Fashion Tricks to Slim Down Large, Heavy Calves

Are you getting tired of trying to hide thick calves under pants and ankle-length skirts? Instead of hiding your legs, choose the right styles and you'll be able to get the look of smaller calves even in short skirts and tall boots.

Pick the right pants
A lot of women use pants as a quick and easy way to disguise leg problems, but if you don't choose the right cut, you could end up accentuating exactly what you're trying to hide. To make your calves seem smaller, choose loose fitting pants. Tapered pants that cling to the calves make your calves seem as big as your thighs, which isn't exactly flattering. Shorts that end at or just below the knee can work well, but stay away from capris, which will make your calves look shorter and thicker. Also avoid pants with cuffs. The horizontal line only adds thickness to the leg.

Think you can't wear skirts?
You don't have to hide your legs under ankle-length skirts just because you have heavy calves. In fact, an A-line skirt with a hemline at the knee or just below the knee may actually look better on you, particularly if you're shorter. This cut will add volume above the knee, making your calves seem smaller. Keep away from hemlines that fall to mid-calf, though, because these accentuate the calves.

Use hose to minimize
If you choose to wear short skirts, pair them with dark hose. Darker colors minimize anywhere on the body and this goes for the legs, too. Black isn't your only option; smokey grey and brown can work, too. Be careful with patterned hose, though, because these break up the smooth visual line of the legs, making them look shorter and thicker.

Flattering footwear
Footwear makes a big difference in how your legs look. One of the best ways to get smaller calves is with high heels. A heel of an inch or higher visually lengthens your legs. Flats can also work, but whichever you opt for, choose a shoe with a fairly chunky heel. The contrast of skinny heels only accentuates thickness in the calves. Shoes with a bit of a point at the toe also give the illusion of a longer leg, so avoid round-toed shoes.
If you have nice feet, showing them off a little is another way to make it seem like you have smaller calves. Thong sandals and pumps that show the toes also elongate the leg and draw the eye down and away from your calves.

Better boots
Boots can be a great way to get smaller calves if you pick the right styles. Knee-high boots that are fitted around the ankle are quite flattering on heavy calves. Here again, a heel can also help add length. Just make sure the boots don't squeeze. The tops should be loose enough to slip a finger into. As with skirt length, be sure the tops of the boots don't hit mid-calf.

You don't have to give up on the styles you love just because your lower legs aren't fashion-model perfect. If you want to get smaller calves, pick styles that slim and elongate your legs, pair them with calf-flattering footwear and you'll be able to show off your legs whenever your want.