Christmas OOTD Long Tall Sally, Monsoon, M&S, Olivia Burton

'What I wore on Christmas Day!'  A combination of Long Tall Sally, Monsoon, Boots, M&S and Olivia Burton.  It was a fairly busy one, dashing here and there but I managed to twist someones arm to grab a photo of my outfit or an OOTD post.  I opted for a party skirt and warm jumper combination and indulged my inner Audrey Hepburn by choosing a little black top and necklace look.  I've mentioned a few of these items on the blog before so I hope long term readers will enjoy this outfit put together in in 'real' life.

Christmas Outfit of the Day

Necklace Knit Jumper, Long Tall Sally.  A warm (but not bulky) black knitted jumper with an embellished bead neckline.  Forget the statement necklace, this does it all in one.  Many of my friends have commented on how much they like this jumper.  It has a cute keyhole button fastening at the back and is long enough not to expose your midriff.  I wore it tucked into my skirt on this occasion, but when I leave it untucked, it doesn't rise up throughout the day (unlike some of my other jumpers which I am forever adjusting and pulling down #TallProblems).  I normally go up a size in jumpers (so I can layer underneath)- I got a size S instead of XS and it fits perfectly.  I don't think they will hang around long enough to go in the winter sale, so I thoroughly recommend grabbing this quick if you like the look (link)

See the built in jumper neckline?  Great if you are in a rush too!

I always wear a cami top under a jumper.  The problem with winter is that you freeze the moment you set foot outside, and then overheat at your destination.  Layers are key.  I have mainly opted for a floaty top if going to a formal event (mostly the double layer cami from Long Tall Sally (and it is currently in the sale!) link).  Normally I'll just wear a plain cami if I need an everyday extra layer which will look respectable but not too dressy.  (Incidentally LTS seem to have most of their cami tops reduced to £7 and if they are they same as the ones I have had previously then they are 1) warm 2) so very soft and 3) have adjustable straps 4) suitable for anyone of average to tall height link).

No filter on this- just the crazy sun! Monsoon Galaxy skirt

This Galaxy Full Jacquard Skirt from Monsoon caught my magpie eye.  Full is certainly the word.  It is beautifully stitched with stars and combines rich blue and purple tones.  It has the added detail of an exposed zip at the back.  You know when you are at primary school and you have a party skirt?  (A big sparkly/silky skirt that you could wear to birthday parties, Christmas and non-uniform day (before everyone starts to live in jeans)?  This is my grown up version.  It is currently in the sale reduced from £59 to £17, though if it is out of stock online then keep checking back for returns, or pop into store (link)

Tights: Boots standard black tights 70 denier.  I generally have to get size large because they the size for tall slim ladies.  I really wish that they labelled them differently.  I think us tall girls feel like we stick out anyway, so having to pick tights 2 sizes larger 'just' because they will fit your height... Anyway, size aside I have been getting my tights from Boots and M&S since my school days so I haven't really branched out.  I put my toe through this pair, and need to buy some more.  I'm happy to take recommendations if you I should cast my net wider than Boots and M&S!

Crazy shoe selfie. It was really difficult to get a picture

Plain black leather court shoes from M&S.  These FootGlove have insolia technology i.e. inbuilt insoles that support your feet.  It's no secret that high heels can really damage out bodies by changing our posture and putting all the weight onto the ball of the foot.  Insolia was (I believe) designed by a chiropodist to help evenly distribute a persons weight over their entire foot- even when wearing high heels.  They are so comfy to wear.  I can easily wear them all day (unlike some other brands in my wardrobe which leave me shuffling like a robot after 1 hour).  M&S also carry some 'everyday' heel heights- i.e. 1-3 inches.  I found these by accident when I'd exhausted local shoe shops and needed a pair of plain shoes.  Defeated, I walked through M&S on my way home and saw these.  Resigned to failure, I tried them on and was really surprised.  They don't stock this style anymore, but there are similar ones here (link).  Life Lesson: Try on things- even if you think they wont fit/suit you.

Audrey Hepburn with her black top and statement necklace (and tiara).

Jewellery: Because of the inbuilt necklace in the jumper, I kept my accessories simple.  Just a pair of locally made glass earrings and my Olivia Burton blue butterfly big dial watch.  It's from a previous season (blogged here) but I have found the same design with a brown strap in the current season at Topshop (link).   I am a big OB fan- I think the designs are gorgeous.


I don't do many OOTD posts, so please be kind!  Please feel free to recommend any brands of tights!  If you did a Christmas OOTD then please send me a link below!  Also don't forget my Fiorelli bag and goodies giveaway!

Stand Tall x

Disclaimer: The LTS items are part of an ongoing collaboration, all other items were purchased.

#DearSally My Long Tall Sally Christmas outfit and gift picks!

Long Tall Sally asked me to share my festive fashion outfit and gift picks.  For us 'taller' girls, Long Tall Sally is a godsend.  Designed for 5' 8" and up, you don't have to be worried that their top might not cover your midriff, or the jeans might not reach the floor.  Each item is designed to fit and sit right- but with a few extra inches in length.  Below I share my picks for Christmas Day, a Christmas Party, Christmas Gifts and a Christmas Shopping trip.

Christmas Shopping

When I go shopping, I try to keep things simple.  Few layers, easy to try things on quickly (in case I get distracted by finding pretty clothes for me!), not so hot I will overheat in the crowded shops, but not so cold that I will freeze while going between the shops.

I normally pair a long jumper dress, with some skinny jeans- however sometimes skinny jeans aren't very warm.  These Leather Look Trousers from TTYA x LTS (link) and Two Tone Cowl Neck jumper dress (link) will trap a layer of heat and keep me nice and warm.  I love cowl necks as they mean I leave my scarf at home (and done end up trailing it about the shop floor)!  I have no idea how long I will be shopping, but there is nothing worse than 'shuffling' down the high street because your feet are on fire!  Flats are a must, and I like these Leather Ankle Biker Boots (link).


Some people go shopping without a jacket or coat, however I get cold easily and generally take a massive coat.  Then I overheat and wish I had left it at home!  I found a compromise by way of the Hooded Coated Jacket (link).  It is lightweight so won't weight you down, but adds a waterproof and windproof layer should you be shopping at an outdoor Christmas market or caught in a rain or snow shower while waiting for your train.  (Don't forget your long fingered gloves and a bobble hat!)

Christmas Party

This year I think it will be a 'straight from work' small do, so I will probably be wearing smart office wear.  Add a bit of volume to tired locks with a spritz of dry shampoo, and a quick touch of sophisticated darker makeup (For a quick party fix I love Chanel's Illusion d'ombre eyeshadows in Epatant or Mirifique as they can be applied in ten seconds with fingertips- but look like you took 20 minutes).  Add a hint of glitter or shimmer lipgloss (Bobbi Brown or Laura Mercier), or a dark berry lipstick (Beguiled by Topshop) and you're good to party at the pub after work!

This Necklace Knit Sweater (link) is 2 for 1- you don't have to worry about accessories as it has an inbuilt necklace.  It reminds me of something Audrey Hepburn would wear.  Depending on how hot or cold the weather is that day, I would pair it with some simple black Leather Look Panel Camden Trousers (link) or a Coated Pencil skirt (link).  Add a double layer camisole top (link in case I overheat in the jumper), and a pair of double zip suede boots (link) that transition from day to night seamlessly.  However if you're lucky enough to have a Christmas ball to attend (rather than post-work office drinks) then LTS have some great long gowns.

Christmas Day

For Christmas Day, it has to be the novelty Christmas Jumper (link), and a pair of comfy, warm jeans (I love these skinny teal colour ones with 'super stretch' for after Christmas dinner!) and low heels (link) so I wont fall over after a sherry or two!  If the weather is dry, then I normally end up on a Christmas day walk, so a smart warm coat is essential.  This removable fur Boucle Coat (link) epitomises vintage glamour.  Add a bold lip (Japonesque have a great burnt red/orange lip paint) and sculpt your hair into a soft wave, and you could be straight out of the 1940s.

Gift Ideas

I am always careful to buy gifts that aren't too 'fitted', unless I know the recipients exact size.  This Cranberry Sequin Beanie hat (link) and matching snood (link) have a bit of Christmas sparkle and will brighten any friend's wardrobe.  I think the colour will compliment any hair colour making it a universal hit.  They are free size so anyone of any height can wear them.  They can also be purchased separately.  Any cat mad friend will love this Cat Sweater (link) (and if they are under 5' 8" then it'll be a jumper dress or tunic).  If your friend isn't cat mad then this Lacy Stitch Knit Jumper (link) is a soft, stylish extra layer, without looking weird if you accidentally buy too big.

Tall people often have poor circulation and keeping warm can be an issue.  LTS have a cute pair of fluffy slippers (link), and a good range of pyjamas long enough to cover your ankles.  I have these cosy, brushed cotton Large Gingham Check PJ Bottoms (link) for a friend, although the Spot Print PJ Set (link) in teal and white also caught my eye.  Yes onesies are great (and LTS have a few good ones!) BUT sometimes you want a good pair of PJs, complete with buttons down the front. 

So there are my picks.  I hope this has given you some inspiration and shown that if you are 5' 8" and up, you need not compromise fashion just because you are 'above average' height.  I also hope this post has provided a bit of inspiration for those of you who might be purchasing a Christmas gift for a special tall girl in your life.  LTS do have some great discounts at the moment so certainly worth a look.

What would be your dream wardrobe addition for Christmas? 

Stand Tall x

This post is part of an ongoing collaboration with Long Tall Sally.  All thoughts, choices and words are my own.