We aren't all tall and lean and built like a fashion model. Some of us short and a little round in the middle, but still like to look stylish and well put together. Fortunately, that doesn't mean you can look just as stylish as any other young, professional who actually knows that appearance matter. All it takes is choosing the right suit.
Like any kind of recovery, the first step is acceptance. This is no difference. If you are short, accept that you are short and buy short-length suits. If you don't than you are doing yourself a huge injustice. Overly baggy trousers and long suit jackets only make you look sloppy, wider and shorter. Despite widespread belief, excess fabric adds pounds, it doesn't hide them.
You'll know a good fitting suit if it hugs your shoulders instead of slouching off them. If it doesn't fit firm in the shoulders then try going a size down--- most men, even thick ones, think they're a size larger anyway.
Of course, no off-the-rack suit will fit you precisely, especially short-length ones. Invest $30-$45 to have tailor slim down the sleeves and nip it at the sides. This will help to create a mean figure and accentuate your shoulders. It's an investment that will instantly pay off.
When choosing a suit jacket, you should gravitate toward those with a lower button stance. This will create long lines, stretching you out and inevitably making you appear thinner. When choosing trousers, try a pant leg with very little break; this too will make you look taller.
The rest is in the details. Choose a solid shoe with a substantial sole---something able to get a grip on your weight. Make sure your suit sleeves end above the hinges of your wrist, allowing for a quarter to half an inch of your shirt cuff to show. This lengthens the look of your arms for a quarter to half an inch of your shirt cuff to show. This lengthens the look of your arms. Also, consider wearing a pocket square ---this takes the attention away from your round belly to your chest.
Last but not least, exude confidence. Unfortunately, there is no substitute for a lack of confidence.
