Q I would like to invest in a pair of smart tailored trousers that I can wear in the office and also for evenings out. My challenge is that I am just over 5ft 10in and struggle to find styles that are long enough – can you suggest any stores or labels that cater to my longer frame?
A From down here where I am (5ft 4in) being 5ft 10in and skinny sounds like a dream scenario. I'm astounded that you have difficulty at most high street shops, because whenever I enter Topshop, H&M and the like, the aisles seem to be awash with tall, thin blondes, any one of whom could be on the front cover of Vogue.
It’s a curious fact that many taller women find it hard to come to terms with their impressive stature – when most of us would kill to be just a little bit taller.
Erin O'Connor is 6ft 1in and as a teenager, the model felt that she was a freak. She was famously told by Anjelica Huston, "You'll never be pretty but you'll always be magnificent", and now she earns a fortune. She features in the Marks & Spencer ads, so that seems like a pretty obvious place to start if you are looking for casual trousers or skirts.
If you want something for the office, I’d suggest a classic label such as Jager. No, I know that Jaeger is not cheap, but I have a feeling that we're entering a phase in which many of us are going to buy a little better and keep our things a little longer, so it’s worth checking out their gorgeous separates, which are all cut to flatter longer, leaner shapes.
Zara also does good jackets and trousers for tall, slim women, and Lands’ End has a special section for tall women.
Dorothy Perkins has lots of gorgeous clothes and up to the minute fashion, including a 'tall range'. The essential items of the season, in a wide range of sizes, can be found in store with large numbers of new lines added every week.
Next also stocks a large range of 'tall' pants and jeans with 33" inside seams along with lots of other stylish clothes, which are perfect for formal occasions and nights on the town. Problem solved.
Top tips for taller women
1 Make sure your jacket is in proportion. Cut and tailoring are important even in soft dressing. Sleeves must reach the wrist to avoid a gangly look and darts, seaming and lapels must be properly proportioned. Long jackets and court coats are a terrific look on tall women.
2 Wear trousers and trouser suits – they’re best on tall women. Your extra inches and long legs make for a truly striking look.
3 Go for the harem pant – it’s flattering and fun. All wide leg pants are great on long legs.
4 Get your skirt length right. If your skirt comes to the middle of your calf, it is neither flattering nor fashionable. Short skirts should be above or just over the knee; long skirts should skim the ankle.
5 Wear layers – only tall women can carry off the layered look.
6 Don’t be a victim of fashion – choose new styles carefully. Three-quarter sleeves and pedal pushers can make a tall woman look like ridiculous so choose your styles with care.
7 Never wear small brimmed hats, tiny jewellery, and very short hair, lots of frills or tiny handbags. Leave those to your shorter friends while you strut out in bold colours and prints, long jackets, large brimmed hats, scarves, shawls and the latest trousers.
