The Her Campus National Editors write about products we love and think you’ll love too. Her Campus has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. All products are in stock and all prices are accurate as of publication.
While many supermodels who strut their stuff on the runway have legs that go on for days, it’s harder for the average tall girl to find items that work on their bodies so effortlessly. Sometimes it’s as simple as grabbing the right piece off the rack, no special tall sizes needed!
Certain trends like high waisted mom jeans, or mini skirts may be hard to work with but don’t stress, we’ve got your back with these seven style tips. It is key to feel comfortable and confident in anything you’re wearing, so get your cart ready because you’re going to want to shop all of these styles. Although it may be hard to find popular pieces or fashion fads that will work on every body type, remember that style is subjective and as long as you’re being true to yourself, you will look amazing.
- Opt for maxi or midi dresses & skirts
-
Maxi dresses, maxi skirts and midi dresses are practically made for tall girls and their gorgeous long legs. Liz Panella, a senior at the University of Iowa, says to take full advantage of longer pieces like these.
“Something my friends always tell me is that I’m so lucky that I have long legs and am tall for these kinds of pieces,” Liz says. “Maxis and midis are made for tall girls!”
When in doubt, go for longer pieces as they’ll highlight your long legs and gorgeous height.
- Find the right waistline
-
Just because high-waisted items seem to be made for tall girls doesn’t mean those are the items you should reach for first in the store.
Samantha Kari, a 2016 grad of Siena College, says, “I always have to watch the waistline on high-waisted dresses or cinched shirts because I have a long torso, so if it’s too high-waisted, I’ll look ridiculous. Sometimes you can combat that by wearing a flowy cardigan with whatever it is.”
While it’s good to go for longer pieces to highlight your height, those longer pieces can sometimes make you extra long, especially when they go so high up on your body and then cut off at your shirt. However, high-waisted bottoms can still be incredibly flattering on your torso and leg length if the right rise is chosen, so be aware when choosing the waist height on pants.
- Jumpsuits are essential
-
Just like maxi dresses, Liz says that jumpsuits are practically made for longer frames, making them absolutely perfect for tall girls.
“Jumpsuits have recently become a thing, especially for tall girls!” Liz says. “Jumpsuits look that much better on a 5’9″ girl because it is a one-piece outfit, and you gotta have the length for that!”
Once again, opting for a single piece helps to accentuate your tall frame. Pick up a jumpsuit in your favorite color or pattern for an added pop to your outfit.
- Skinny & straight jeans are your best friend
-
Charlotte Emeljanow, a junior at the University of Western Ontario, says that skinny jeans are a tall girl’s best friend. Don’t worry too much about length as much as fit and tightness.
“My number one tip would be: skinny jeans are your best friend,” Charlotte says. “Flared or boot-legged pants often don’t have as long of an inseam and can appear shorter on your legs (and no one wants floods SOS). Skinny jeans look longer. And even if they are a little too short, a) that’s in style anyway and b) because they fit snug against your ankle, it’s harder to tell that they aren’t as long as they should be.”
As we slowly see skinny jeans go out of style, and loose-fitting jeans come back in, it’s worthy to note that slim-fit straight jeans can offer a similar look, fit, and flattering style as skinny jeans. When shopping for straight or mom jeans, make sure that the pants slim towards the ankle, to give off the same look as a skinny-ankle fit.
Many stores carry jean lengths for specific heights and frames. Topshop is great for long inseam jeans, but if you’re looking for something cheaper, Old Navy’s website has many length and height options.
- Pick up thigh-high boots, but not booties
-
You would think that any pair of shoes would look good on those long legs, but Liz warns that not all shoes are made just right for tall girls. She says to say yes to thigh-high boots, but be wary of booties.
“All of my short friends are so jealous because they don’t feel like thigh highs look good on them,” Liz says. “Some long legs and a pair of thigh highs with a dress or skirt = flame emoji.”
“Something to steer clear of is stubby booties!” she adds. “I’m all for the mid-ankle boogie, but put me in a stubby boot, and it is not good. It doesn’t look right when you have long legs in a skinny jean and a really short bootie! The overall flow from shoe to leg looks a bit strange in my opinion.”
- Try avoiding long on the bottom and short on the top
-
Something else to be wary of, according to Liz, is trendy outfit pairings. One, in particular, to steer clear of as a tall girl is super long jeans paired with a crop top. When choosing a cropped top, try to pick one that has a bit more length on it, especially if you have a longer torso.
“Long jeans and crop tops are something I never do,” Liz says. “Because long jeans accentuate the whole body already, a shorter top doesn’t always look right (at least on me). I feel way more comfortable and put together when I have a longer top on. It doesn’t make me look as tall either!
- When in doubt, put on anything oversized or loose-fitting
-
Like maxi dresses and jumpsuits, anything oversized or loose-fitting is perfect for the longer frame of a tall girl. These items were made for you! So these should always be your go-to. Plus, baggy and loose-fitting clothes are so in right now, it’s almost perfect.
Jessi Henter, a junior a South Dakota State University, lists some favorite items of hers and her friends: “Maxi dresses, skinny jeans as well if you can find them long enough, longer loose shirts, t-shirt dresses, anything kinda loose because tight can look awkward. Basically, anything long because it doesn’t look weird like it might on a short person.”
Remember the most important fashion tip there is: always opt for something you feel good and comfortable in. Even if an outfit is super cute, it’s not worth it to wear it if you’ll be uncomfortable all day. Happy styling!