Learning to navigate yourself in a pair of high heels is a rite of passage for most women – and while many can get away with only braving the blisters for special occasions, those who are on the petite end often reach for a pair to boost their height.
And clearly, it can work wonders.
Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian and Lady Gaga have all gotten away with the illusion of a towering supermodel frame, when in reality they are all under 5ft 5in.
Thanks to the power of sky-high stilettos and platforms, the stars have transformed even casual appearances out and about into their own runway, or have performed in gruelling shoes to elongate their silhouette.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, stylist Lisa Talbot revealed how unexpectedly tiny A-listers boost their short statures, giving us the impression that they’re taller than they are – and revealed their real height, versus their ‘heel’ height.
‘Heels work because they change posture and proportion. By lifting the heel, the calf muscle contracts and sits higher on the leg, instantly making the leg appear longer and leaner,’ she explained.
‘Add a pointed toe or slim heel and the eye is drawn vertically rather than horizontally which is why so many celebrities rely on heels not just for height, but for confidence, presence and power on the red carpet.’
Jennifer Lopez
Real height: 5ft 5in
Heel height: 6ft
Lisa’s take: JLo is rarely seen without a heel and often opts for towering platforms or sky-high stilettos to enhance her already statuesque presence. She favours heels that elongate her legs while reinforcing her confident, glamorous image, they help her command the room and enhance her signature curves.
Lady Gaga
Real height: 5ft 1in
Heel height: 5ft 6in
Lisa’s take: Gaga treats heels as performance pieces. From extreme platforms to sculptural heels, she uses height to transform her proportions and amplify her stage presence, making her feel larger-than-life both visually and emotionally.
Nicki Minaj
Real height: 5ft 3in
Heel height: 5ft 8in
Lisa’s take: Nicki leans into bold, statement heels, often with platforms to boost height while keeping balance and comfort. The added elevation elongates her legs and enhances her powerful, ultra-confident persona.
Charli XCX
Real height: 5ft 3in
Heel height: 5ft 7in
Lisa’s take: Charli favours edgy heels and chunky platforms that fit her cool-girl aesthetic. These styles give her height without feeling overly polished, helping her look taller while maintaining a rebellious edge. Estimated heel height: 4 inches
Kylie Minogue
Real height: 5ft
Heel height: 5ft 5in
Lisa’s take: Kylie has mastered the art of the heel. She often chooses high stilettos or platforms that dramatically lengthen her legs, creating a statuesque effect and reinforcing her pop icon confidence.
Victoria Beckham
Real height: 5ft 4in
Heel height: 5ft 9in
Lisa’s take: VB is synonymous with heels. She favours sleek stilettos with a pointed toe to create a long, uninterrupted leg line, heels that project authority, polish and designer confidence. Estimated heel height: 4–4.5 inches
Helena Bonham Carter
Real height: 5ft 2in
Heel height: 5ft 7in
Lisa’s take: Helena uses heels playfully rather than traditionally, often opting for eccentric platforms or block heels. They give her height while complementing her whimsical, individual style and theatrical confidence. Estimated heel height: 3–4 inches
Kim Kardashian
Real height: 5ft 3in
Heel height: 5ft 8in
Lisa’s take: Kim relies on high heels to balance her curves and create vertical length. She often chooses clear heels, nude tones or sharp stilettos to visually extend the leg and enhance her signature silhouette.
Ariana Grande
Real height: 5ft
Heel height: 5in 4in
Lisa’s take: Ariana uses heels, often platforms or stilettos to lengthen her petite frame while keeping a youthful, feminine feel. The added height boosts her proportions and supports her polished pop-star image.
Sheridan Smith
Real height: 5ft 2in
Heel height: 5ft 6in
Lisa’s take: Sheridan favours classic, wearable heels that subtly lift her height without overpowering her look. A mid-to-high heel helps elongate her leg line and adds confidence on formal occasions.
Sabrina Carpenter
Real height: 4ft 11in
Heel height: 5ft 4in
Lisa’s take: Sabrina frequently uses high platforms and heels to dramatically extend her leg line. These styles help her appear taller and more statuesque, giving her confidence on stage and red carpets alike.
Sydney Sweeney
Real height: 5ft 3in
Heel height: 5ft 7in
Lisa’s take: Sydney opts for elegant heels, often strappy stilettos that enhance her femininity and lengthen her legs without overpowering her look. The heel adds poise and red-carpet confidence.
