Tall
If you’re 6ft and above, Zara should be your first port of call (Marina Mall, 02 681 8080). The jeans have at least a 36-inch leg, but the sizes come up quite small (the largest – 44/16 – is more like a standard size 14). Other options include Next (Abu Dhabi Mall, 02 645 4832) and Mango (Abu Dhabi Mall, 04 644 9467). Insider tip: the men’s pyjamas at Gap look unisex and are more than long enough for the taller lady.
In terms of shoes, most ladies blessed with height have canoes for feet. Most shoe stores in Abu Dhabi stop at a size 41, although a few go up to the coveted 42: Steve Madden (Abu Dhabi Mall, 02 645 4858) has some great bejewelled sandals. Marks & Spencer (Fotouh Al Khair Centre, 02 621 3646) stocks loads of classics that are perfect for work, such as these Dhs175 suede brogues, while most major sports companies offer lifestyle shoes in larger sizes.
Essential style tips
• If you’re worried about looking lanky, wear light-coloured tops and dark bottoms. This will visually cut your body in half.
• Love Levi’s but find them too short? Buy a skinny pair and cuff them to create cigarette pants.
Petite
While most high-street brands cater for petite ladies in their main ranges, there are a bunch of specific lines to ensure clothes will fit you just right if you’re small like Kylie (below). Try Marks & Spencer (Fotouh Al Khair Centre, 02 621 3646), Debenhams (Khalidiyah Mall, 02 635 4994) and Topshop (Marina Mall, 02 681 8242) – we love the cool summer pieces.
Essential style tips
• Wear high-waisted shorts and trousers to add length to your legs.
• Button-front shirt dresses will create a visual vertical line, adding height to small frames.
Plus-size
Plus-size model Crystal Renn has brought curves back, and thankfully many on-trend high street brands are expanding their sizing to cater for voluptuous women. For plus-size ranges try Evans (Abu Dhabi Mall, 02 645 4871), which stocks sizes 14 to 32, or Monsoon (Fotouh Al Khair Centre, 02 621 5069) – this cute dress (below left, Dhs575) goes up to size 22. There’s also a New Look in Dubai (Mirdif City Centre 04 284 3950), which stocks the size 16-30 Inspire range.
Essential style tips
• Don’t go baggy – find semi-fitted pieces that skim your curves and show off your waist.
• Invest in a good bra to support those important assets.
Other options
Don’t forget the fantastically affordable tailors in Abu Dhabi, who will make something that fits you perfectly. Try Freddy’s Tailors in Hamdan Street (02 627 3777) for men’s suits, or Orchid Tailoring and Embroidery in Khalifa Street (02 627 2115). Online shopping is also becoming more accessible – the much-talked-about Asos.com offers amazing petite and curvy ranges, and it even delivers to Abu Dhabi for Dhs60
(www.asos.com).
For gentlemen
Larger lads should try Big and Tall (Marina Mall (02 681 6702) or Debenhams (Khalidiyah Mall, 02 635 4994) for generously sized shirts. Need longer sleeves but don’t want that billowy shirt effect? Massimo Dutti (Abu Dhabi Mall, 02 645 2377) offers longer sleeves in slim-fit cuts, as does Cortefiel – we love their linen (The Dubai Mall, 04 330 8391).
