The waist should lie half way between the underarms and the top of the thighs.  If your waist is closer to your underarms, you are considered short waisted.  Here are a few suggestions for how to compensate for this irregularity and help create the illusion of a longer waist: 

 §        Jackets and vests extending to below the hip bone 

§        Jackets matched to the skirt or pants to eliminate horizontal lines at the waist 

§       Tunic sweaters and tops 

§       Waist-less garments 

§       Narrow belts in a color matching your top 

§       Stitched down pleated skirts 

§       Slim skirts with minimal gathers at the waist