Archives for November 2013

Tall Mom Style on a Budget

We’re getting more requests for affordable outfits and sometimes tall sizes don’t equate to affordable. But, not always. I’m all about saving money, after all with 5 kids, it’s just not practical to wear designer clothes all the time. Most of the time it’s just casual affordable styles like this outfit:

tall mom style on a budget

The Dreamer Bootcut Tall Jeans – 36″ Inseam. When I saw these jeans, I knew I had to try them. After all, they claim to have a tummy-trimming panel and I’m a mom, but don’t want mom jeans, but I do like a higher waist jean for coverage.  I quickly ordered a pair of dark wash jeans and debated on the size as many reviewers said they tend to run big. I finally ordered my real size and to my surprise Old Navy actually sent me a size smaller. I don’t know if this was on purpose or a mistake, but the size smaller fits me perfectly! Must have been fate! I really love the fit and they didn’t stretch out at the end of the day.  But, I do wish I had washed them before the first wear as the dark wash ink kept bleeding on my hands, etc. $34.50

For an easy tall mom outfit, I often pair my jeans with a v-neck sweater. This colorblocked v-neck is a good choice as it offers a strategic darker color towards the lower half and the bright pop of color towards the top draw the eye up. I’ve found the v-neck to be the most flattering  shape of top for most figures. I will often wear a v-neck without a shirt underneath as I am busy working, chasing kids, carpooling etc and I need to feel comfy and not too hot. Sale $21.99.

To finish off the look, I often throw on a pair of flats – just because they are easy and comfy and I don’t have a lot of extra time these days to mess around with tying shoes. This pair of Nine West flats in several colors is on sale for $48.99.

Large Hoop Earrings are my go to accessory as I like to wear something to finish off my looks. It makes me feel pretty, yep even a simple pair of hoops makes me happy! $7.99.

Sorry to disappoint you as you probably pictured me in some designer duds. Nope this is my regular mom uniform. I do love to dress up, but for everyday craziness, this is similar to what I wear. Happy Thursday! The weekend is just a day away.

If you’re on a budget too, please check out our sale section as we find you tall sales and discounts in some very unusual stores.

krista tall clothing mall

Tall Dress Shirts, Jeans, Pants: Personal Shopping

Client: 6’5″ tall man, slender athletic build – weighs 210. Age 32. Church youth director.
Sizes: 16.5″ neck, 37″ sleeves. Pants – can get away with 36x 34″ dress pants
Wants: Trendy tall dress shirts to go with jeans, khakis or dress pants. Not interested in “old man clothes”. 🙂
Budget: Prefers under $75 a shirt.

Krista Responds:

Boy can we relate to monkey arms in my family! My husband and teen boys are all arms! I wish that I could tell you there was one perfect solution, but I don’t know of any. It seems that we order many items and some are hits and some are misses. When you have an athletic build, many big and tall items are just cut too big and the slims may be too tight.  Some of the normal sizes are too loose too, but we just keep looking. You will do best with ordering shirts by neck size and sleeve lengths. The started sizes such as XLT, etc. often don’t give sleeve measurements.  But, I understand that it’s frustrating to find some with style.
First off you may want to try a custom made to your measurements shirt. Some of these options are out of your budget, but a few are affordable.  Just for fun I created an easy care shirt from Tailor 4 Less made of an easy care fabric with a contrasting outside color. I think the contrasting neck, adds a bit more style to your normal shirt.
men's custom made shirtTotal cost is around $68.  One thing that note, when putting in your measurements, the sliding scale doesn’t let you put in 37″ sleeves, but if you go above where the numbers are, manually type it to add the correct measurements.
Another company you may want to try if you want a splurge – or hint to your loved ones for Christmas – is Blank Label. Their custom-made shirts start at around $100.
blue and brown gingham

Overall, I think patterned shirts look more stylish than solid colored ones. You mentioned that you get most of your shirts from Lands’ End, JCPenney’s and Macy’s and I think for the money, you are shopping at some of the right stores.  JCP – has the extra tall dress shirt options so that really helps with extra torso length too. I do know that you can find a wider choice from those stores by shopping online vs. the in-store selection.

men's tall dress shirts
Jos A Bank has a large selection of shirts in your size and I know many guys like the “Traveler’s Shirts” that they sell.
You can also check here for more options.
In our newsletter that went out today, we showed a classic look for men.  As we mentioned, you can take any dress shirt and jazz it up with a v-neck sweater, leather jacket or blazer. See photo:
men's tall style classic

Tall  Jeans

You mentioned some the brands and jeans, but are feeling like they are too loose and baggy.  I would suggest that you purchase straight leg jeans and pants. They are super stylish and flatter just about anyone.

regular tall levis
Levi’s 505 Regular Straight Fit
There’s nothing wrong with a classic pair of Levi’s jeans. Also try them in black or the rinse wash.
tall jeans tylerBKE Tyler Jeans – Straight Leg 34″, 36″ and 38″ Inseams.
lucky brand tall jeans
Lucky Brand Tall Jeans – 34″ or 36″ Inseams
This brand is a favorite with my family.

Tall Pants

As far as pants go for the younger crowd, avoid pleated waist pants at all costs. It not only adds pounds, but they are outdated and old-fashioned.
signature tall khaki pants
These have a flat front and are wrinkle free – the permanent front crease gives it a dressier look.
kuhl ryder pants 36" inseam
Kuhl Ryder Pants – 34″ or 36″ inseam, several colors.
More of a casual style – alternative to jeans.
I hope I’ve given you a few new options to consider.  You can also find more pants and jeans by inseams here.
krista tall clothing mall