How Elle Macpherson’s 6-Foot Frame Turns Every Heel Into a Power Move

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Elle Macpherson, whose impressive height measures 6′ 0″ (183 cm), holds the record for the most Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers — five, if you were wondering — which earned her the nickname ‘The Body.’ She wears a shoe size 12 (US).

Elle Macpherson’s towering frame and impeccable fashion sense have made her a perennial style icon. From off-duty model moments to red carpet glamour, her footwear choices consistently enhance her signature looks.

Elle Macpherson, towering over Doyle Bramhall, exudes bohemian elegance in a textured shearling coat and lace ensemble at the Christian Dior show during Paris Fashion Week on March 4, 2025Elle Macpherson, towering over Doyle Bramhall, exudes bohemian elegance in a textured shearling coat and lace ensemble at the Christian Dior show during Paris Fashion Week on March 4, 2025 (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Stepping in Style: Elle Macpherson’s Most Iconic Footwear Moments

Here are some of her most memorable shoe moments:

6′ 0″ (183 cm) Elle Macpherson shows off her statuesque height in a metallic dress at the gala of the Mon Cheri Barbara Day 6′ 0″ (183 cm) Elle Macpherson shows off her statuesque height in a metallic dress at the gala of the Mon Cheri Barbara Day in München, Germany, on December 4, 2018 (Credit: P.Hoffmann / WENN)

Owning Her Stature: How Elle Macpherson’s Height Shaped Her Fashion Identity

“I realized early on that I was never going to have the waif-thin fashion body,” she told Vogue Australia about her height in July 2019.

“I was six-foot-tall, 36 hips, 36 bust, and broad shoulders from swimming all my life. I just needed to embrace my uniqueness.”

“I’d never even taken an airplane before. I had a few hundred dollars in my pocket, no return ticket, and a sort of naivety,” she added about becoming a model.

Elle Macpherson says tall body types are more successful in fashion because they work better with clothesElle Macpherson says tall body types are more successful in fashion because they work better with clothes (Credit: POP / WENN)

The Height Advantage: Why Certain Body Types Thrive in Fashion

“There are many professions that have a body type that works best for them. For example, if you’re a jockey there is no point in being 6′ 3″ and trying to ride a fast racehorse; it doesn’t really work,” she explained in July 2012 on the British daytime TV show This Morning.

“I don’t think that there’s discrimination against tall jockeys it’s just that is not the best body type for that particular job,” she added about the benefits of being tall.

“In fashion, there is a body type that works better with clothes; clothes hang better and look better on a certain body type. Having said that I’m six foot. I’m not super skinny – there have been many girls who are fit and strong and have been very successful. Or there are girls like Kate Moss who are very slender, she’s tiny. So the fashion industry really is growing, there are lots of different types of beauty.”

“There’s the typical things, tall, broad shoulders, long legs,” she said. Most models are taller than average because clothes look better on taller people.

“For me, there’s got to be something that when she walks into the room that means I want to know more about her. Who is that girl? She has an aura about her, there’s something going on inside her that interests me.”

Beyond her off-duty style, Elle Macpherson has also mastered red carpet elegance, often making bold footwear choices that elevate her looks. One standout example is her effortlessly chic ensemble at the British Fashion Council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund cocktail.

Effortless Elegance: Elle Macpherson’s Timeless Red Carpet Style

In March 2016, the iconic model proved she still has it by showing off her statuesque figure in a black dress at the British Fashion Council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund cocktail held at Bulgari Hotel London.

The sleek belt accentuates her waist, while a draped coat adds effortless sophistication as Elle Macpherson arrives at a London hotelThe sleek belt accentuates her waist, while a draped coat adds effortless sophistication as Elle Macpherson arrives at a London hotel (Credit: WENN)

The Australian model was chic in an asymmetric one-shoulder gown featuring a sheer lace panel on one side that subtly showed off her endless legs.

Elle Macpherson commands attention in an elegant all-black ensemble, pairing a one-shoulder gown with strappy stiletto heels that elongate her already statuesque 6-foot frameElle Macpherson commands attention in an elegant all-black ensemble, pairing a one-shoulder gown with strappy stiletto heels that elongate her already statuesque 6-foot frame (Credit: WENN)

She added a gold belt for a more defined waist and boosted her height with strappy heels. Elle draped a black coat over her shoulders on her way to the event.

Elle Macpherson arrives at the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund Cocktail ReceptionElle Macpherson arrives at the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund Cocktail Reception held on March 22, 2016, at the Bulgari Hotel London (Credit: WENN)

Elle Macpherson at the BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund Cocktail Reception at the Bulgari Hotel LondonElle Macpherson at the BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund Cocktail Reception at the Bulgari Hotel London on March 22, 2016 (Credit: WENN)

The Australian model glammed up the look further with a gold bracelet, a couple of rings, and a black clutch. She let her golden tresses fall loosely over her shoulders in tousled waves to complete the look, framing her softly made-up face.

Elle Macpherson steps out in chic black strappy block-heel sandals, perfectly complementing her glossy black pedicureElle Macpherson steps out in chic black strappy block-heel sandals, perfectly complementing her glossy black pedicure (Credit: WENN)

Elle picked the “Oralie” sandals by Paul Andrew for her big feet. They feature delicate caged straps, double adjustable ankle straps, and 4.25-inch textured lacquered block heels.

Elle Macpherson's Paul Andrew 'Oralie' sandals, with sleek straps and a 4.25-inch block heel, enhance her already statuesque frame by elongating her legs effortlesslyElle Macpherson’s Paul Andrew ‘Oralie’ sandals, with sleek straps and a 4.25-inch block heel, enhance her already statuesque frame by elongating her legs effortlessly (Credit: WENN)

These Paul Andrew sandals are available in black, blush, and purple at Farfetch and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Black Paul Andrew "Oralie" Sandals

Blush Paul Andrew "Oralie" Sandals

Purple Paul Andrew "Oralie" Sandals
Blush Metallic Paul Andrew "Oralie" Sandals

Purple Paul Andrew "Oralie" SandalsPaul Andrew “Oralie” Sandals, $895

Elle Macpherson isn’t the only star who relies on Paul Andrew’s impeccably designed heels to enhance her statuesque presence. From red carpets to everyday elegance, these celebrity-approved styles prove that the right pair of Paul Andrew shoes can elongate the legs and elevate any look.

Elevating Style: Celebrities Who Choose Paul Andrew to Enhance Their Stature

Here are some notable instances where stars have donned Paul Andrew shoes to enhance their look:

Amal Clooney’s Sophisticated Zenadia Pumps

  • Event: Rainy Day Outing in London
  • Outfit: Amal Clooney exuded elegance in a chic ensemble, perfectly complemented by Paul Andrew’s ‘Zenadia’ pumps, featuring the brand’s signature scalloped-edge design.
  • Footwear Details: The ‘Zenadia’ pumps’ pointed-toe and sleek silhouette not only added a touch of sophistication but also contributed to a lengthened leg appearance.
  • More Details: Amal Clooney’s Statement Paul Andrew Pumps Steal the Show

Emma Roberts’ Velvet Mary Jane Pumps

  • Event: Casual Outing in Beverly Hills
  • Outfit: Emma Roberts showcased a casual yet polished look, pairing her ensemble with burgundy velvet ‘Suleiman’ Mary Jane pumps by Paul Andrew.
  • Footwear Details: The rich velvet texture and block heel of the ‘Suleiman’ pumps added height and a touch of vintage charm to Emma’s outfit.
  • More Details: Emma Roberts Rocks Velvet Mary Jane Heels and Frayed Jeans in LA

Lupita Nyong’o’s Red Carpet Zenadia Heels

  • Event: 2014 Golden Globe Awards
  • Outfit: Lupita Nyong’o stunned in a red Ralph Lauren cape dress, complemented by red suede Paul Andrew ‘Zenadia’ pumps.
  • Footwear Details: The ‘Zenadia’ pumps’ pointed-toe design and vibrant hue seamlessly blended with her gown, enhancing her statuesque appearance.
  • More Details: Why Lupita Nyong’o Stole the Show at the 2014 Golden Globes in a Red Cape Dress

Selma Blair’s Glossy Burgundy Pumps

  • Event: 2015 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic
  • Outfit: Selma Blair donned a strapless gingham pencil dress, paired with glossy burgundy Paul Andrew slingback pumps.
  • Footwear Details: The sleek design and rich color of the pumps added a refined touch to her ensemble, subtly enhancing her height.
  • More Details: Paul Andrew Pumps Shine at the Polo Classic: Selma Blair’s Elegant Look

Joan Smalls’ Suede Tie-Up Ankle Boots

  • Event: 11th Annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards
  • Outfit: Joan Smalls kept it simple yet chic with a black ensemble, accentuated by Paul Andrew’s suede tie-up ankle boots.
  • Footwear Details: The wrap-around ankle ties and peep-toe design of the boots added a stylish flair, contributing to an elongated leg line.
  • More Details: Joan Smalls in Booties From CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards

These instances highlight how Paul Andrew’s designs not only offer style and elegance but also serve to enhance the wearer’s stature, making them a popular choice among celebrities aiming to elevate their presence.