The Real Challenge: Length
Most clothes are designed around an average height, so on a tall frame sleeves stop short of the wrist, trousers end above the ankle and dresses hit too high. Getting the length right does more than any style trick. Look for tall ranges with longer inseams (often 34 to 36 inches) and sleeves, and buy longer and have pieces hemmed when needed.
Trousers and Jeans
High-waisted wide-leg trousers are made for long legs. Straight-leg and flared jeans in a long inseam balance a tall frame. Cropped trousers work only when the crop is clearly deliberate, around the ankle bone; trousers that are simply too short look like a mistake.
Read more: Body Types for Women: The 5 Shapes and How to Dress Them
Dresses and Skirts
Maxi dresses and maxi skirts suit tall women naturally. Midi lengths look elegant, though they hit higher on the leg than on shorter women. Check torso length on dresses with a defined waist: the waist seam should sit at your waist, not above it.
Get new guides by email
Proportions You Can Play With
Tall frames carry things that overwhelm shorter ones: long coats and dusters, oversized and layered pieces, bold prints, colour blocking, wide belts and horizontal stripes. Breaking the body into sections with contrast or belts can be flattering rather than shortening.
Read more: How to Dress for Your Body Type: The Simple Rules
Shoes
Wear heels or flats as you like. Flats, loafers, ballet flats and trainers all look sharp on a tall frame; there's no rule against adding height.
In Ollie Stylist you can set the free model to your height and build and try real pieces on it. See also how to dress for your body type.