Filling your wardrobe with summer wears is a challenge at the best of times.
You have to consider the mercurial British weather, contend with sauna-like commutes before sitting in air conditioned offices and think about dress codes - particularly for work to ensure it is 9-to-5 appropriate or for the steady stream of nuptials filling your diary. Then there’s the colour palettes and patterns to suit your preferences. That’s a whole lot to ponder before you even get to fit.
Ah fit, that ever-elusive find if you fall outside of the “norms” of the fashion industry and don’t want to spend a fortune on a tailor on speed dial. This is as true for women classed as petite and plus size as it is for the focus of this article, when you’re tall.
The retail industry defines “tall” as those who are 5 ft 8 and above and there are high street heroes with specialised collections that ensure that the length of the piece is slightly increased to suit those with a longer frame. This prevents maxi dresses sitting at the midi mark, trousers looking like three-quarter lengths and regular t-shirts appearing cropped.
Dresses are some of the most challenging to find, especially if you’re looking for something for a formal occasion and want to add heels to your ensemble. As a general rule, midi cuts are universally flattering to accentuate and elongate all figures but are especially complimentary for taller statures to give a flash of skin and highlight your pins.
To prevent your frame looking extra long, look for styles that have definition at the waist and that includes high-waist cinching to celebrate your silhouette. Get creative with clashing prints for the top and botton half for the same effect and to create natural curves.
But most of all, wear what makes you feel confident.
Shop the best dresses for tall women below
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Long Tall Sally Tall Strappy Dress
This summer-ready style is one you’ll wear and wear all season long. Whether you’re heading to work layered over a t-shirt or to a pub garden, the animal print in a vibrant red colourway and the self-tie detailing make for an easy sartorial win.
Buy now £33.99, Debenhams
Karen Millen Tall Feather Bardot Stretch Crepe Maxi Dress
When you’re looking for something elegant, classy and party-ready, this is a maxi style you’ll be relieved to have in your arsenal. The feather trim brings the glamour, while the side slit flashes your pins. You’ll be hoping a black tie invite lands in your inbox.
Buy now £223.20, Debenhams
M&S Satin Round Neck Tie Front Midi Tea Dress
Cornflower blue is a universally flattering shade and is the tone of this elegant satin dress from M&S. It comes in petite, regular and tall with a lustrous fabric that feels silky smooth on the skin. It’s minimalistic in terms of design details but the self tie round the waist accentuates the silhouette and creates structure to your figure.
Buy now £49.50, M&S
ASOS DESIGN Tall cap sleeve ruched midi tea dress in black cherry print
A cheery cherry print is a playful twist on the classic floral frock for summer. Best of all, it’s set on a black backdrop that make it ideal for work or the weekend. The cap sleeves, ruched design and square neckline ensures the silhouette only elevates the fun and feminine print.
Buy now £30.00, ASOS
ASOS DESIGN Tall linen v neck maxi slip sundress in mix and match mono spot
Remember that Zara polka dot dress from a few summers ago? ASOS has brought the design back into the fashion fold but with an interesting monochrome twist where the v-neckline showcases the timeless design in black on white juxtaposed with the skirt in black with a white spot pattern. It is crafted in a breathable linen fabric with a thigh-high slit to give it evening appeal.
Buy now £28.00, ASOS
New Look Tall Blue Floral Lace Trim Midi Dress
We can’t resist a cornflower blue number and this midi is an easy sartorial solution for the summer and beyond. The bright vibrant hue breaks away from the pared-back colourways of the winter with structure brought from floral lace trim and ruched puff sleeves.
Buy now £27.99, New Look
Karen Millen Tall Satin Crepe Drama Maxi Dress
This maxi dress is a masterclass in wedding guest dressing. From the attractive orange hue that will enhance your sunkissed skin to the gathered detail at the bodice, it’s sophisticated yet fun and can be adorned with gold heels and jewellery for any nuptials you have in store.
Buy now £175.20, Karen Millen
Reiss Lennon Tuxedo Jumpsuit
While this is technically a jumpsuit and we realise that should make it except from the list but we couldn’t resist the sleek tuxedo silhouette made feminine with an all-in-one construction. The style takes inspiration from the 1970s with impeccable tailoring. Look to the sheer sleeves and flared legs for an elegant and dramatic twist.
Buy now £155.00, Reiss
Boden Sweetheart Wideleg Jumpsuit
Another jumpsuit but this time it’s one to solve your summer outfit concerns. No need to think about what goes with what as this design is ready to go. It comes in a striking vermillion but also navy and we suggest getting one of each. You can dress it up or down with the right accessories and create a new look each time.
Buy now £130.00, Boden
New Look Tall Black Frill Sleeve Tiered Midi Smock Dress
This is an easy breezy style that you’ll wear time and time again. It’s one of those hard-working pieces that will likely not even make it into the drawer, you’ll be pulling it on straight from the clothes airer. The all-black tiered midi smock design is effortlessly stylish but if you’re looking to break away from the colourway that may dominate your wardrobe, it comes in grey and khaki too.
Buy now £21.99, New Look
Wallis Tall Mono Animal Jersey Keyhole Midi Dress
When the inevitable work dress stress arises, Wallis has got you covered with this interesting animal print piece. It takes the MBD and gives it an interesting pattern that is sophisticated yet pared back enough for the minimalists. Go for sandals in summer and boots and tights in winter.
Buy now £19.60, Wallis
LTS Tall Black Notch Neck Midi Dress
From boardroom to a black tie function, this midi provides a polished look. It has a formal aesthetic with the three-quarter length sleeves and midi cut but remains comfortable thanks to the jersey fabric. The notch neckline accentuates the bust and you’ll only need a classic black heel to complete the ensemble.
Buy now £29.99, Long Tall Sally
ASOS DESIGN Tall strappy square neck maxi dress in rust zebra
The ease of this throw-on-and-go nature of a dress cannot be understated but with the strappy style, you’re injecting a fierce print that looks like you’ve put far more effort into curating your look than is truly needed. This is one you’ll throw in your suitcase to ace your holiday wardrobe.
Buy now £25.00, ASOS
Topshop Tall bell sleeve printed mini dress in multi
Mini in nature but striking in design, this frock is ideal for that transitional weather when you never really know what you’re going to get. The fabric is lightweight but paired with tights and boots will look instantly chic. Bonus points for the high neck and billowing, voluminous sleeves.
Buy now £38.50, ASOS
