The Ultimate Guide to Styling Tall Women: Tips from a Tall Stylist
If you’ve ever struggled to find pants that actually reach your ankles or sleeves that don’t cut off at your mid-forearm, you’re not alone. As a tall woman myself (coming in hot at 6’1”!), I know how frustrating it can be to try on outfit after outfit after outfit only to feel like fashion brands and clothing designers have forgotten about us.
But here’s the good news: being tall is powerful, striking, and—when styled right—absolutely stunning. Over the years, I’ve turned my own challenges into expertise, and today I help other women embrace their height with confidence. This guide is all about styling tall women in ways that highlight proportion, flatter your frame, and make shopping less stressful.
Why Styling Tall Women Is Different
Standard fashion advice often assumes an “average” height that simply doesn’t work when you’re 5’9” and above. The reality? Styling tall women requires a different approach.
Some of the common pain points that I’ve not only experienced, but also keep coming up whenever I chat with tall women:
Too-short hemlines: Dresses and skirts that look chic on others can feel too risqué on us.
High-water pants: Denim shopping is basically an Olympic sport. And trying to find jeans long enough to wear anything other than flats? Forget about it.
Awkward proportions: Cropped jackets, sleeves, or tops that don’t hit where they should. (I had a personal vendetta on the crop top movement of the late ‘00s, but have since moved past it after learning how to master proportions.)
One-size-fits-all tips: Advice like “wear heels to elongate your legs” isn’t exactly helpful when your legs already go on for days.
Instead of settling for clothes that kind of work and make you feel just okay, you deserve strategies that not only fit your body type, but celebrate it too.
Styling Tips That Work for Tall Women
Here’s what I recommend to my clients (and practice myself) when it comes to dressing a tall frame.
1. Master Your Proportions
One of the biggest advantages of being tall is your natural presence. You are a statuesque GODDESS and your aura should reflect that. But if proportions aren’t balanced, outfits can feel off, and your confidence gets crushed. Rather than standing tall, you’re hunching like Quasimodo in an attempt to detract attention.
But when you master your proportions, you’ll be soaring sky high. Here are my quick tips:
Tuck it in: Tucking tops into pants, jeans, and skirts instantly defines your waist and avoids a boxy look. One of my go-to looks is a fitted top tucked into high-waisted bottoms. (This is also SUPER flattering for pear and hourglass shaped girlies.)
Cropped layers: Pair high-waisted pants with a cropped jackets or sweaters to balance your long legs.
Belt it: A well-placed belt helps break up vertical lines and creates shape.
2. Prioritize Fit Over Size
Many tall women size up just to gain length—but that often sacrifices fit in the shoulders, bust, or waist. Instead:
Shop tall-specific brands that offer tops and bottoms in tall or long sizes. My go-tos are Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Madewell for their ability to cater to women of all sizes: tall, curvy, plus, and petite.
Buy for the best fit, then get the length altered. A good tailor is worth gold. They can let hems out, perfect a fit so a shorter fit looks intentional, or adjust proportions elsewhere to give you the length you’re looking for.
Remember, you don’t need to hide your height. Clothes should work with your frame, not against it.
3. Embrace Maxi Lengths
Instead of fighting hemlines, lean into them. Maxi dresses and skirts are made for us tall women—they won’t overwhelm us the way they easily can on short and petite frames. Look for flowy fabrics that create movement and balance.
And even if a maxi skirt or dress is a tad too short on you, your amazing tailor can take it up a few inches and create a midi style that hits at the perfect spot. Chef’s kiss.
4. Choose Shoes Intentionally
You don’t have to avoid heels just because you’re tall—but you also don’t have to rely on them.
Pointed-toe flats add polish without extra inches.
Tall boots are your best friend. They elongate legs even more while keeping proportions sleek. Another go-to outfit of mine for cooler weather is tall boots with a long-sleeve short dress, or with a short skirt and oversized sweater.
And if you love heels, more power to you. Wear them unapologetically. Confidence beats any “too tall” comments.
5. Scale Your Accessories
Small, delicate pieces can get lost on a taller frame. Instead, choose accessories that match your presence.
Larger handbags look balanced instead of oversized.
Bold statement jewelry adds interest near the face.
Wide belts or layered scarves can anchor an outfit beautifully.
Confidence Is the Best Accessory
Yes, styling tall women is about proportion and fit—but it’s also about mindset. Growing up, you might have instinctively slouched or positioned your hips in a way to shorten yourself. But the best advice I can give you is to do the opposite.
Stand tall. Good posture is instantly stylish. To be blunt: shoulders back, tits out.
Wear what excites you, not what blends in. If you love wearing color, embrace it! Too many of us tall gals want to hide behind neutrals so we don’t attract attention. There’s nothing wrong with a chic all-black look, but don’t use neutrals as a means to
And the most important lesson I’ve learned as a tall woman: Take up space. We already do literally, so we may as well figuratively.
Fashion is a tool for self-expression, and tall women have the unique ability to make bold choices shine. Don’t be afraid of wide-leg trousers, floor-length coats, or dramatic prints. They were practically designed for us.
More Tall-Friendly Brands
If you have a hard time finding brands and retailers, here are my go-tos that consistently show tall women love:
Abercrombie & Fitch - If you too were personally victimized by A&F in the 2000s, I can understand your hesitation to shop with them. But they’ve made a lot of progress since then, offering a wide range of sizes, including for us tall women.
Gap - Your mom’s favorite store has gone through a renaissance now that beloved fashion designer Zac Posen is at the helm. Aside from their stylish, everyday wear, they offer tall sizes in just about everything they sell.
J. Crew - The fun, preppy brand offers tall sizes in their denim and pants. Their long torso one-piece bathing suits are my absolute favorites.
Madewell - Though they’ve gotten rid of their “extra long” size that I adored, their long sizes are generally long enough for the 5’9” to 6’0” gals.
Anthropologie - For the tall women who want something funky, be it color or patterns, Anthropologie’s pants should be in your closet.
Banana Republic Tall - Polished workwear that actually fits. Their online Factory store has a surprising amount of tall sizes too.
Long Tall Sally - A classic for tall women’s fashion staples.
ASOS Tall - I generally don’t recommend ultra fast fashion brands, but if you’re looking for something more on the trendy side, look no further.
Mix these into your wardrobe, and you’ll notice the difference immediately.
Final Thoughts on Styling Tall Women
Being tall is a gift—but styling tall women requires a little extra intention. Once you find the brands and proportions that work for you, fashion becomes fun again.
As a tall stylist, my mission is to help women like us feel empowered by our height instead of restricted by it. Because when you stop fighting your frame and start embracing it, style becomes effortless.
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Ready for personalized help? If you want one-on-one styling advice for your tall frame, I’d love to work with you. Let’s build a wardrobe that fits your proportions, celebrates your confidence, and feels 100% you. Check out Twelve Tall’s services here.