July 15th, 2008 by admin

My older sister, Samantha, is 5’4”. Apparently we sound exactly the same on the phone, but when it comes to the physical, our shared DNA is harder to recognize. She has straight, shiny dark hair and light eyes, while I possess wild “golden” waves (at least with the help of my colorist) and irises that match my pupils. Her complexion is freckled and rosy; mine is olive. We both wear a size 8, but a skirt that hits her mid-calf usually falls awkwardly around my knees, and a pair of size 29-30 jeans that hug her hips and sag at her waist inevitably have the opposite fit on me.

My 'little' sister and me

Sammy often teases me that I have the ideal body for pregnancy, seeing as I already dress to balance out my bit of a belly with my uberlong legs, and notes that she is not looking forward to gaining weight around her midsection, which is usually the slimmest part of her physique. So looking hot with child seems to be another advantage for us tall girls! As always, though, it can be hard to find maternity clothes that do our willowy limbs justice.

I’m a total novice on this subject (though, admittedly, I used to own a pair of designer jeans converted with an elastic waist – how brilliant for those ‘fat’ days), so I was thrilled when one expecting reader wrote me with her suggestions. The lovely 5’10” Sara, who hails from Dallas and considers anything under 1.5” a “flat” shoe, applies a discerning eye to the wares at Isabella Oliver, Old Navy, and Gap. (She also likes old standby a pea in the pod, but warns that their clothes are cut very slim and tend to get snug by the end of the second trimester.) My personal faves are listed below.

Isabella Oliver – The bestselling empire wrap dress is super sexy. The UK-based Oliver also offers lots of elegant sweaters that appear long in the sleeves, like this wrap cardi and this cute, ruched cowl neck.

Old Navy – I love the classic, all-American feel of this striped smock dress and this button-front chambray mini.

Gap – Their “fabulous” jeans are available with long inseams (only 34”, unfortunately) in both demi panel and full panel options. I think they would look boho-chic with this cute, easy pintucked blouse and the appropriate retro accessories.

a pea in the pod – Currently holding a huge sale (up to 75% off) on all their adorable Diane Von Furstenberg merchandise!

Thanks, Sara! If you have any ideas/questions of your own, don’t hesitate to send me an email at tess@barefoottess.com.