Style tips for tall women

Jul 9, 2009, 13:42 GMT

Berlin - Many women are unhappy with their figures. They think their hips are too wide, their legs are too short and their breasts are too small, all the while believing that women who are tall and thin must have it easy when it comes to style.

But women who have the proportions of runway models often have problems finding the perfect look. There are a few tricks they can use to be rid of a few centimetres.

'This works best in the so-called long look,' said Bettyna Poeltl, a style expert at an image and fashion institute in Berlin. 'A long T-shirt over pants and a vest - that looks well and it can magically get rid of a few centimetres,' Poeltl said.

Tall women look a bit smaller when their outfit can be separated into different parts. Long blazers and long coats also work well on tall women provided they cover the thigh, she said. A form-fitting top under the blazer or coat is the best way to add elegance to the outfit.

'Tall, thin women can show their figures,' said Poeltl. There are also a few things they should note when selecting pants. A slit up the side seam from the hem, for example, can make long legs look a bit shorter.

'Three-quarters or cigarette pants, which leave the ankle free, also reduce the leg length,' said Ingo Brack of the fashion school Esmond in Munich. Cigarette pants are tight-fitting, straight-legged pants that were popular in the '60s. Audrey Hepburn wore them and they can be found today in many closets.

'With their high waist and the short leg length, they are perfect for tall, thin women,' said Poeltl. With ankles revealed, pumps or ballerinas are the best choice in shoes. Because cigarette pants attract so much attention, Poeltl suggests an understated top. 'A white blouse or a simply cut pullover combine well with the pants.'

Alternatively, narrow tube pants and leggings emphasize long legs, and tall women who like to wear dresses can hardly go wrong, Brack believes.

'Very thin women look best in mini dresses. Those who believe they have a few problem zones can wear a loose-fitting billowy dress made of lightweight material,' Brack said. The outfit should then be finished with small details such as pockets and belts that break up the outfit and make the woman wearing it look smaller.

Conspicuous tops with large patterns or in particular styles such as empire also detract from a women's height.

'Tall women are made to wear large patterns. It can easily be something striking that goes throughout the outfit,' said Brack. Small patterns also are acceptable on a tall woman, said Brack. 'Actually, anything goes, except vertical stripes.'

There are a few other things tall women should note about style. V-necks and long zippers elongate the body even more and should therefore be avoided. In addition there are skirt styles that can take a bit away from one's overall height. Skirts that are narrow to the knee and then bell out fit wonderfully on tall women, Poeltl said.

What goes for the outfit also goes for shoes. Sporty elegance is ideal and tall women do not have to reject heels.

'In flat shoes many women feel too slouchy. That's why many confidently wear heels,' she said. The shoes should be rounded at the toe so that the foot looks smaller. Many tall women have long feet and a round toe de-emphasizes their length, said Brack. Shoes that have a strap over the instep make long lets look shorter, as do boots that stop at mid-calf.

Beyond having a well put-together outfit, tall women should also take note of a few tips for their hair. Volume and fullness, particularly on the sides is important.

'This is how to bring expression and character to a small face,' said Jens Dagne, a master hair stylist from Worms. But he cautions not to cut the hair at the nape of the neck too short so that it maintains a counterbalance.

Women with an oval face can select a full hairstyle with curls that are either natural or permed. Asymmetrical styles also work. The hair should be shoulder length at most so that the oval face is not drawn out by the hair's length, added Dagne.