I'm short. I don't think about it often, but other people have a habit of mentioning it. In fact I'm quite sure that in my absence I'm constantly referred to as "that small one." Yes, I'd like longer legs. No, I don't like having pictures next to my tall friends, but in general, I'm cool with it. 5'2" is fine.
Fashion used to be so prescriptive didn't it? Trinny and Susannah maxims stood true and tall in the early noughties with irritating statements like 'If you're pear shaped try a high-waist' and 'if you have big boobs don't dare think about wearing a high neck top.' Thankfully, in 2016, we've all loosened up considerably. I for one, as a tiny Borrower person, like nothing more than an extra large item of clothing, an over-my-trainers pair of jeans, and a giant hoodie. I only wear heels when I panic and the whole time I have them on, I'm not listening to what you're saying, I'm just thinking "I have heels on. Oh my god, I have heels on."
If left unmonitored, I start to resemble my twin brother circa 2005. Big, long, comfy and loose-fitting sums up my style – all things typically associated with looking and feeling 'sloppy'. But I like to think there's room for an amount of 'disorganised-together', as I'm now calling it. A way to walk into a meeting in extra-long, frayed denim, with your hems-a-dragging, a half-tucked shirt, a knotted jumper, and still feel the business. Extra-long tailoring, asymmetric cuts and sportswear-as-workwear has never been more acceptable – or polished – thanks to fashion houses like Vetements and Céline. Here, in short, is my unprofessional guide to wearing big stuff and looking pretty professional. Short arses, unite.
MISBHV is an amazing Polish brand that creates stand-out streetwear items, and this jumper is ideal for toughening up any summer look when it gets a bit colder on the rooftop bar. The combat trousers by Aries Arise are so noughties it makes my heart sing and the extra-long length means they look just as good with a pair of heels and a plain white T-shirt as they do with slip-on Vans.
Knitted jumper misbhv.com, £140. Combat trousers Aries, £360.
I love these Marques'Almeida trousers because they're case in point that bagginess can be refined. I try to pair them with something tailored to juxtapose the teenage hems. This Kenzo coat with all its interesting proportions is the perfect pairing.
Coat Kenzo. Trousers Marques'Almeida, £360.
Nafsika Skourti is making some of the most exciting evening wear in London right now. This suit is a primary example; the asymmetric jacket with a trailing chiffon arm and the loose fit trousers are how to do after-dark dressing in an unexpected way. I used to feel self-conscious about my height at fancy do's, but I love wearing Vans slip-ons with something like this just to throw off any high-heel predictability.
Jacket, £383, and trousers Nafsika Skourti, £225.
Hoodies can be worn anywhere now, and that is sweet, sweet music to my ears. I've paired this one with some hot-red silk trousers.
Hoodie Ashley Williams, £240. Trousers Nafsika Skourti, £352.
Again, a Nafsika creation. I love this very modern update on a dress shirt. When loose it almost touches my knees. I've worn it here with some very oversized 90s denim courtesy of Marques'Almeida, and despite the extra-large finish I feel extra-polished.
Shirt Nafasika Skourti, £465. Jeans Marques'Almeida, £217.
This clever knit from Whistles can be worn untied, or knotted at the hip. I love this puffed-out witchy skirt from London designer Ashley Williams. The whole look is far from a pencil skirt and cardigan, and that's a good thing, I think.
Knitted top Whistles, £95. Skirt £730 Ashley Williams.
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