If you want to always look your best then being aware of your body shape and the types of clothes that suit you is absolutely essential. One of the most common reasons for making clothing mistakes stems from not being aware of what suits your figure or taking advice from someone who doesn’t have your best interests at heart, for example, shop assistants.
No matter what your shape, there are some fundamental guidelines for enhancing and flattering your figure.
The taller you are the more likely you are to have long legs and a short torso, which presents a unique set of fashion challenges. It means your legs are longer in length than your torso and there is a very small distance between the fullest part of your bust and your hip line. This midsection is the area where you will see weight going on first, and it usually presents as midriff rolls, a full stomach and weight that sits high on the back of the hips.
If this is you, you will leave your tops and blouses out rather than tuck them in and avoid belts altogether. You probably also have trouble finding pants that are long enough.
As a general rule, tall women should avoid short hemlines and three-quarter length tops or pants as they can make you appear like you have outgrown your clothes.
Just as a petite woman would use vertical design lines to appear taller, a tall woman can use horizontal design lines to appear more moderate in height. A horizontal line causes the eye to move across the body rather than up and down, and this can decrease apparent height by breaking up length and emphasising width.
Examples of horizontal design lines include boat necklines, most hem lines, horizontal stripes, belts or pockets placed on either side of the body. This is particularly effective when used on your upper body.
As a tall woman you will look your best in straight or wide skirts and pants, knee length or longer shorts and long jackets. You should choose medium to large scale patterns and also use layering and colour blocking to break up apparent height. An example of colour blocking would be a bright top, dark belt, medium pants and light shoes.
As a tall woman, your basic dressing guidelines are:
Skirts and pants without waistbands
Crotch length or longer blouses, tops and jackets
Narrow belts in a non-contrasting colour
Long line accessories
Low to medium heels
Knowing your body shape is crucial. A personalised Body and Style Analysis will show you exactly which styles of clothes are right for you, but these simple guidelines will help the tall woman to always look and feel her best.
