Everyone has what I call a “fit issue” when it comes to clothes. My main obstacle is with length, or lack thereof. As the world’s longest torso holder, most dresses are like crop-tops on me. I am also a proud pear whose bottom half is two sizes larger than my top. Hopefully, you can now understand my love of high-waisted, flared pants of which balance out my hips and cover my arse in full.

 I have all of my coats, blazers and dresses tailored upon purchase (!) to shine the spotlight on my smaller waistline. In fact, when it comes to the game of flattery, it’s all about: 1. carving out a waist and 2. creating hourglass proportions. Be you a tall pear or a petite apple, you needn’t be a mathematician when it comes to the fit equation. It’s just a simple balancing act. Got broad shoulders and an ample bust? Skip the skinny jeans and opt for a trouser cut. Have a big butt and you cannot lie? Wear a lengthy boyfriend blazer and have it taken in at the waist to soften your curves. Feeling Dumpy? Belt that sweater and voilà you are instantly more svelte. We shall never hide in our clothes, and I recommend getting creative with your trompe l’oiel artistry.

 This week I have been working with my darling client, Lauren*, who at 6’ is a perfectly healthy size 12 hourglass shape. After several days of aimlessly searching for a 37” inseam pant, I can only imagine the frustration that Lauren feels every time she shops (or god forbid the dryer shrinks anything!). As her personal shopper I must “make it work” using every trick in The Style Trial Bible. I refuse to see her let down by what is currently available in the market place. Thankfully, the information superhighway has allowed people like you, me and Lauren to quickly search countless online catalogs** and sites for what suits us best. It is much easier to shop online than it is to try on 3 dozen pairs of pants and find only one that might work (as Lauren has done). What a super trooper my leggy Lauren is! Allow me to brief thee on the best in lengthy.

It’s Casual:

Tall gals are in need of length and width. Look for tailored pieces with hidden stretch to cover the bases and keep it crisp. No MK Olsen sloppy looks allowed; however, this doesn’t mean you have to dress boring. Opt for bold colors and one statement bauble at a time. Stay warm in a coat that hits just below the bum, any longer or shorter blows things out of proportion!

Sandra Ingrish Roll Sleeve Shirt with Side Ribbing, Sandraingrish.com

Gap Long & Lean jeans in Dark Wash, Gap.com

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Long Illusion Drop Necklace in Gold Long, Nordstrom.com

J.Crew Tall Double-Cloth Coat in Sea Salt, Jcrew.com

Work:

The key here is to keep the design very sleek and minimalist but play up color and texture. The busty tend to despise ruffles, bows and unnecessary added bulk (all of which I personally love). Talk about a no-frills policy! Go all out on funky flats instead.

 

J.Crew Tall Schoolboy Blazer in Heather Carbon, Jcrew.com

Semantiks Satin Loop Trim Blouse in Painted Blossom, Nordstrom.com

J.Crew Tall Favorite-Fit super 120's Durham Pant in Coal, Jcrew.com

French Sole "Wiffle" in Purple Suede, Zappos.com

Out & about:

This is the time to bust out your size 11 heels, shows off your gorgeous gams and shake what your momma gave ya. A wrap dress and fitted jacket flatters the midsection while black tights and (comfy) heels slim the leg.

Banana Republic Tall Twist Wrap Dress in Deep Fuschia, Bananarepublic.com

Banana Republic Tall Velvet Blazer in Black, Bananarepublic.com

Cole Haan Carma OT Air MJ in Black, Zappos.com

* Courteous name change.

** My recommendations for online retailers with Tall sizes: J.Crew, Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer, J.Jill, Ann Taylor and Gap. Also, Zappos has a user-friendly site to search for shoes by size, style, etc.