Lookbook: How to Pull Off Flats if You’re Tall

J.Crew Stretch Perfect Shirt in Classic Stripe; J.Crew Perfect-Fit Long-Sleeve Tee; J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double-Serge Cotton; J.Crew Viv Printed Patent Flats; Tommy Hilfiger Tote; Vintage Earrings

Flats on tall women may seem like a great idea, but the wrong pair or a poor outfit choice can make tall women look heavier than they are (it's a proportion thing). Here are some simple tips that I’ve discovered over the years:

• Flats look the best with pants, especially with straight-legged pants or pants with a tiny flare. But don’t wear flats with pants that are too long. You'll end up looking sloppy.
• If you’d like to wear flats with a dress or a skirt—especially a pencil skirt—opt for the pointed-toe styles. You’ll see in the photos above that the pointed-toe flats look better than the rounded-toe flats. That's because the pointed-toed flats have a similar effect to wearing heels. They help elongate the leg rather than cutting it off short like the rounded-toe flats do. They've also got a fancier feel than their round-toe counterparts and can help you obtain a more business oriented look. 
• If you have to wear rounded-toe flats with a skirt or dress, make sure you wear them with a shorter skirt (more than an inch above the knee), since having no heel or point can make legs look shorter. Showing a bit more leg helps to get that length back. See an example of how I pulled it off here. And come Fall, don't be afraid to pair a short skirt and flats with tights! I do it all the time. See an example here.
• Don’t wear any flats with skirts or dresses that fall below the knee—you’ll achieve a frumpy silhouette.

What do you wear with your flats?