17 August 2023

9 things both short and tall people can wear

9 things: Citizens of Humanity t-shirt | Paige Skirt | Denim jacket | Jimmy Choo sandals, similar | L’Agence denim jacket

9 things both short and tall people can wear 🙌🏼

This week, someone unsubscribed from the blog. It happens, and of course, it’s totally understandable! Occasionally people leave comments, which I always read and take to heart. This subscriber said I was short and she was tall so she couldn’t wear any of the things I recommend. So, based on this feedback, I thought now might be a good time to re-visit a few things that work for both short and tall people.

Many of you likely know that I’m only 5’1″ — and while I’ve heard that I look taller in photos 😏, the truth of the matter is, I have my own clothing woes. We all do! Over the years, I’ve heard comments along the lines of “you’re short/petite and I can’t wear what you wear because I’m tall!” So, here’s the deal: after helping thousands of women in the dressing room over the years, as well as a decade of being a Nordstrom Buyer, I have a very good idea of what works for the majority of us. I try really hard to select items for my blog that are not only top sellers, but that I’m confident you’ll love.

Of course, there are exceptions, which is why I decided to ask my friend Danielle (aka @DG_Stylist) to weigh in. She’s 5’9″ (size 31) and rarely needs alterations, and I on the other hand, at 5’1″ (size 27), have to have most everything altered. But, the funny thing is we BOTH wear the exact same jeans … and many other things too! So, today’s post is about brands and styles that work for both of us, short and tall, and they’re all available at Nordstrom. Keep reading to see the 9 things both short and tall and people can wear … you might be surprised!

Danielle – 5’9″ | Susie – 5’1″

Danielle, a Nordstrom stylist in the San Diego Fashion Valley store, is 5’9″ and a size 31 in jeans. I’m a former Nordstrom Stylist at 5’1″ and a size 27 in jeans. And, we’ve had many dressing room try-on’s together, so we know this to be true: we BOTH wear the SAME jeans … without exception! Of all the things people wonder about, this is the one that’s most surprising: denim …

#1 All things denim

We love denim, and both own all the styles below

Our go-to’s on a regular basis: Paige, Frame and Mother

Slim, straight leg jeans: Paige Cindy and AG Mari — both run true to size

Crop flare jeans: Mother Insider and Hustler, Paige Claudine, Fidelity Juniper and Frame Mini-Boot

Flare jeans: Paige Genevieve, Mother Weekender and Frame Le High Flare

#2 The Frame Gillian blouse is a favorite

One of the main things about this blouse is that it’s GORGEOUS! I know it’s a huge splurge, but you’ll always feel good in it. This best-seller comes in several versions, including this new long sleeved style, this striped one, and this solid black (which I own and wear frequently). For reference, Danielle sized up to an XL (she said it was a broad shoulder issue), and I stayed with my usual XS size.

#3 Stylish blazers

Blazers can be tricky for both of us. Many are way too long for me and too short for Danielle! So, here are three styles we know work: the Veronica Beard Miller Dickey jacket, the Cinq a Sept Khloe blazer, and the Rag & Bone Slade. For an affordable option, this Nordstrom blazer is amazing — I have it, and Danielle loves it too.

#4 Denim skirts & cargo pants

We both love adding in a trendy piece each season, and right now, longer denim skirts and cargo pants are styles to add to your wardrobes. We adore this button front skirt by Paige. While I haven’t hemmed mine (yet), it should probably come up an inch or so. Of course, Danielle needs no alterations 🙄 (we joke about this all the time). Speaking of the brand Paige, this new cargo pant arrived and it looks good on both of us. I had mine hemmed several inches, and Danielle’s are just perfect.

#5 Moncler coats

Coats can be a bit more difficult for me, since I many of them tend to be kind of overwhelming! Danielle can get away with any length coat (lucky). But, we both love and can wear Moncler. I love this cardigan style, that’s really more of a lightweight puffer, and Danielle prefers the shiny number below. We both LOVE the vests, and the longer styles — some like this one work for me too!

Danielle: Moncler puffer | Susie: Moncler cardigan | Vuori jogger | Rag & Bone sneaker

#6 Dresses

When it comes to dresses, I have everything altered (because I’m short 😂), and Danielle walks right out the door! The Vince slip dress is an all-time favorite, and so is this one by L’Agence. When Danielle and I were chatting recently, she mentioned how good this Skims dress is. She proceeded to tell me everyone who tries it on loves it. So, I knew I needed to run to Nordstrom and grab one for myself. And I’m glad I did: it’s super stretchy, perfect for vacation and also very versatile (I sized up to a small).

Danielle: Skims dress | Susie: Vince dress

#7 We LOVE Spanx

We love Spanx, and our favorites include the Air Essentials collection and the Perfect Pant collection, and we both own the faux leather legging. The pants are machine washable, slimming, versatile and available in all sizes — regular, petite and tall. For reference, I wear the size petite small in the pants, and Danielle wears a size large. Recently, Spanx launched Air Essentials, and the 1/2 zip and matching pant keep selling out! They’re made with spacer fabric that’s lightweight, soft and ultra drapey. Finally, the shapewear is a stylist go-to, and can be worn under almost everything. These are our favorites.

#8 Shoes of course!

Sometimes shorter girls like me prefer to wear heels, and taller gals like flats. However, Danielle and I both agree, no matter your size, wear whatever you like, whenever you like 🙂 Height doesn’t matter! Here are some current favorites we both own and recommend.

#9 Tall or short, you need a crossbody bag

Everyone can wear a crossbody bag, no matter how tall or petite you are! And, this is definitely the most versatile style of bag. A well-designed crossbody bag will hold most of your important things, even though it might look like it won’t. So, whether it’s a splurge or an affordable purchase, it will complete your outfit and your look. Try one of our faves below.

Thank you for reading, and thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post xx

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