TALL GUY, BIG STYLE

Most men that are over 6'3" have a lot of problems with shopping and finding clothing that fit them well. Athletic frames are finding that typical "Big & Tall" stores are not carrying tailored clothing for their trim bodies. And most of these stores only carry basics and none of the trends that are seen in GQ or Details.

Aside from a great tailor (which everyone should have no matter what your size), what stores carry designer clothing that is on trend for our men who tall and athletic in frame? what are a few tips & tricks to get them up to speed on the current trends?

I've got you covered. As a female who is tall herself, I typically only date men who are above 6'2". This is a common issue that I hear about even from my brother who is 6'6". The No. 1 fashion rule is about having confidence in your look. You should look in the mirror and accept, like and appreciate what you see. Yes, there are tips you should follow, but for the most part fashion is about your confidence and look. Be the clothes, don’t let the clothes be you.

Here are 3 key trends that can be transformed for a man of height without missing out on the style.

1. THE VEST. Most tall guys I meet want to pull off the buttoned-vest look with a great dress shirt and tie (Think Justin Timberlake, Usher, and Tiny Tim). The reason that a button up vest wont work on tall men is because the torso is typically longer and vests are made shorter. And no one wants to look like they are wearing clothing that is out of their kid brother's closet. To achieve this look, opt for a sweater vest.

• The Sweater Vest is a great way to achieve that slim & trim V shape minus the buttons. Choose a thin sweater vest to really show off your hours in the gym. For those who are wanting to give the appearance of a bigger chest, choose a lighter color. It will visually widen your frame proportionately. For those wanting to give the appearance of even a leaner chest, choose a darker color. This will automatically draw the eye in and create the illusion of a smaller waist. (Psst! Guys, us ladies have been using this trick for years, hence why we love the LBD (little black dress) soo much.) Available at Banana Republic stores nationwide or at bananarepublic.com.

2. THE LEATHER JACKET. Vroom! Vroom! Whether you are a fan of James Dean or wish you were as slick as Travolta in "Grease", a motorcycle jacket is a great transitional piece for your closet that is classic. Most common issue for tall guys is that motorcycle jackets are made a little shorter in length.

• Stick to a Motorcycle Jacket. Fret no more, this fall, the designers at Hugo Boss have taken notice and have definitely let the motorcycle jacket become a little longer. The key to pull off this trend, don't let the hem of the jacket fall below half of your bottom. It should rest 2 inches below your waist but not to exceed or cover your tush. Available at Hugo Boss stores nationwide or at hugoboss.com.) **Go for the Hugo Boss Black label if you are over 6'3".)

3. THE BLAZER. A key piece in every man's closet. It's a great building piece. A well-fitted blazer doesn't have to be over a dress shirt, it can be over your favorite t-shirt, as well. Graphic t-shirts are huge. If you are brave and want to step up to true dandy status, try a graphic t-shirt, plaid scarf and a blazer with jeans. Not a fan of the scarf but are brave enough to layer? What about leaving a plaid button up open over a v-neck t-shirt and blazer? Favorite blazer for the big men in my life, John Varvatos Star USA. This blazer to the left is available at Nordstrom stores nationwide or at nordstrom.com.










Favorite Labels/Stores for the vertically challenged men in our lives:

• Facconable
• John Varvatos
• Hugo Boss
• Giorgio Armani
• Robert Talbott
• Robert Graham
• Ralph Lauren
• Banana Republic