Shopping for the Taller Woman

Plus-size and petite clothing is fairly easy to find these days -- particularly "basics." But there's a third body type that's also difficult to shop for -- and is under-represented in the marketplace: tall  women.

It may sound silly. After all, models are string beans, and everyone talks about how clothes are made exclusively for them. But really, once clothes go into production, hem-lengths are often shortened, and proportions refigured for average-limbed ladies -- especially in the mass market tiers.

I remember a 6'1" friend in college who always looked like she was waiting for a flood, her pant legs were so short. When she complained about ill-fitting clothes, we all rolled our eyes at what seemed like a narcissistic complaint: Woe is me, I'm too tall and thin.

But years later, I understand how frustrating it can be not to be able to find stylish duds that fit -- ones that are also affordable. So after a little digging around, we unearthed a few online-based resources that might make getting dressed a little easier for our statuesque sisters.

* Long Tall Sally

Online British retailer Long Tall Sally has been making clothes for women 5'8" and taller since 1976. Though not terribly fashion-forward, this is a good shop for work wear and to scout for that beachy dress you can wear to parties all summer long. Sizes range from 4 to 18 and prices start at about  $22 (£15) for a simple white camisole (with an extra-long torso!), topping out at about $299 (£189) for a turquoise leather biker jacket.

* Old Navy

Old Navy's "tall" department features cheapie basics -- and some cute fashion-y looks -- for women 5'10" and over, in sizes 0 to 20. The retailer offers its entire array of women's jeans in tall sizes, along with many of its dresses and dress pants (prices for both hover at about $30). Fetching new looks include classic denim and cargo jackets and flirty ruffled spring dresses.

* Column Clothing

Online retailer Column Clothing is a winning resource for teens and 20-somethings, offering an array of cool jeans, tees and tops perfect for that 9 a.m. sociology lecture or after-work taco-truck run. The site isn't very pretty, and runs a little slow, so be prepared to flip through the selections at a snail's pace. But sky-scraping teens will be thrilled to find jeans that cover their stilettos. Sizes are usually 2 to 12, with prices ranging from $9.99 for a simple v-neck tee to $49.99 for Agave or Deener brand jeans with a 34-inch inseam.

* Banana Republic

Like Old Navy, which is also owned by parent company Gap, Banana Republic has an online-only selection of looks tailored for tall women -- including dresses, separates, jeans and even shoes that run up to a size 11 (sizes for apparel run from 2 to 16). Prices range from $39.50 for a shirred tank top to $198 for a classic trench coat. Expect the same sporty styles you'd find at regular BR stores, just re-proportioned for longer bodies.