Tall Fashion Tips

Published: Tue, 10/22/13

Tall Fashion Advice

Oct 22, 2013

Hi Tall Friends,

This week rather than put together looks or collections of items for your viewing pleasure, Krista and I thought it would be a good time to share some style advice. We love to do that but oftentimes get so excited about the trends (especially during the fall season!) out there that we tend to share those with you. I hope you like this type of newsletter and if there are style questions you have, feel free to ask! We may not know the answers (we are self -proclaimed fashionistas after all!) we will find them for you!

Style Vs. Comfort

I don't know what it is about this time of year that makes me just want comfort. I want to eat apple pie, drink spiced chai and wear comfy clothes. However, while I want to be comfortable, I don't want to look comfortable (i.e. sloppy). So here are a few tips to accomplish comfort and style.

1. Choose your materials carefully. Wear breathable soft fabrics that retain their shape. When I did the review on this blazer I described it as a "sweatshirt disguised as a blazer." When I wear it, I literally feel like I'm wearing a sweatshirt. It's soft and not at all constricting so it's comfortable. Yet it's a blazer so it's stylish.

2. Use accessories to add polish to an otherwise simple outfit. There's not much more comfortable than a t-shirt and jeans. You could wear just a t-shirt with jeans and sneakers, OR you could add earrings, a scarf, and ballet flats. None of those items are uncomfortable per se, but they up the ante of the entire ensemble. For men, try a V-neck tee in a softer fabric or add a cardigan over the t-shirt and loafers or trendy sneakers rather than running shoes.

3. I know these items don't work for every body type but consider pieces like leggings and jeggings. Leggings are comfortable but with the right pieces (say a tunic sweater for example) can still look fashionable. Jeggings have the look of denim but are typically soft and stretchy which make them much more comfortable. Whenever I fly I wear a pair of jeggings I got from Target for $20. They were inexpensive but are so practical and comfortable. They're dark denim so they hide stains (and cellulite!) but they look like I've put forth some effort. If you're self-conscious, you could always wear a tunic or longer length shirt with these bottoms.

Maxi Dresses in the Fall

I recently came across an advice article in a fashion magazine where the reader asked if maxi dresses are here to stay. The answer was a resounding yes and I couldn't agree more. But with any trend, the opportunity to get it wrong is, well, an opportunity. If rocking a maxi dress in the fall consider this advice:

1. Wear an appropriate material. Again with the fabrics right? You don't want to wear a linen maxi dress. It just seems wrong. Wear a heavier material or a season-less material.

2. Layer, layer, and layer. Add a cardigan, denim jacket, blazer, V-neck sweater...anything to add some texture and warmth.

3. Wear appropriate shoes...namely boots or booties.

Sneaker Dilemna

This one's for men and women. I know many individuals who want to look nice but due to being clueless when it comes to fashion (their words not mine!), having back issues or other physical considerations, or being on a budget, don't know what shoes to wear other than sneakers. If you read the newsletter regularly you know I'm not a fan of wearing sneakers unless a) you are working out or on your way to or from a workout or b) they are trendy sneakers that look intentional. Here are a couple of pieces of advice regarding shoe options:

1. Do a little research! If any of the reasons above hit home, with a little research you can find brands that work for you. There are many brands that cater to a style + comfort crowd. And don't forget, TCM does personal shopping so if you need help, give us a shout! Also though those brands tend to be expensive if you shop around and look out for coupons/discounts you can score big. I love Clarks brand shoes for style and comfort. They are quality and comfortable. I just came across a pair at the outlet for $25 (or 2 for $40) last week! I passed them up but I was amazed at the amazing value on a great brand.

2. This seems silly but I swear by Dr. Scholl's shoe inserts. I purchased them while working retail and standing for 7-9 hours at a time. By the end of my shift, my back would kill me until I started adding the insoles to my shoes.

3. Sometimes we just forget what's out there. There are so many options- ballet flats, boots, booties, pumps, trendy sneakers, loafers and/or boat shoes, etc. I love to browse Zappos simply for ideas and inspiration. If your shoe collection is tiny, just start with the basics: light, dark, dressy, casual, flats, boots, pumps, sneakers.

Partner Spotlight

It's been awhile since I've done a partner spotlight. This week I wanted to showcase Westport Big & Tall.