Tall And Lanky Clients Generally Need Volume And/or

Tall and Lanky Clients: Mastering Volume and Proportion in Styling

Tall and lanky clients present a unique styling challenge. While their height is often enviable, achieving a balanced and proportionally pleasing silhouette requires a keen understanding of volume and strategic garment choices. This isn't about hiding their height, but rather about enhancing their natural assets and creating an overall harmonious look. This comprehensive guide delves into the art of styling tall and lanky individuals, focusing on the crucial role of volume and other essential considerations.

Understanding the Challenges of Styling Tall and Lanky Bodies

The key challenge with styling tall and lanky individuals lies in preventing them from appearing too thin or, conversely, overwhelmed by their own height. The goal is to create the illusion of curvature, width, and proportion. This involves strategically adding volume in specific areas to balance out their naturally slender frame. Ignoring this aspect can result in a look that is either too stark and gaunt or disproportionately elongated.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Overly Slim-Fitting Clothes: While some slim-fitting pieces can work, an all-slim approach emphasizes the client's thinness, resulting in an unbalanced silhouette.
Clothes That are Too Long: Length is crucial. Clothes that are excessively long will further emphasize height and slenderness, making the individual appear even taller and thinner than they are.
Vertical Lines and Stripes: While vertical lines can sometimes be flattering, an overuse of them on tall and lanky individuals can accentuate their height and slenderness.
Ignoring the Shoulders: The shoulders are a key area for balancing proportions. Too narrow shoulders can further exaggerate the slenderness of the body.

Utilizing Volume Strategically: Key Techniques

Adding volume is paramount, but it's not about simply wearing oversized clothing. It's about strategic placement and thoughtful selection of garments and fabrics.

1. Strategic Volume Placement:

Shoulders: Adding volume to the shoulder area is critical. Structured jackets with shoulder pads, puffed sleeves, or tops with embellishments around the shoulders will broaden the upper body, creating a more balanced silhouette. Consider oversized blazers, cropped jackets with strong shoulders, or tops with ruffles or details around the neckline or shoulders.
Hips and Thighs: Balancing the narrow waist and legs requires adding volume to the lower body. Wide-leg trousers, A-line skirts, and flared jeans are excellent options. These styles create a more balanced proportion by adding visual width to the lower half of the body. Experiment with pleated skirts, full skirts, or wide-leg palazzo pants.
Layering: Layering is a versatile technique for adding volume and visual interest. Experiment with layering cardigans, jackets, or scarves over tops and dresses. This adds both texture and dimension, enhancing the overall look and breaking up the linear effect of a tall frame.

2. Fabric Choice:

The choice of fabric significantly impacts the overall look. Avoid lightweight, flimsy fabrics that cling to the body, emphasizing thinness. Instead, opt for fabrics with more substance and texture:

Structured Fabrics: Tweed, wool, corduroy, and heavier cotton blends will create a more substantial silhouette.
Textured Fabrics: Knits with interesting textures, bouclé, or fabrics with subtle patterns can add visual interest and prevent the look from appearing too flat.
Avoid Sheer or Lightweight Fabrics: These fabrics can appear to hang loosely on a tall frame, further exaggerating thinness.

3. Patterns and Prints:

Horizontal Stripes: While generally avoided on plus-size individuals, horizontal stripes are effective for tall and lanky clients. They break up the vertical lines and add visual width. However, use them strategically, perhaps on a top or a specific section of an outfit.
Bold Prints: Large-scale prints, such as bold florals or geometric designs, can add visual interest and break up the elongated silhouette. Avoid small, delicate prints which can get lost on a larger frame.
Checks and Plaids: These patterns can create visual interest and help to balance the proportions.

Other Key Considerations

Beyond volume, several other styling elements are crucial for tall and lanky clients:

1. Length and Fit:

Pants and Trousers: Aim for trousers that hit at or just above the ankle. Avoid overly long trousers that pool on the floor. A slight break at the ankle is often flattering. Cropped trousers can also work well, especially with heeled shoes.
Skirts and Dresses: Knee-length or midi skirts and dresses are generally the most flattering length. Avoid overly long skirts or dresses that overwhelm the figure. Consider A-line styles, which balance proportions effectively.
Jackets and Blazers: Well-fitting jackets and blazers are essential. They should be appropriately tailored to the shoulders and body shape, avoiding overly baggy or too-tight styles.

2. Accessories:

Accessories can play a crucial role in balancing proportions and adding visual interest.

Wide Belts: Wide belts worn at the waist can help to define the waistline and create the illusion of curves.
Statement Jewelry: Bold necklaces and earrings can draw attention to the face and upper body, adding visual interest and balancing the overall look.
Scarves: Scarves can add volume and texture, especially around the neck or shoulders.

3. Shoes:

Shoes can influence the overall proportion, so select them thoughtfully.

Heels (Strategically): Heels can help to elongate the legs and balance the body proportions. However, excessively high heels can make the legs seem too long and thin, so choose a heel height that is comfortable and proportionate.
Chunky Heels: Chunky heels are often more comfortable and less likely to create an overly elongated look than stiletto heels.

Case Studies: Applying the Principles

Let's illustrate these principles with some hypothetical case studies:

Case Study 1: The Classic Businesswoman

A tall, lanky businesswoman needs a polished yet balanced look for the office. A structured blazer with subtle shoulder pads, paired with wide-leg trousers in a textured fabric like wool, would be ideal. A wide belt cinches the waist, and a silk scarf adds a touch of elegance and breaks up the linear silhouette. Pointed-toe heels with a medium-height heel complete the look.

Case Study 2: The Casual Weekend Look

For a casual weekend, a lightweight knit sweater with interesting texture, paired with flared jeans or an A-line skirt, would be a relaxed yet flattering choice. Layered with a denim jacket or cardigan for added dimension and volume, the ensemble is finished with ankle boots.

Case Study 3: The Evening Event

For a formal evening event, a midi-length A-line dress in a bold print or richly textured fabric would create a balanced and sophisticated look. A statement necklace draws attention upwards, and heels with a slightly chunky heel add elegance without creating an overly elongated effect.

Conclusion: Embracing the Height Advantage

Styling tall and lanky individuals is about enhancing their natural assets while creating a proportionally pleasing silhouette. By strategically adding volume, making thoughtful fabric and pattern choices, and paying attention to details such as length and fit, you can help your tall and lanky clients to look and feel their best. Remember, it’s about achieving balance and harmony, not about hiding height. Embrace their height as an advantage and guide them towards a wardrobe that celebrates their unique physique. This holistic approach ensures they feel confident and stylish in their own skin.