In this final segment of the series “Better on The Hanger,” let’s discuss long tops. Many of us enjoy wearing long full tunic style tops, especially if they have pockets and bold colors or print details. We may feel that we are hiding a multitude of things. But are we?
Thank you for reminding us that details matter. I, like you, keep a donate shopping bag in the closet for when something no longer works for me. This series has been quite helpful.
Because I like the detail on the top left- I’d have it cut and hemmed to a high/low top…just long enough to cover in the back and shorter in the front.
This is great advice! You have helped me a lot on choosing clothes that fit my body. Have a great weekend!
I have tried to stay by the rule about the hip bone which makes many of my tops like the shorter top in the photo anyway. I am 5’3″ and the long tunic top only looks good on me if I stay very slim which I am slim but not very at the moment and if the tunic is fitted at the bottom.
I have taken tunics and had the bottom cut off or fitted.
Great look in both pictures but the point is the proportions do matter. Loved it tucked in and what an architectural difference!
Actually, I prefer the tunic top on the left. The V neck and the cutouts on the sleeves, I like better than the scoop neck.
You would look beautiful in a gunny sack tho!
Doris
I aim for tops that fall in between the tunic and the scoop neck tee you show in you last pictures. So many tees barely cover the waist band of my jeans so I’ve found a company with tees about 2 inches longer. They cover everything but don’t look sloppy. And I also love the white jeans with black top. It is a combination I wear frequently.
I’m very short, so I have to be careful about proportions and lengths of tops with pants. I used to wear boot cut pants, but had to wear them with heels. I liked the way they lengthened my silhouette, But, since I no longer wear heels I prefer slim pants. I still have quite a variety of tunics, but I’ve noticed that they have gradually been getting shorter so they don’t overwhelm me.
What is the hip bone rule?
Susan, if you were a pear, where would your ideal top stop?
The hip bone rule is that a top should stop at just below the top of hip bone or a bit above where your leg bends. If I had a pear shape, I would wear slim fitting dark jeans with a flare that starts just above the knee and extends to the top of the foot or as long as possible. I would wear tops with details that make the shoulders look wider and draw the attention up to the face. The best tops for a pear shape stop below the natural waist. When you try to cover your bottom with a longer top, it can bring more attention to it.
I like the look on the left much better… It is more youthful.
You are so right about long loose printed tunics! I feel instead of covering sins, they actually emphasize them and can make for a dowdy look. Even if one is not model thin, it’s better to have properly fitted clothes than a sack! Far better to have something not so baggy, not a huge floral or splashy print. I too like the black pants better with the black top. The white jeans are nice but to me the proportions are better with the scoop top.
This series is a great reminder. Yes, planned purchases are a must for me. Also, I am liking “structured” clothing. Structured clothing works for me in all seasons except summer (I live in a four season climate). If I stay in air conditioning I am still okay. Daytime outdoor events, parks and recreation are a challenge to dress for. To stay cool, I feel frumpy. I think I need a sporty go-to uniform but not gym clothes, of course. I am thinking summer clothes either look too young or too old on me — especially the tops. I do like adding an art inspired necklace. I will stay tuned to learn more from you, Susan. THANK YOU
Susan, you look great as always. I’m curious when/why you abandoned your signature heels? Love your blog, 🙂 e
High heels are no longer comfortable for long periods of wear.
I have always felt overwhelmed by long tops. The one you are wearing is very flattering because of the hemline. Love this series of posts!
Thank you so much for this little series. The side-by-side visuals are very helpful. I am trying to be very mindful of my purchases and keep these tips in mind. I’m also changing my focus to one of quality than quantity. (Sales can be too tempting if I don’t control myself!) With that said, my closet is looking better and I’m not so frustrated when I need to get dressed. So glad I found your site!
I think this is the best series you have ever done. The comparison photo at the end of these posts really highlight the difference proportion and visual lines make (and the other points you make). As always you look beautiful in both outfits but for me, seeing the comparison, was extremely helpful. We have different body types (I’m 5’8″ with a slight pear shape) but I feel I have a better sense of what to look at when standing in the front of a mirror. Thank you for your blog. I look forward to every post!
I’m pleased that these posts have been helpful to you. I enjoy sharing what I have learned.
I’ve commented many times on how much I love your blog Susan. However, I still find shopping a struggle . At the age I’m at, I wonder if I will ever be able to relax while shopping! I usually shop alone since its frustrating for me, so I’m not going to drag someone along to experience this as well. My daughter tells me I’m too hard on myself, but I always seem to have to go to great lengths to find anything I’m truly happy with. I usually end up with something I like well enough to buy.
Anyway, I’ll keep reading.
Excellent series! I am 5’8″ with proportionally shorter legs and only wear flats. Never felt comfortable in tunics but will rethink that because of the point at the hem of this tunic. Shirttail hems seem to make my legs look longer with any length top.
Even non-tunic tops are very long the last few years. A third piece makes all the difference because I can tuck in the top, but too hot for summer. Given the rest of the top fits well, I’ve taken to buying petite size tops for the shorter length and met other non-petite women in petite sections doing the same thing! Saves a trip to the tailor.
Was so pleased when I received my first top from your shop. The length is perfect for me, and I’ve bought a couple more. They wash well and look great!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Thank you so much for your comment and for shopping with me. I have been visiting the Petites section more often these days also. I love not having to get jeans hemmed. I appreciate you, Kim.
I am 5’1” and love the tops at Covered Perfectly, but they are way too long for me. Do you have a store or brand that you would recommend for us petites? Thanks so much!
Hi Susan
I love your style!!!! Thanks for inspiring all the woman out there, that you can look great even after 60.
Well done!!
What a timely post! My go-to summer outfit is a pullover top and white jeans. However, instead of a middle-age spread, I have a tummy bump What is a good length for tops when one has belly bulge? Also, is there a pullon white straight leg Jean that you would recommend? I like my Jag jeans but Peri straight are no longer available in white. Thank you!
We are tempted to wear a longer top with a tummy bump but the length might actually be drawing more attention to it than we think. I find that tops which stop at the middle of rather than below my tummy look better. The Lior Paris straight leg jeans are very nice. You can find one style here at My Fair Lady.
This series has been enlightening. I love how you analyze fit and fashion.
I’ve really enjoyed this series. Your analysis has been a helpful tool that I can apply. Please continue to provide this analysis in the future.
As usual, the information you provide is invaluable! I was at my doctor’s office this morning, and in the waiting room another woman (a stranger) said to me: “Oh! You look so put together!” and all I could think was that it’s due to you and a few other helpful fashion bloggers whom I follow. But this morning when I was getting dressed, I remembered some of the tips that you specifically have provided over the years, and especially with regard to proportions, and I made a couple of minor adjustments to my outfit accordingly, and went out the door and received that nice compliment. And I wasn’t dressed up and my outfit was completely comfortable! Thank you, Susan!
I’m so glad that the tips I share have helped you.
This was a super series. Even tho we may know what basically looks good on us, we really do need to make small but strategic changes and sometimes those are hard to figure out. This was very helpful.
Susan , I took your navy crepe pants and matching navy top on a recent cruise. Following your advise, I found three toppers to vary the look for formal evenings. I was pleased with the fit and quality and will continue to look in your “Shop”. Gee, I’m 63 and just now learning how to dress my body. Better late than never!
I’m so glad my suggestions worked out for you. Hope you had a lovely time on your cruise.
I love your very practical advice. I am short with narrow shoulders and a very modest bust, so if I wear any kind of tunic top it a) shortens my appearance, and more importantly, b) it just clings to my tummy most unattractively. I also feel like a mushroom!
Hi, Susan! I love a column of one color when creating outfits for myself, since it’s so slimming. Although I am already slim, wearing the same color top and bottom (and including shoes and stockings if possible) makes me look taller and longer when I’m actually only 5’4″ and have short legs with a long torso. So people can’t seem to believe that I’m not taller than that. I always project a slim illusion (even when I weighed more). A high color contrast between my top and bottom doesn’t look right on me, both for my size and my neutral coloring. So if there are any others out there finding similarities to me when reading this comment, I hope my view on this is helpful! It’s not so easy for those who don’t have an artistic eye to see these things in the color and line of their appearance. Thanks for the thoughtful analysis. — Angie
I have loved this series! Especially with the side by side photos. Thank you so very much. Sometimes I see it and know, other times I just don’t like it but don’t know why. You explained a lot.
Kathy, who makes the longer tee shirts? I would love to find some that are a bit longer than usual without being tunics!
This was a great series, Susan. I have several of the Covered Perfectly scoop neck tops that are really long on me. I find they look much better if I knot it on the bottom on one side and kind of blouse it up.
I have learned so much from you! Love these lessons. Since I have a similar body and am 64, I feel like you are talking to me!
Kathy
Thank you for a very enlightening series.
Actually, I like you better with the white pants. I’m not usually a fan of black on ladies our age but the black tunic with white pants looks very crisp and summery. I think you are tall enough 5o pull it off even without heels. It took me awhile to adjust to seeing myself without heels, now I love it. A face that isn’t in pain is so much more attractive.
Wow! The side by side really shows the difference! Thank you for sharing!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE it when you do side by side photos. Then I can clearly see what you talk about.
Thank you for your posts.
Susan,
Honestly there is not much of a difference between the 2 photos. Life is too short to agonize over something nobody else would even notice. You look beautiful, proportionate and casually put together in either. I don’t follow anyone’s rules, because inevitably in a short time that rule does not apply anymore and you come up with a new rule. It seems the women over 60 stay in some sort of old fashioned mind set of fashion do’s and don’ts and micromanaging their wardrobes, i.e agonizing over “an orange red vs. a blue red”. Realize you are so much greater than this Susan and the world has moved on from this mindset.
Staying healthy, being loving, growing spiritually and dressing with a sense of style and common sense work for me.
All the best to you,
Joy
Math and science, rather than style trends govern the tips I share. A person with short legs who wears a long top will always appear to have shorter legs.
So you say that “women over 60 stay in some sort of old fashioned mind set (sic) of fashion do’s and don’ts and micromanaging their wardrobes . . . and the world has moved on from this mindset.” Did I get that right?
This is your only style tip I have ever disagreed with. The top looks great on you with white pants. It lengthens your body and does not shorten your legs. I honestly think you could wear a sack and still look wonderful!
I think that’s a good point. A top that is shorter also gives more of a waistline impression.
I’m an outdoors girl and shorts and short skirts are staying in my wardrobe for the time being. I wouldn’t go to work in anything above my knee, not because I don’t like how my knees look, that fashion choice is more about looking like the wise and competent staffer that I am.
Susan, you are really getting to me! I’m going to have to change my entire wardrobe. How am I going to wear shorter tops and still cover my belly bulge? I do wear body shapers, albeit not uncomfortably tight ones, but I’m still uncomfortable with shorter tops. Your demonstrations clearly illustrate, though, how much better they’ll look on me. Arggh! I’m going to need a personal consultation! Help! —- Joking somewhat, but you know my body shape and you know exactly what I mean. Thank you for your sage fashion advice!
You always look lovely Belinda. Keep your beautiful clothes; you wear them with finesse.
i very much enjoy your ‘Better on the Hanger’ series and I hope you continue to do them. Your explanation enables me to view critically your outfit and apply it to mine. I definitely have a long way to go in understanding how to put outfits together. Thank you.
You look so good in white pants, I have never worn them at all as I don’t think I am slim enough. I am quite confused about what sort of trousers to wear, I am only 5′ 2″ and have short not so slim legs, I was told that bootcut are a good idea for me, which is fine if worn with higher heels, but like you I don’t wear daytime. I don’t like baggy trousers I do wear leggings around home, but feel I would like some smarter but straight trousers (not quite so fitted as leggings) I am nearly 72 and live in England, style do you recommend.
Pants that skim your body and stop at the top of your foot would be best for you.
Susan,
Thank you for this series, “Better On The Hanger”. At 62 you would think I’d know some of these basic dressing rules, but I don’t. I would appreciate more instructions like this and on choosing clothes for your shape and skin type, especially now that I have transitioned from the working world to retirement.
Thank you again for your very informative blog.
Laura
I am working on a wardrobe planner for my retirement now. Stay tuned! I am starting this project a few years early so that when the time comes, I will have what I need and nothing more.
Im not seeing it; im sorry but you totally overthink your body & wardrobe; you look amazing in every pic!!!!
Thank you for your post. It is helpful to me. I have gained weight, seven visits to the Hospital, since May. One infection after another! When I feel better I will work getting my health back and dropping weight. I love longer tops but I have noticed what you said. Once again for your post.
I hope your health returns very soon.
Thank you for your advise. I’m 5’ 7” and 71. I worked professionally as a medial office manager. I had to stop working due to cancer when I was 52. Since retiring I have really struggled to fine myself stylewise. I no longer have to up everyday and as you said my body has changed. Clothes that used to look good I don’t feel comfortable in. I have been wear oversized tops and end up feeling frumpy or sloppy. I am going to reevaluate tops I buy on your advise. Thank you so much!
I love your insights about the advantages and disadvantages of tunics, especially with light pants. I also put clothes that don’t work anymore in the donation bin and do better shopping with a plan. I look forward to learning more from you.
The model has a perfect body and she looks amazing in both versions but better with the short one. Unfortunately it does not work for everyone, specially with big hips.
I just love your site…it helps me dress my small frame 72 year old young body…Thank you..
I’m glad you enjoy what I share Louise.
Best styling blog ever. I am 76 & have been through the stages you are going through. You are right on! We weight the same but I have very slim legs with big boobs, full waist. I hate jeans with the yoke above my butt. It makes bumps under tops. I need recommendations for med weight denim slim leg pants that have a larger waist.
I have a friend who wears maternity jeans with great success. I find that Chico’s jeans and jeggings have a fuller cut in the waistline.
My pear shaped, very old lady body needs different clothing. I have long legs, a short waist, and a small narrow bust.
I am sooo confused any suggestions?
Look for clothing designed with all the details at the shoulders and the bust (colors, patterns, lines, ruffle features, etc.) Your tops should never be tucked in, but you can use a belt over tops to cinch in your waist at a lower than natural waistline point. Wear dark slacks and A-line skirts that skim your body.
I like the flowy blousy look next to the uptight straight and tight lines of the other model’s outfit (even though she’s lovely). People move in clothes. So, a blousy look is not as boring as a one shot photo may appear it to be.
Thanks so much. Very practical and appropriate for my age.
I’m 56 and overweight (working on that). Not exactly petite all over, but find that petite sizes often fit better in pants if the legs aren’t too short. All that to say that the insight about making legs look shorter with long tops is something I haven’t thought about but realize I am doing! Knowing I can still were my long tops with similarly colored pants for a better look helps! Thanks for the tip!
Interesting perspectives, they make sense. Thank you for sharing your views Kimberly
I so appreciate your comparison of outfits in this series. I, too, am an inverted-t shape and 5’7”. Since I consider myself rather tall, I really hadn’t considered how certain jackets with front, top pockets looked on me until I re-evaluated how they looked on me because of your blog. It makes sense that I used to naturally would gravitate to slim-lined jackets that didn’t hit too long. I am short wasted and some didn’t flatter me if they had too much fabric or were belted. Thanks again for your tips.
Love your style can’t believe I came across this site have seen a lot of things I would live to wear and great idea’s how to put the outfit to Heather so trendiest
Really enjoy your pics, info, and advice. Shorter ladies unite!!
Enjoyed and valued all the tips given Thanks.
I love your styling!
I’m 4’10”. So I should not wear long tunics unless it is same color as the pants?
This model, active beauty Susan has been a great inspiration in all her photos and ideas. Thanks to her…I now look better!
Very helpful and detailed. Thank you.
I am 82 petite not over weight, love tailored, casual clothes. But nothing looks good on me. My hair is white, straight and full. Help.
Look at the colors and tailoring first. If the proportions and colors aren’t right for you, looking your best will always be elusive.
Am i not seeing this correctly? I think the woman looks thinner in the long tunic as apposed to the shorter top (blk top w/white pants). Is the goal to look slimmer or to have longer looking legs? Personslly, i always want to look slimmer!
Keep in mind that extra fabric equals extra girth. If you also hide part of the length of your legs, you may end up looking shorter and wider.
I find shorter tops don’t show off my fat tummy so much. I like the right shot of the b/w shirt and pants.
You made me think about the fact that I have lots of tunic tops. I am 5ft. and a little heavier around the middle than I should be. Was not thinking how those tops are cutting my legs off!!!!Thank you for pointing that out.
Your reasoning is so truthful.My knees now look like bagels,and I have shrunk from 5ft4in.down to 5ft 1 in. I love bright colours but is there a time,I’m 72,when I need to tone down.
You actually looked better in the tunic…just saying
I’ve been looking at your wonderful pictures for a while now…..looking not reading. Lol. Big mistake. So now that I’ve “learned to read” I’m fascinated with the whys and wherefore of your choices. This is so helpful as I continue my journey waaay past 50. Thank you so much!
Katie
Love your style, classic and simple. BEAUTIFUL!
Oh yes …no tunics! They shorten and FATTEN the body.
You look like a barby doll no matter what you wear!!
I think the lady in this article looked good in any of her outfits, but I especially liked the all-black. She looked well-put-together and very chic and classy. For myself, I don’t like to wear the shorter tops, so to each her own.
I see what you mean by pairing the black tunic with black pants. I always worry about wearing shirts that end at the waist because I have love handles.
I’m 66, 5 feet tall and weigh 110 lbs. I love your style but I’m careful as I’m short. I love the way the black outfit looks on you.
Those of us who “carry” need longer tops.
Pity that Literally ALL the features on 60 plus dressing is demonstrated by laydeez who are a size 8-12 maybe a 14at a push!!! Pity no real sized gals who Were seized 12-14 may e 20 years ago or even 10 years about for whom menopause or surgery has rendered them with a previously alien shape! I was max size 14 for most of my life then surgery instant menopause 2 hip replacements all within 5 years dumped 5 stones onto my 5ft 7 in frame j now look 4ft 3in AND NOTHING looks decent on me ! My middle is the size of Manchester and no budging it at 65! Please have a heart….
Please note that this is my website, and most of the pictures shown are of me, my classic style, and the tips I use to make the looks work for me. I hope you can use the information to help you put together some winning looks even if we aren’t the same size.
I have to disagree here. You look much better in the long tunic. Yes, your legs may look shorter but your torso looks longer so it is kind of balanced out. The shorter blouse makes you look older in my opinion.
She looks just fine in both tops, it is just a matter of preference.
Hi Susan
Just came across your awesome Susanafter60.com……….. loved reading and viewing your beautiful pics and little videos of your wardrobe and clothing line and how you simplified and coordinated your outfits.
Your fashion style is amazing and love your hair and make up tips which I found so helpful.
I would appreciate been a follower of your wonderful blog. Unfortunately I only have access to emails and of course on the net.
Thanks for sharing your excellent fashion sense and brightening up our ‘twilight’ fashion years!
Kind regards
Maureen Taylor
South Africa
Where can you purchase the scarves Susan wears?
I sold most of the scarves I wear at my now-closed online shop. I still find scarves at Nordstrom, Talbots and SaksOff5th.
Thanks for the great tips
You look wonderful in the one on the right and I see your point. Thank you
I love the longer tunic on you. The tucked in top on the right chops you in half.
Actually the tunic cuts me in half. The shorter top gives me a more pleasing 1/3 over 2/3 porprtion.
Sorry, the picture on the left, with the longer top looks so much better. She looks slimmer. More put-together, styled. I never wear tops that stop above the crotch. They add width and just look too small.
If you are wearing leggings, yes, by all means, cover your lady parts, but if you are wearing jeans, different styling is necessary. If any top stops at your widest part, it will make you look larger than you are. Longer tops make the legs look shorter, and if they cling to the body, they are always unflattering.
Thank you for the great tips! I’m 84 and recently lost weight quickly on a whole-plant diet while conquering metastatic cancer; l’ve also gotten shorter over the past few years. Your photos help me a lot to know what styles work best for my now shorter, smaller proportions. You look very youthful and vibrant at 60-plus years!
Thank you for continuing to share you expert opinions.
I also get good ideas shared by you. I hope you are healthy and you and Mickey are still enjoying you outings together.
All the best to you, Pam Dieterich
Loved that you also are not comfortable in tight leggings or jeans. I prefer straight leg that ends at the ankle. I’m 70 and had knee surgery a year and half ago and can wear wedges but not heals. I like the straight leg with the wedge look. I prefer longer tops also to cover belly area . But I like your advice on finding a length shorter but not waist length.
Thank you Susan, you are soo right. At 5’2 having an apple shape, I am always trying to hide my derrier with long tops.
Doesn’t work. Thank you for great advice.