'Go high or go home' has been my shoe mantra since I finally accepted my height – all six feet of it – about eight years ago. Throughout my teens I was crippled with insecurity about my BFG stature. I towered above the boys I fancied, was over half a foot taller than my female friends and my sports teachers assumed I would be the best in the year. N.B. I hate sporting activity and breaking into a sweat, have minimal to no sporting talent, and subsequently disappointed a lot of people.
Shopping was a constant struggle. The fit was never quite right on the highstreet – where jeans were ankle-swinging and sleeves showed too much wrist for my liking. On nights out I was always the chump in flats while my dainty Borrower friends showed off new heels. And with my broad shoulders too, sometimes the cut of a top was so tight I'd be hunched over like Quasimodo. Not a good look.
But hold the violins, this story ends quite happily. Thankfully, by the time I went to university, the boys had shot up, I discovered some of the advantages of being tall (no ID for me), and finally found the right pieces to cover and flatter my long limbs. Hello body confidence. I suddenly felt like I was in a Dove advert!
For all my fellow strapping lasses out there, here is my guide to dressing well as a tall woman. Don't feel like a kitten heel is your only option. Don't feel limited by your wardrobe, feel liberated! And do punch anyone who remarks on how tall you are. Fancy that? I'd never noticed!
Here are six fail-safe outfit options and items that will help you look your very best this summer...
The Dungarees
If you have long legs and a long torso, dungarees are for you. They can be dressed up with heels or dressed down with sandals or trainers. Ankle boots can be quite tricky for the shorter woman as they cut off the leg, but longer-limbed ladies – give them a go! As they are the perfect footwear for a pinafore. We love denim dungas but this printed piece from Shrimps is a prettier option for the summer months.
The Jumpsuit
Tall ladies rejoice over Galvan! Established in 2014 by four friends, the London-based label offers pared-down, clean silhouettes that complement long, lean bodies. Worn and adored by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jennifer Lawrence, this should be your go-to for occasion wear and evening wear. (I had to be arm-wrestled out of this jumpsuit, after falling in love with it.)
The Maxi Dress
While it might be best to avoid mini-skirts for the most part as a tall woman (you don't want to expose yourself on the bus into work) maxi dresses were pretty much made for us. This off-the-shoulder floor-length dress by Lisa Marie Fernandez is not only a must-have for your holiday wardrobe but can be city-appropriate too, paired with summer sandals or espadrilles.
Lisa Marie Fernandez Mira off-the-shoulder striped maxi dress, £685, available at Matches Fashion
Tabitha Simmons Tallia suede sandals, £425, available at Net-a-porter
The Suit
I urge you to invest in a trouser suit, whether it's from the highstreet (try Reiss, All Saints, or Whistles) or from more luxury brands such as Stella McCartney and Paul Smith. Tailoring is the quickest way to upgrade your look and instantly be taken more seriously. But if it feels too formal, try rolling up your sleeves, wearing over a T-shirt and finishing off with box-fresh white trainers.
All Saints Aleida Blazer, £128
All Saints Ivana Trousers, £128
adidas x Raf Simons Stan Smiths, £245, available at Selfridges
The Cropped Jeans
We all love denim but unfortunately cropped jeans don't work for everyone as they shorten legs significantly. For those casual days, cropped and/or frayed jeans are a slightly more fun way to do denim rather than your bog-standard black skinnies.
The Midi Skirt
Like cropped jeans, a calf-skimming skirt isn't the most flattering silhouette for shorter legs. However, midi skirts are perfectly suited to taller frames. Wear a high-waisted midi skirt with a cropped or tucked in T-shirt for the weekend or pair with a blouse or polo-neck for the office. Slip on some mules for added chic.
Toga Pleated trim taffeta midi skirt, £405, available at Matches Fashion
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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