Diary of a Tall Fashionista - Tall Jackets

By Tiffany DeLangie

The end of summer is bittersweet. Bitter because I'll miss the sun and the beach and the pool and barbecues and watermelon. It's also sweet because it's the beginning of fall with all its changing colors and sense of newness. Personally I would vote for September as the second best month to make changes and resolutions, next to January. While most of those changes will entail some deep spiritual or personal meaning, others may be more along the lines of "I will find a tall jacket with sleeves that actually cover my wrists."

I've mentioned before that shoes and jeans are my vices. Well my third would be tall coats and tall jackets. It can be difficult however to find tall outerwear made for tall women. Whether it's a trench or a hip length jacket, there are often features that don't work as well for tall women. For instance, how many of you have tried on a 'hip length' jacket only to find it fits like a cropped one. If I wanted a cropped jacket, I would shop in the junior section right? Or what about a jacket that is cinched or belted at the waist, but ends up right under our bust rather than at our natural waist? Or my personal favorite: sleeves that expose our wrists to the elements or leave that ghastly space between jacket and glove. Ugh. This fall make a proclamation to find a tall jacket that you love and one that fits properly (and no I don't mean two separate jackets). Trust me, it can be done! You just need to know where to look and what to look for.

When looking for a tall jacket, consider the look you're going for and how much you intend to wear it. If you are like me and have a million jackets, then it's not crucial that the jacket be neutral enough to match everything. It can be on the trendier side or a bright fun color. If however, this is going to be an upgrade (i.e. one you'll spend a lot of money on) or a tall jacket you'll wear everyday until the real cold sets in, you may want something conservative but with trendy elements (think seams and hardware). This doesn't mean that it has to be black, brown, or grey. Oftentimes, bright colors can work just as well as a neutral as black, beige, or gray. A bright red trench can go over black pants, brown pants, beige pants, or jeans. The key is finding something stylish with the right amount of detail to show that you are current. Notice I didn't say trendy. It doesn't have to come from Forever 21 to be in style. It does however have to come from this decade! So mourn the loss of summer by stepping out in style in a chic tall jacket that shows you are ready to embrace change!

We have created a special section of women's tall jackets and tall coats at Tall Clothing Mall.