Embrace Your Height Like Rachel Bilson: Style Tips for Petites

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In the fashion world, where every detail counts, Rachel Bilson stands out with her petite frame. She measures a charming 5 feet 1 inch (154.9 cm) and claims to be a little taller in interviews.

This Hollywood fashionista, known for her impeccable style, rocks a US shoe size 5. It’s all about finding the perfect fit, and for our international readers, that’s a UK size 3, an EU size 35-36, and a Japanese size around 21.5 to 22 cm.

Rachel’s stature is a nod to the unique beauty of being petite. She’s about 7.7 cm shorter than the average American woman, who typically stands around 5 feet 4 inches (162.6 cm).

Actress Rachel Bilson sticks out her tongue at the launch of her new Edie Rose collection for DKNY JeansActress Rachel Bilson sticks out her tongue at the launch of her new Edie Rose collection for DKNY Jeans at Macy’s at Herald Square on October 4, 2008, in New York City (Credit: Everett Collection / Shutterstock)

Fashion Tips for Petites

“There just aren’t many jeans that fit when you’re 5-foot-2. I still have to have them hemmed,” Rachel Bilson said about buying jeans as a petite woman.

Rachel Bilson advises wearing nude shoes with dresses to make the legs appear longer, which is especially helpful for short and curvy people like herself.

Height and Hollywood: The Bilson and Hader Difference

Rachel Bilson, standing at 5 feet 1 inch (154.9 cm), is 30.5 cm shorter than Bill Hader, who stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185.4 cm). They dated from late 2019 to July 2020. Known for his preference for petite women, he also had a relationship with Anna Kendrick.

Bill Hader, standing at 6 feet 1 inch (185.4 cm), and his girlfriend Rachel Bilson, at 5 feet 1 inch (154.9 cm), attended the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 5, 2020, in Beverly Hills, CaliforniaBill Hader, standing at 6 feet 1 inch (185.4 cm), and his girlfriend Rachel Bilson, at 5 feet 1 inch (154.9 cm), attended the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 5, 2020, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)

In an interview with The Scotsman, she also discussed her short height and her television show, Hart of Dixie.

“It’s harder for me to wear high-waisted jeans because I’m very short and curvy. But I have learned that wearing nude shoes with a dress helps to elongate your legs. I like that because I’m so short.”

“Zoe is very sophisticated and more conservative than I am. I’m more laid-back and casual. I don’t dress up that much. She wears heels all the time. I’d like to do that because in real life I’m only 5ft 2in. I have been trained how to wear heels because of my height.”

Actress Rachel Bilson shows off her feet in wedge sandals at Chrysalis' 5th Annual Butterfly Ball Actress Rachel Bilson shows off her feet in wedge sandals at Chrysalis’ 5th Annual Butterfly Ball at the home of Fred and Carla Sands on June 10, 2006, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Devan / INFGoff)

“But I do get to wear some of my clothes in the show. Some of my shoes have been incorporated, and I wore my own hoodie when it was cold. I was very excited about that because most of the time when you’re shooting you’re not very comfortable.”

Rachel Bilson posing with Christian Siriano in New York CityRachel Bilson posing with Christian Siriano in New York City on February 6, 2020 (Credit: Michael Simon / Startraksphoto)

Adapting to Set Life: Comfort Over Style

Melinda Clarke, discussing her time filming “The O.C.,” mentioned the need for actors to maintain a certain height on set, highlighting the comfort of alternatives to wearing heels.

“When actors have to be on set, we sometimes have to maintain our height for whatever reason. Those are super comfortable instead of wearing heels all day long,” Melinda Clarke told InStyle about taping the American teen drama television series The O.C.

Rachel Bilson, at 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm), stands 11 inches shorter than her "The O.C." co-star Michael Cassidy, who is 6 feet (183 cm) tallRachel Bilson, at 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm), stands 11 inches shorter than her “The O.C.” co-star Michael Cassidy, who is 6 feet (183 cm) tall (Credit: Warner Bros. Television)

Rachel Bilson recalled being provided with customized platform UGG boots to help her achieve the necessary height comfortably, noting her short height and the need for such height-enhancing solutions.

“They made me platform UGGs,” Bilson recalled. “Customized UGGs, but put platforms on them so I could be comfortable but tall enough. I’m 5’2″, so I need the extra height help.”

Best known for her role as Summer Roberts in the teen soap drama The O.C., she also starred as Dr. Zoe Hart on The CW series Hart of Dixie.

Rachel Bilson shows off her feet in Camilla Skovgaard chain sandalsRachel Bilson shows off her feet in Camilla Skovgaard chain sandals at The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, as it presents “The Artist’s Museum Happening” on November 13, 2010, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)

Rachel Bilson’s Timeless Fashion: Maison Martin Margiela’s Sandal Booties

In 2008, Rachel Bilson started wearing Maison Martin Margiela’s sandal ankle booties, capturing the attention of fashion enthusiasts. At the time, fashion blogs were buzzing with curiosity about the designer of Rachel’s unique boots.

Rachel Bilson chose Ray-Ban RB4105 710 Wayfarer folding classic sunglasses in tortoise for a laid-back yet stylish lookRachel Bilson chose Ray-Ban RB4105 710 Wayfarer folding classic sunglasses in tortoise for a laid-back yet stylish look (Credit: WENN)

On May 30, 2010, Rachel Bilson was seen heading to a friend’s house in Brentwood in an outfit that combined casual and designer elements. For a relaxed look, she wore Ray-Ban RB4105 710 Wayfarer folding classic sunglasses in tortoise and Paige Premium Jimmy Jimmy 2 jean shorts in Sardinia.

Her choice of footwear was Maison Martin Margiela’s open-toe ankle boots, which added a stylish edge. The look was completed with a Chanel Luxe Ligne flap bag in metallic brown, which brought elegance to the casual ensemble.

Rachel Bilson goes to a friend's place in Hollywood wearing denim shortsRachel Bilson goes to a friend’s place in Hollywood wearing denim shorts on May 30, 2010 (Credit: WENN)

The exact Maison Martin Margiela sandal ankle booties are no longer available, but the cuffed open-toe bootie style that it made fashionable has become prevalent. I didn’t think this confusing hybrid style would last this long, but it’s grown on me.

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