably know her from our social media showing off new arrivals with endless enthusiasm.
But did you know that Aisling is only 5 foot nothing ? (Not our words — hers!) She's proud of it, and she’s made it her mission to master the art of styling for petites . So if you're on the shorter side and struggling to find clothes that flatter, this interview is a must-read.
The secret? Accessories . You’ve probably heard the buzz around “Wearing vs. Styling” – most of the time, the only difference is in how you accessorize . Below, discover five of the most effective ways to use minimalist accessories to elevate basic outfits instantly.
Aisling's Tips on How to Look Taller:
' Aisling, you love your neutrals and muted tones — and blue, of course. Is that a style choice or a height trick?'
Aisling: A bit of both! Over the years, I’ve realised that wearing a single colour head to toe — especially in darker tones — gives you a longer, leaner look . It doesn’t have to be black. I love navy, greys, creams... even a full beige moment can work if you get the shades right.
Monochrome Magic
Wearing one colour top to bottom creates an unbroken vertical line — which makes you look taller. Add heels and you’re basically six foot in selfies!
You’re a high-waisted jeans loyalist — always Guess or Levi’s. Is that deliberate?
Aisling: Absolutely. High-waisted bottoms are my holy grail . They start your leg line higher, making your legs look longer. Plus, they shape the waist, which is great for hourglass or curvier petite shapes like mine.
High-Waist = Long Legs
Go for jeans, trousers, or skirts that sit above your belly button. Trust me — it works every time.
' I rarely see you in stripes, but I’ve heard vertical lines are a style cheat for petite women?'
Aisling: 100%! Even though I don’t wear them often myself, I use vertical details all the time when styling customers — pinstripes, pleats, even seam lines. They draw the eye up and down, which helps create length. It’s especially great for women who want to smooth out curves too.
'You never wear polo necks… now I know why!'
Aisling (laughing): Exactly! V-necks are my best friend. They open up the neckline and stop you from looking “boxed in,” which can really shorten your upper body if you’re petite.
V-Necks Over Bulk
Skip heavy knits and chunky collars. Go for slim, layered pieces and necklines that elongate instead.
'Let’s talk fit. You’re always so tailored — is that intentional?'
Aisling: Oh it’s essential! Being short, I can’t afford to be swamped in fabric . Tailored clothes create shape and help your natural frame shine.
Perfect Fit > Oversized Trends
Oversized isn’t off limits — just balance it. Fitted jeans + oversized knit = fab. Oversized everything? Drowns you.
'What about shoes? What works best for adding height?'
Aisling: A few quick wins: low-cut vamps (where the shoe dips at the front), nude tones, and pointed toes. They all extend the leg visually. But honestly? If your outfit is doing the heavy lifting, shoes are just the cherry on top.
'Any other tips we should keep in our back pocket?'
Aisling: Yes! Keep accessories in proportion. Big handbags or chunky jewellery can overpower a petite frame. I go for small bags, delicate jewellery, and long-line necklaces or scarves that add vertical lines.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the truth: you don’t have to make yourself look taller. Fashion isn’t about “fixing” — it’s about feeling amazing in your own skin .
But if you do want to elongate, streamline, or just play with proportions, Ashy’s tips are the gold standard — tested in the real world, not just the runway. Because at Ainee’s Boutique, we believe style is a tool — not just to look good, but to feel good.
✨ So, what do you think?
Will you be trying any of Ashy’s tricks next time you get dressed?
