Standing at 5’4”, I’m just on the cusp of calling myself a petite dresser. And although I can very much get away with shopping both in and out of petite ranges, as someone who works in fashion, I’m constantly being asked by my well under 5’3” friends for styling tips. Their most asked question? How to make their legs look extra long in leggings. Now, it’s all well and good to simply opt for a cropped silhouette, but when that’s simply not an option, there are a number of well-known shoe styles that you can opt for to give your legs some extra length. And last weekend, the group chat was abuzz as I circulated an image of Nicola Coughlan that showcased a petite-girl-approved styling hack: pairing full-length leggings with court heels.

Spotted here in the UK, Nicola ditched the typical trainers and loafers to pair her black leggings with high court heels. Not only does this formal shoe style look effortlessly cool when paired with the relaxed leggings, but the combo is also suited to elongate her frame—proof that sleek heels are the trick to styling leggings for petite women. Adding a khaki-waisted funnel-neck jacket, square tortoiseshell sunnies, and a Mulberry Scotchgrain bucket bag (£695), I can tell that this off-duty chic look is one that both petite and non-petite fashion enthusiasts alike will be recreating this season. And whilst we wait for the weather to warm up here in London, it makes for the perfect transitional outfit.