Style Tips if you're tall and have size 9 (42 and over) feet
I recently finished my first ever online styling course full of a mixed bunch of ladies, with very different body shapes, personal styles and colouring. That’s what makes it so interesting - we are all so unique - there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all solution to personal style.
This is why, in my new digital courses I make sure every person gets individual attention from me, so they know what works for THEM as the individual they are.
One of the ladies in my group is 5ft 11’, very slim (10 stone) and she wears size 9 shoes. When you search for shoes, you will mostly only find up to size 8 - EVERYWHERE. Size 9 is just about OK and you can find those available in some brands but go any higher and it is very specialist.
People have always taken one look at my 5ft 11’ client, who used to be a model, and say that it must be so easy to get dressed being like her. She’s tall, thin and willowy after all! A clothes horse! But no, it really doesn’t work like that at all. She’s also pear shaped so even if you are bigger or skinny you still have the same ‘fit issues’ with clothes like all pear shapes do.
Pear shapes always struggle with trousers, they have proportionately smaller waists in comparison to their bottom and thighs so often have a gape at their back. Basically, their top-half is a size smaller than the bottom half and most trousers don’t work ‘off the peg'.’ Luckily I’ve been a stylist for 11 years now and I know which stores have the right trousers for pear shapes to take that hassle away!
For trousers in particular, I recommend looking at Whistles’ side zipped wide legged trousers and Zara wide leg trousers if you are a pear.
Now back to the feet. Not only has my model-esque client got a pear shaped body and struggles to find trousers LONG enough, she’s also got large feet.
I’m a big fan of wearing chunky boots with dresses but that kind of look isn’t an option for her because she feels too clumpy and masculine. As a result, her style has gone super feminine with floaty dresses to counter-act the ‘big clumpy feet’ look she’s trying to avoid. Can you relate to this?
Where to shop for large feet?
If you’ve got size 42 feet or over and if you are tall as well, it’s likely you avoid wearing heels that will take you over 6ft and/or anything too big and clumpy, adding to your bulk/height. You don’t want to look unstylish though and often, larger size shoes are frumpy too!
Don’t worry, I have you covered. There are a few shops that cater for you and have some stylish options that I’ve listed below. I’ve also covered my 5 top style tips and where to shop if you’re tall below.
Brands that cater for shoe size 42 and above
I’m going straight in with the big guns and recommending these Stuart Weizeman over the knee boots. More affordable version here.
I mention over the knee boots in my tall style tips below as one of the most stylish and flattering options for a tall women.
These boots in larger sizes are available in CRISPINS SHOES which go up to size 12 (Eur 45-46)
I really like these worn with a knitted jumper dress or with a slouch jumper over skinny jeans.
Stuart Weizeman Over the knee boots
Another wardrobe shape, particularly during Autumn which is the current season I’m writing in, a pair of ankle boots are great. They work with jeans but also with dresses and tights too. I’ve found some that are not clumpy from Debenhams.
Size 9 - low heel black suede ankle boots
Now my brand run down or where to get stylish shoes size 42 and over from high-end brands like Crispins Shoes and Rogue Matilda to more affordable larger shoes and boots at New Look and Next.
www.next.co.uk
www.crispinsshoes.com
www.senso.com
www.newlook.com
www.marksandspencer.com
www.chiemihara.com
www.roguematilda.com
www.santewade.com
Style Tips if you are 5ft 10 or over - from shoes to outfits!
Now we’ve covered where to buy larger shoes that are actually stylish, I also wanted to mention my styling tips and outfits.
There are a few sizes that are considered ‘specialist’ ad they are petite, tall or plus size.
I cover dressing for these types in my online course - if you’d like to join my next one - drop me a message and I’ll send details. It starts on 23rd November so do hurry if you’d like to join!
Tall’ is anyone who is 5ft 9’ and over. Styling tips for this height are that layering is good because it breaks up the body and stops that long beanpole look. However, if you are large as well then things like long cardigans are going to be slimming. My top styling tips are below.
Here’s a great look for a tall woman by Society19.com who is 5ft 11’.
Society19.com
Don’t wear shapeless clothes top to bottom. Try to highlight you waist from time to time. Occasionally I know it’s nice to wear comfy baggy clothes though and you can get away with skinny jeans or leggings (leather maybe!?) with a big chunky knit - a lovely Autumn look.
High-waisted is your friend. jeans, trousers, skirts, anything! Luckily the shops are full of high-waisted right now. Thank goodness we have shifted away from the low-rise jeans from the 90’s - can you remember those? Muffin top alert!!
MAXI skirts and dresses work best for you - not midi as it will end up being an awkward length - unless of course you go to a specialist brand. Talking of which…
Just like petite’s, I tell my tall clients to shop tall. Go to the specialist brands, we have so much more choice these days. My ‘go-to- tall brands:
ASOS Tall
Topshop Tall
Marina Rinaldi (high-end/expensive/plus size/tall)
Anthropology - lots of fabulous maxi dresses and skirts
Rixo London - fantastic dresses that are often long
Zara - go check out the trousers! They are always LONG.
Boden - I believe this is UK only, they have great long trousers for tall ladies and the shape works for pear shape bodies too.
NEXT - they have a great affordable tall range, worth checking out. I particularly like their faux leather leggings.
Scandi brands are a good option because they are taller in that part of the world! Scotch & Soda, Baum und Pfertgarten and Stine Goya are all good choices if you are a bit more into fashion.
5. Wear over the knee boots! Those long legs and there to be noticed, being tall is an ASSET. Embrace it - you can wear over the knee boots like no other!!! 🙌🏻
I hope that was useful! Come over and listen to my podcast version of this blog - please do subscribe and leave me a review!
P.S. Would you like to get one to one styling with me in my new online course? If you are unsure about what suits you and would help nailing your unique personal style then this course is for you. It’s lots of fun, gets great results and will totally transform your wardrobe. All ages welcome but most of my ‘students’ (or clients) are 35 and over.
We’ve been in lockdown for most of this year so now I can reach more people who want help and support with their style in these online courses. It all takes place on zoom so you can join from anywhere in the world!
I’ve had such amazing feedback from my first course.
“I was feeling frumpy and uninspired but you have reignited my passion for clothes!” Sally, London.
Want to join me? It starts on 23rd November 2020!!! Drop me a message here and I’ll send all the details. I would love to see you there and get started on transforming your wardrobe! Let’s end 2020 on a high! 🙌🏻