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Monthly Archives: June 2016

Statuesque

STATUESQUE STYLE: the art of dressing to impress when you’re tall

By | Body Basics, How To..., Personal Style | 5 Comments

Do you admire statuesque women? I do. Their height has a regalness, and legginess can leave those of us less endowed us a little green around the gills.

I’m glad too that the days of tall girls being made to feel freakish have long gone and today they stand tall and proud.

However, it’s not all fun and sunshine for them. Like their diminutive sisters, tall women have a unique set of style challenges that make dressing and shopping something needing to be mastered. 

In my experience, the top concerns of tall women are: finding the right fit, length, looking pleasingly proportioned and strategies to look less tall. With that in mind, as you read through this feature when you see an * next to the sub heading or text, it indicates that this tip will also make you appear a little less tall.

So, what height is considered tall I hear you ask? Generally, it’s considered being 179cms / 5’10” or taller.

The three-quarter sleeve hack

A major problem when shopping for sleeved garments is arm length. Folding or cuffing sleeves to create a three-quarter sleeve is a great styling hack whenever the sleeves end at an awkward length on your forearm. An added bonus is that not only are three-quarter sleeves universally flattering, they add more dimension to your midsection.

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Jump aboard the jumpsuit trend

Jumpsuits look great on leggy ladies. These one-piece style stunners have been on-trend lately and they’ve got a classic and elegant curb appeal that means they are likely to be around for a while. Experiment with bold patterns and sexy low-cut neckline jumpsuit silhouettes. But if you invest in purchasing a jumpsuit in a solid classic color, you’ll be wearing it for years to come. Jumpsuits are great for creating a great silhouette since it most often cinches your waist in while calling attention to your long and lean shape. It is the one-two punch; making you look even more statuesque than you are, and balancing your proportions at the same time.

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Invest in brands made for you

Do your research and seek out brands that make clothing specifically for the proportions of tall women. Basics like T-shirts, jeans, pants, straight and tapered skirts, and blazers, will serve as the foundation for a lot of your looks. Any time spent researching specialty stores and/or collections that cater to your height will be time well spent. Brands include: Long Tall Sally, Asos, Search By Inseam, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, J Crew, Tall By Design, Height Goddess, and Missguided just to name a few.  I also have not forgotten our plus size tall gals with this website chock full of brands and tips just for you.  

For the tall curvy girls here is a link to your best brands and bloggers.

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Know your measurements…by heart

Knowing your measurements will make for an easier time dealing with store sales associates and online since you already have specific length and sizes in mind. Store sizes may vary, but knowing the proper and correct measurements of your body and proportions will help you in determining whether a certain item fits properly.

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Go wild with wide

You’re blessed with height and with that comes the ability to indulge in all things wide, especially anything that sits below your waist. From skirts and pants to dresses and jumpsuits – dive right in and have a ball.

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Have fun with layering, color, pattern, and texture

You have the height to really let your creative juices flow when it comes to outfits. From color blocking, large prints and strong textures you’re the one to really carry these off and make your friends envious.  Wearing multiple blocks of colors can give you the illusion of shape and when used horizontallycan break up your length.  My only word of warning is not to add a bold pattern, light or bright color over an area you feel is your largest – I know I don’t need to tell you more.

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Look up, look down, look all around 

There’s no limits to where you can place focal points on your body. From your head to your feet the world’s your oyster; while your shorter female counterparts are constantly striving to attract all the attention high on their body to look taller and slimmer YOU, can play up your hemlines, legs, and feet your content. 

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Become a shape shifter

Your height is often accompanied by a straight body shape and that means you’re the perfect candidate to add a punch of style to your look via interestingly shaped garments. From amazing blazers, A-line skirts, bell sleeves, peplum tops, there are heaps of garments that are not only fun to wear but will also give you shape or curves. 

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Belts, belts, belts*!

The taller you are the more likely you are to be proportionally long legged and short torsoed (high waisted). Belts have the power to add emphasis to a particular area of your torso and by doing so create a pleasing break line to balance your torso and leg length.

If you know you have long legs or a short torso (high waist) wear either narrow belts on your waist, medium width styles at your hips or belts in the same color as your skirt/pants.

If you’re tall and plus sized wear slimline belts.

If you tend to have a more evenly balanced, body to leg proportion waist belts will be your best choice. 

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Show off your ankles with this short pant hack

Pants that are too short are a common tall girl problem. But you can use this for your sartorial gain if you get creative, cuff those jeans that fall awkwardly around your ankle. The ankle-cropped pant has been given a new lease on life this season. One of spring/summer must-haves, the ankle-length pant gives you the opportunity to show off your shoes too!

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Only you rock this footwear

That’s right, it’s thigh-high boots and flats. OK, so thigh-high boots aren’t for everyone but if your young and bold enough you are the only ones who wears them well.

When it comes to flats you can wear them with almost anything and not suffer even one style demerit – now that does leave the rest of us really envious. 

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Embrace large baubles and oversized bags

Here’re another two trends that were made for you; from statement necklaces and earrings to large totes and purses, you can pull them off spectacularly.

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Cultivate a great relationship with a tailor

Being tall, it goes without saying that you’ll often find yourself in a situation where the fit of a garment is not perfect. This is where a tailor comes in handy. When it comes to style, fit is everything. It may not be picture perfect at the time of purchase, but a great tailor will make everything fit you like a glove. This is a relationship worth working on. It is something that will pay dividends when it comes to your overall image, style, and personal appearance.

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Consider tailor made

If you’re a stickler for fit, have high expectations (and why shouldn’t you), and you have specific ideas of what styles you want, then custom-made may be your way to go. Alternatively, there are websites like Sumissura that offer a custom-made service at a very reasonable price.    

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Take a few hints from your tall celeb style sisters

When in doubt, look to celebrities that possess a similar tall body type. Here are some names to watch out for: Brooke Shields, Uma Thurman, Nicole Kidman, Elle MacPherson, Ivanka Trump, Kate Middleton, Ciara, and Blake Lively. You’ll be so inspired when you see how these ladies style their svelte body types to perfection.

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As always, I want to inspire you to embrace the skin you’re in. You may notice that there’s no tip saying not to wear heels. Rock those heels if you want to! While flats are great, if you’re a girl that loves heels, don’t let what others think you SHOULD wear get you down. As long as you love yourself and work on your style, your confidence will grow and flourish.

Ann2015Blue

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
please like it on Facebook or Instagram
or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author


Cubical banner Main

CUBICAL CHIC: How to choose and style dresses for work

By | Work Style | 8 Comments
Women have worn dresses to work from the very moment they stepped into the workplace. A dress is quick to dress in, easy to wear and the perfect garment to wear when you wish to portray both femininity and professionalism.

After what dress styles suit me, the next fashion conundrum most women face is what styles will best meet the standards of my workplace and afford me the best level of professionalism. This is especially so given we’ve strayed so far from formal business attire and business casual is still a confusing state of dress for many.

So without further adieu:   

Seek out tailored details like pleating, collars and lapels.

Pronounced pleating or box pleating are details that both add to the structured feel of a typical dress. Collar and lapel features echo traditional menswear suiting details and add to the professionalism of your ensemble. These tailored details allude to suiting, which is go-to work attire, while still keeping the feminine dress silhouette.
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Shirt, sheath, and wrap dresses are your best bet. 

Sheath dresses are form-fitting dresses that hug the figure. This type of dress is usually simple and plain, which is not to say it’s boring.
Sheath dresses are a great option to always have at hand since there are so many ways to style them. You can opt to wear it on its own at the office or layer more structured or tailored pieces over it. Bold colors like red are great for making a statement for those all-important presentations or meetings, but you can’t beat neutral colored sheath dresses for sheer versatility.
Shirtdresses are another viable option for your go-to work dress. The A-line of shirtdresses are universally flattering, plus the button down feature and collar shows that you’re keeping work appropriateness top of mind.
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Keep patterns reined in for a professional feel. 

Don’t limit yourself when dressing up for the office. If you have an affinity for prints and textures, you can certainly bring this love to your work style. Professionalism should always be your priority, but it can be balanced by trendy prints and textures.

 

Keep your print colors to those that associated with trust, strength or professionalism such as black, navy, white, red etc. Clean, clear colors often work better than muted/dull/dusty colors.

 

Steer clear of oversized or loud prints and colors associated with childhood or fun which tend to look out of place in a work environment and diminish your credibility. 
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To Bare Arms or Not

Covering up has long been seen as most appropriate for serious business attire. And even fairly recent studies have shown that the more covered you are the more formal/professional you’ll be viewed.   

If you are unsure or want to raise your image err on the side of wearing sleeves and hosiery.

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Keep necklines high, hemlines moderate and dresses semi-fitted

At work you want the attention centered on the job at hand and your intellectual contribution, nothing else. Exposing cleavage, wearing minis, thigh-high slits or a skin tight dress may attract attention but not the type that advances your career. Not only is it distracting it can cause bad blood in an office if you are perceived to be using your sexuality to gain attention or favor. 

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Give your work dress some structure with jackets and crisp shirts

Wearing a blazer over a dress instantly increases the professionalism of your look. It also adds an extra bonus of giving your look more structure which gives the visual illusion of a trimmer waist and broader shoulders.

Wearing a crisp shirt underneath a dress also affords the dress a hint of tailored detailing.

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Choose your accessories wisely

Structured boxy envelope bags and satchels maintain the modern elegance and sophistication of your office ensemble. Avoid open-toed footwear in favor of pumps in basic neutrals. Extending the formal feel to your accessories is key to giving your office look style harmony, and finishing it off with extra polish.

When it comes to jewelry, understated is the call of the day. If you want to up the ante and add a statement necklace keep your other items refined.

Cinching your waist with a belt has the added benefit of giving you a waist, but even more than that, a belt upgrades your work dress by making the total outfit look more put together.

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Multi-task your dress

One of the best things about a well-considered work dress is that it will be versatile. With a change of footwear and the addition of statement accessories, your work dress can go from night to day, from office to a chic restaurant. Don’t shy away from collar necklaces with shiny and bold baubles. Embrace your love for bright and beautiful heels. These things will help you a lot in taking your look from everyday work wear to evening glamor.

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Add tights/hose for a more polished feel

Don’t underestimate the addition of black tights. This classic outfit add-on will give your work dress the extra push it needs to achieve a whole new level of chic.

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Ann2015Blue

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
please like it on Facebook or Instagram
or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author