Being a meagre 5ft 2″, I sometimes have a hard time sympathizing with my tall friends. But I’ve shopped enough with them to know how infuriating it can be. It’s just proof that every woman, no matter what her shape or size, faces a wardrobe challenge.

While I whine about having to get trousers hemmed, my tall friends often can’t find something long enough. And because of their height they sometimes feel like bright colours or bold patterns will make them appear huge and intimidating.

The upside of being tall is that you can carry clothes very well. While the petite struggles with pieces smothering her, the tall figure can carry off those more challenging shapes with panache. The key is to break up your seemingly endless torso and legs.

One way of going this is looking for separates with pleating, seaming and details like ruffles which slice up the ensemble. Layering is your secret best friend for this reason too. Another is through the use of pattern, which will break up your body and, if executed in a flowing fabric, will also soften your shape.

Above all, choose clothes that fit. You’ll look taller if your pants and sleeves are always too short. If you can’t find that perfect fit off the rack, make friends with a seamstress who will be able to work wonders altering some of your pieces to fit.

Finally, examine, dissect and imitate the style of these famous tall sisters: Uma Thurman, Brooke Shields and Gabrielle Reece.

(Dress shown by ABS, skirt by Coupe Fashions)

Read my other What to Wear blog posts