Women come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s no one-style-fits-all approach to fashion. In order to look good and feel great – we all have that staple item in the wardrobe that makes us feel wonderful – you must know your body’s strengths and use them to your advantage. This way, you can customise your clothing, never to get it wrong.
One body type that’s always been a little challenging to dress is the “tall body type”. But a tall body is something to be proud of – who wouldn’t love to have long lean legs? Here’s how to turn that challenge into your greatest asset.
Dressing a tall body
For many women browsing high street stores, shopping for a tall frame can be nothing short of frustrating. For some reason, clothing manufacturers are reluctant to cater for this growing market and when shopping in certain popular stores it can seem that ‘just below the bum’ and ‘three-quarter sleeves’ are the way to go. But it doesn’t have to be.
While shopping for a tall frame can be frustrating, you shouldn’t be deterred from building the wardrobe of your dreams. Arm yourself with the knowledge of what works for your height and style yourself like a pro. Own your height and look fab!
How to Balance Proportions for Tall Women
Balancing proportions for tall women may require a few strategic decisions when it comes to styling. You can add layers to your outfits to accentuate and break up the silhouette. Add cropped jackets to your top and wrap it all up with high-waist pants.
For your top, go for something with horizontal details or patterns to emphasise width and balance out your longer statute. But try to avoid baggy clothes as they tend to drown your figure.
You can also opt for tailored pieces with a well-fitting waistline to highlight and properly balance out your natural proportions without breaking the natural flow of your outfit.
Finding the Right Fabrics for Tall Frames
It doesn’t seem relevant, as we often assume that only details, colour, and lines can address your tall frame. But the right fabric type can have an overall impact as much as design and details.
Heavy fabrics like denim, tweed, and wool add texture and structure that leaves a more grounded look, like a visibly rigid style that isn’t too loose or flowing. These types of fabric hold shape better and can be used to balance out a tall astute.
That said, airy and flowy fabrics like silk, chiffon, and linen may be more relaxed and light, but they elongate your silhouette further and skew the balance further to a tall appearance.
At LookSmart, our tailors recommend choosing heavy fabrics for fitted pieces and light ones for layered styles if you want a balanced fit and a flattering look.
What’s on your shopping list
There are certain items that should always be on a tall girl’s shopping list. These include:
- Skinny jeans
- Maxi dresses
- Blazers
- Waist cinching belts
- Waist-length jackets
- Over-the-knee boots
- Skirts that fall above the knee
- Statement accessories
- Eye catching patterns
- Flattering necklines
- Separates
- Heels
- Flats
Here’s why…
The skinny jean
The skinny jean are perfect for showing off those lovely long pins. It won’t matter if they pull up a bit too short, just so long as you team them with an amazing pair of shoes. If they are slightly longer, a turn-up is hot right now, so roll over the hem by about an inch or two.
Wearing skinny jeans casually or as part of evening wear is your best fashion friend.
Maxi dresses
Maxi dresses are your time to shine, so wear them with pride. No matter how much people of average height try to wear maxi dresses, they’ll never pull them off in the way that you do.
Get yourself a few for summer and don’t be afraid of pattern. Sometimes, the most ‘out there’ designs are the winners.
Blazers
When tucking in tops, choose a blazer with waist definition. You’ll be amazed at how good a pair of modern-tailored shorts look with a T-shirt, blazer and flats.
Waist cinching belts
Especially important for tall women, waist-cinching belts give the illusion of an hourglass figure and add interest to your overall look. Being tall, you can afford to go a little wider with your belts, too.
Waist-length jackets
A waist-length jacket is great for distinguishing your torso from your lower half. They break up the line of your outfit and are enviably chic, especially when the arms are rolled.
Over-the-knee boots
This is one style item you can only pull off, and you should definitely do it! Be the envy of all your friends and show off your elongated legs in a pair of drool-worthy boots and a mini-skirt.
Skirts that fall above the knee
Skirts that sit just above the knee can help you look leaner and are work-friendly, making them a staple for every working girl’s wardrobe. To balance your proportions even further, look for skirts that sit higher on your waist.
Statement accessories
Big accessories add interest to your look and are one of the perks of being tall. Just choose one statement piece, however, as even tall girls need to know when enough is enough.
Alternatively, try matching your accessories for a cohesive look.
Eye catching patterns
Tall girls can definitely afford to wear louder, prouder prints. If you love your legs, then wearing colour and patterns on your bottom half will draw attention to them. If you’d like to turn heads for a reason other than your height, a patterned top will draw attention away from your long legs.
Flattering necklines
Show off your shoulders by wearing a flattering V-neck, halter or scoop neck. If you have narrow shoulders, a boat neckline has a widening effect and will help balance your torso and hips.
Separates
Great for those heading to the office five days a week, can soften your height and let you be more playful in your clothing choices. Experiment with texture and pattern and don’t be afraid to mix your outfits up.
Ruffles
While some will tell you that ruffles aren’t for a tall girl, others will tell you that ruffles are the perfect embellishment. A ruffled skirt can add weight to your body and make you appear shorter, and a ruffled swimsuit will flatter a small bust.
Heels
Many tall women believe they can’t wear heels, but this is simply not true! Heels are just another way to keep your mile-long legs going and will help you own your height. You might want to avoid 6-inch heels when hanging with a shorter friend, but there’s no reason why you can’t wear a pretty, strappy pair of stilettos with a low heel.
Flats
With long legs you can easily rock a pair of flats, even with a pair of short shorts. Flats and short hemlines pair really well on tall women.
Clothes to avoid as a tall woman
Items to avoid placing on your shopping list include:
Vertical stripes
Vertical stripes will make you look taller. Great if you’re short, but when you’re already tall they can make you feel giant.
Shoulder pads
If you wear a jacket that adds height around the head, not only will your body look longer, it will make your head appear out of proportion.
Turtle necks
Turtle necks elongate the neck and stretch the look of your upper body. Again, great when you’re short, but when you’re tall? Not so much.
Creating a Capsule Wardrobe for Tall Women
A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of versatile, timeless, and well-fitting pieces that perfectly cater to your height. All pieces in the wardrobe should be easily mixed and matched to create countless outfit combinations.
Focus on basic layers for tall women, such as well-fitted blazers, high-waist trousers, and midi dresses, as they flatter your tall frame without drowning or overwhelming it. We also recommend having a tailor-fitted outer layer and longline coats to complement your height further and break down the vertical flow of your silhouette.
Most capsule wardrobes feature natural and neutral colors, classic-cut jeans, and flexible garments. To incorporate a touch of variety and flair, you can also add bold accessories or fancy statement pieces.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of pieces in your capsule wardrobe. What matters is you prioritise quality over quantity and ensure that each piece fits well with the rest and can create a stylish and functional look that compliments your proportions.
Take inspiration from women who rock their height
Still unsure on what to place in your tall women’s shopping basket? Turn to celebs such Karlie Kloss, Joan Smalls, Jennifer Hawkins, Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Taylor Swift, Jane Fonda, and Michelle Obama, all of whom show us just how it’s done.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best styles for tall women with curvier figures?
Wrap dresses or belted tops are both excellent outfit options for tall women with curvy figures. They emphasise your height while complementing your curves and creating a balanced shape. High-waisted jeans and trousers also help preserve your long legs while adding structure around the mid-torso.
Consider wearing A-line skirts and dresses to achieve a flatter and curvier hip without a bulky appearance. Tailored blazers, belted coats, and structured tops may also work wonders, as they all create a smooth and flattening fit.
Visit our nearest LookSmart shop, and we’ll show you how to streamline your tall figure while hiding your natural curves.
Can accessories help balance a tall frame?
Yes, and in more ways than one! Wide belts, for one, help break up long proportions and draw the eyes to the midsection. Bold necklaces and oversized earrings also add balance and width for taller women.
If you love handbags, we recommend carrying a larger bag or tote bags as having a smaller handbag around may look disproportionate. To finish up your look, consider wearing scarves and hats to add a touch of visual interest and soften your height by adding a detail at the top, creating a well-balanced and harmonious look.
What common fashion mistakes should tall women avoid?
Steer clear of too many baggy clothes or shapeless outfits as they tend to drown your tall frame and make you look bulky instead of balancing out your height and size. We also advise avoiding cropped pants that end at an awkward length, as they tend to affect your leg height.
Finally, avoid wearing extremely high heels as they are often unnecessary. You can do well and be fine with flats or other appropriate footwear that balances out height, style, and comfort.
How can I tailor clothes to fit my tall body perfectly?
Tailoring your clothes to complement a tall frame better involves key alterations and rework. At LookSmart, our expert tailors can modify lengths to the right spot, such as your hems and sleeve lengths, so they don’t feel too long or too short for your frame.
If you want your jackets and shirts tailored, our expert tailor will ensure the sleeves taper approximately at the waist. We’ll expertly modify the hem and neckline for dresses and flowy pieces to complement your height.
Are there any specific shoe styles that work best for tall women?
Yes! Specific shoes can complement your frame and enhance your overall look. For instance, pointed-toe heels tend to add elegance and gracefully elongate the legs, while black ankle boots give off a streamlined appearance.
Colour selection also plays a role in enhancing your silhouette. Nude and monochromatic shoes, for example, visually extend your legs if they are in the same colour family as the rest of the outfit.
Heels and platform shoes also offer more stability without appearing too bulky. If you can, you can also rock them on for daily wear. Don’t forget about the classics—loafers, ballet flats, and sneakers maintain a proportionate appearance and are versatile for both casual and professional settings.
The right shoe type and colour can go a long way in wrapping up your look or adding a detailed flair that matches the outfit. It all boils down to finding which ones work best and asking our expert tailor about your available footwear options.
