what to wear: weekday lunch – long torso
08. Sep, 2009 by Teresa Morisco 
6 Comments
It’s mid-week and you’ve decided since you work from home that you’re going to get out for a bit with some friends for lunch. It’s a casual lunch where jeans are probably the best choice. But since you have a long torso, you want to make sure you look proportioned.
When selecting jeans, the best rise for a longer torso is something that is 8 inches or more. The reason being is that it diminishes the length of the torso a bit and creates a longer looking leg since most gals with long torsos are shorter in the leg area. Here’s an outfit the makes your legs look long and draws the eye up to your face:
- 7 For All Mankind high waist bootcut jeans – the rise is 9″ with a slight flare at the leg. Super comfy these are great to wear at home, for the weekend or for dashing out.
- I’m a huge fan of Splendid tees because they are super soft. This lightweight jersey vneck tee is great alone for when it’s warm or layered over a thin tank for interest.
- To draw the eye up and cut the long torso a bit, a cropped jacket such as this ruffle jacket from LOFT Ann Taylor does the trick. It’s perfectly casual but dresses up the jeans and tee. The back is fitted and has a beautiful pleated detail at the waist.
- Cowboy boots will never go out of style and these dark brown Frye Shorties work perfectly under the jeans. Frye goes up to size 11.
- Add a brass antique-style locket pendant since pendant and drop styles look the best with a v-neck. Because the jacket is 3/4 sleeve, wear a leather zipper bracelet to add some edge.
I love that outfit. Does this one also work for rectangles with regular shape. What kind of bag would go with it.
Thank you.
I am long waisted and have trouble finding jeans, tee shirts and outfits that change my proportions. I appreciate the comments, as well as specific examples.
I also have a long neck…would you consider providing neckline suggestions? A V neck tee makes me look like a pin head!
Thanks
Cute jacket, I thought. But then I checked out the back view: that defined waist will be 3″ too high on my own long torso.
Nicole — it can work for rectangles that don’t have much of a tummy. Otherwise, choose a more loose-fitting top that flows over that area. A leather hobo bag would be a great addition.
VB – the high collar on the jacket helps a long neck but I would also add a tank underneath the vneck tee that goes straight across.
Nancy – yup, that’s why visually it will shorten your torso. If you’re near one of their stores, try it on and let me know. I’m super curious what you’ll think.
Thanks, Teresa. I’ll check it out and report back. Usually, that style just feels skimpy on me; I’m always fussing with it and pulling it down. And it tends to hide my hourglass shape.