Gwyneth Paltrow has discovered the stylish shoe trend that gives the illusion of elongated legs when wearing shorts.

      As a fashion writer, I generally find the process of getting dressed in the morning to be a delightful and instinctual experience. Immersed in the latest season's collections and emerging trends throughout my days, I feel quite confident navigating my wardrobe. However, there's one recurring dilemma that leaves me puzzled every summer: which shoes to wear with shorts to make my legs appear longer? The silhouette of shorts can sometimes make my legs look unexpectedly stumpy, and it appears that the shoe choice is where I go wrong. Yet, a recent image of Gwyneth Paltrow enjoying a vacation on the Italian coast has given me hope.

      Dressed in MaxMara's high-waisted Technical Mesh Shorts (£345) in white, Paltrow created a casually elegant look perfect for her seaside Italian getaway. Instead of choosing a basic flat or sandal, which I have unsuccessfully attempted to style numerous times, Paltrow opted for camel pointed-toe heels to enhance her Italian ensemble. The sleek design and clever neutral color worked together to elongate her legs when matched with the mid-thigh shorts, forming a clean, continuous line that made her figure appear even taller.

      This demonstrates how the right footwear can significantly impact proportions. I'm not alone in making these observations. Maxine Eggenberger, Deputy Editor at Who What Wear UK and standing at 5'3", has also struggled with similar feelings. “Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined wearing shorts outside of the beach or pool area—my legs have never been a major source of confidence for me. As someone who is only 5'3" with a slightly longer torso, I never felt shorts suited me, regardless of the style,” she shared. “This is largely about my self-perception rather than how others view me, but we all have our 'things,' don't we? A few summers back, I decided to confront my fear of shorts, and now they are a staple in my summer wardrobe. While I still wear them with flat sandals, I feel my best when I pair them with something similar to Paltrow’s choice—a closed pointed toe in a neutral shade with a heel (you can choose the height). And just like that, I’ve come to love my legs. It’s incredibly liberating.”

      So, if you've ever felt a bit underwhelmed by your shorts outfit, take a cue from Paltrow. A camel-colored pointed-toe heel adds elegance and length in one simple choice. Here’s a curated selection of the best pairs available:

      SHOP CAMEL POINTED-TOE HEELS:

      **H&M**

      Pointed Slingback Court Shoes

      Act fast! These are likely to sell out soon.

      **Bershka**

      Heeled Slingbacks

      Pair with white shorts or a flowing skirt.

      **Topshop**

      Dolly Closed Toe Heels

      The pointed-toe design guarantees a sleek profile.

      For those specific shoes Paltrow adores:

      **Gucci**

      Signoria Embellished Patent-Leather Slingback Pumps

      Available in four additional colors.

      **Mango**

      Sling Back Kitten Heels

      The slingback detail offers light support and an elegant accent.

      **& Other Stories**

      Classic Leather Slingback Pumps

      Style these with denim for everyday wear.

      **ASOS**

      Sydney Slingback Kitten Heel Shoes

      The suede finish provides a sophisticated touch.