Heels or Flats? A Height Guide for Tall Girls at Prom

Tall girls need prom dresses with proper waist placement at natural waist (not too high), longer hemlines that reach the floor, and balanced proportions. Check that bodices don’t sit too high and necklines are scaled appropriately. 

Slits look elegant on taller frames when paired with sleek fitted tops. Both heels and flats work—choose based on comfort and whether you want to embrace or minimize your height.

Length Planning: Getting Enough Fabric

The biggest challenge for tall girls is finding dresses with adequate length in both the bodice and skirt.

Height Range	Standard Dress Length	Typical Issue	Solution
5’9″ – 5’11”	Ankle-length instead of floor	Needs 2-4 inches added	Custom length or tall sizing
6’0″ – 6’2″	Mid-calf instead of floor	Needs 4-6 inches added	Made-to-order with custom measurements
6’3″+	Significantly short	Needs 6+ inches added	Custom-made or seamstress consultation

Floor-length expectations:

Standard long prom dresses are designed for models who are 5’8″-5’9″ without shoes. If you’re taller than this, the “floor-length” dress will hit you at ankle or mid-calf.

Length solutions:

Made-to-order options:

Azazie offers made-to-order prom dresses where you can provide custom measurements including height and desired dress length. This ensures proper fit from shoulder to hem.

Adding length through alterations:

Professional seamstresses can add length by:

• Letting down existing hems (if fabric allows)
• Adding coordinating fabric panels at hem
• Inserting lace or contrast bands
• Adding godets or fabric inserts

Important: Adding significant length (more than 2-3 inches) can be expensive and may not always be possible depending on dress construction.

Considering shorter lengths intentionally:

Some tall girls prefer midi or tea-length styles that are designed to hit below the knee. This avoids the too-short floor-length problem entirely.

Shorter length options:

• Midi dresses (mid-calf) work beautifully for 5’10″+
• Knee-length cocktail styles embrace your height
• High-low hems provide drama while showing legs
• Short prom dresses with confidence

Waist Placement Check: The Most Common Fit Problem

Waist placement is critical for tall girls because standard dresses often have waistlines that sit too high.

Why waist placement matters:

If the dress waistline hits you 2-3 inches above your natural waist, it creates several problems:

• Bodice appears too short
• Torso looks compressed
• Empire waist effect (even if not intended)
• Overall proportions feel off

Checking waist placement:

Natural waist location:

Your natural waist is the narrowest part of your torso, typically 1-2 inches above your belly button. Mark this spot before trying on dresses.

When trying dresses:

Stand naturally and check where the dress waistline hits. If it’s significantly above your natural waist marker, the bodice is too short.

Best waist styles for tall frames:

Dropped waist:

Waistline that sits slightly below natural waist works beautifully for tall girls because it adds length to the bodice area.

Why it works:

• Elongates torso appropriately
• Creates balanced proportions
• Modern and sophisticated
• Especially flattering on a line prom dress styles

Natural waist (properly placed):

If the dress waist actually hits your natural waist, this is ideal. The key is confirming it’s in the right spot, not 2-3 inches too high.

No defined waist (column/sheath):

Straight silhouettes without waist seams eliminate the placement problem entirely. These work exceptionally well for tall frames.

Why it works:

• No risk of waistline being too high
• Creates long, elegant lines
• Modern and sleek
• Perfect for mermaid prom dresses or fitted sheaths

Waist styles to avoid:

Empire waist (unless very tall torso):

Empire waists sit just under the bust. This can make tall girls appear to have extremely long legs and very short torsos.

Exception: If you have an unusually long torso relative to your legs, empire waist can balance proportions.

High waist (above natural waist):

Any waistline that sits significantly above your natural waist will make your torso appear too short and throw off proportions.

Best Silhouettes for Tall Frames

Certain dress shapes work particularly well for tall figures.

Most flattering silhouettes:

Fitted sheath or column:

Straight, streamlined silhouettes show off height beautifully without adding bulk or complexity.

Why it works:

• Clean lines complement height
• Sophisticated and elegant
• No proportion issues with waist placement
• Works in satin prom dress fabrics that drape smoothly

Mermaid with proper bodice length:

Fitted through the body with flare at or below knee creates dramatic elegance. The key is ensuring the bodice is long enough.

Why it works:

• Celebrates your long silhouette
• Fitted bodice shows proportions
• Dramatic flare balances height
• Choose styles with natural or dropped waist

A-line with balanced proportions:

Classic A-line with fitted bodice and moderate skirt flare works when waist placement is correct.

Why it works:

• Universally flattering silhouette
• Moderate volume doesn’t overwhelm
• Can be elegant or romantic
• Wide range of neckline options

Slits and tall frames:

Slits look particularly elegant on taller girls because you have the leg length to carry them beautifully.

Slit styling tips:

• High slits (mid-thigh) look sophisticated, not excessive
• Single slit (not double) maintains elegance
• Pair with fitted bodice for balance
• Works beautifully with long prom dresses styles

Silhouettes to reconsider:

Ball gowns with very full skirts:

Extreme volume can overwhelm tall frames and create a costume-like appearance rather than elegant formal wear.

When they work:

• More moderate fullness rather than maximum volume
• Properly fitted bodice with correct waist placement
• Quality fabric that drapes well

Neckline Scale and Proportion

Neckline size and style should be scaled to your frame.

Best necklines for tall frames:

Deep V-neck:

Creates vertical lines and balances your height beautifully. The depth should be proportional to your torso length.

Why it works:

• Elongates neck and upper body
• Draws eye upward
• Modern and sophisticated
• Balances height with vertical emphasis

Square neckline:

Structured, architectural necklines complement tall, statuesque frames.

Why it works:

• Strong lines match height
• Modern and elegant
• Balances broad shoulders
• Works with various sleeve styles

Sweetheart (scaled appropriately):

Sweetheart necklines should be sized for your frame—not tiny and delicate, but appropriately scaled.

Why it works:

• Romantic and feminine
• Scaled sizing prevents looking too small
• Balances bust proportionally
• Classic formal look

Off-shoulder with proper width:

Off the shoulder prom dress styles work when the width of the off-shoulder portion is proportional to your frame.

Why it works:

• Shows collarbones elegantly
• Width should match shoulder span
• Creates elegant horizontal line
• Balances tall frame

Necklines to avoid:

Tiny, delicate necklines:

Small scoop necks or narrow V-necks look disproportionately small on tall frames.

High crew necks:

Can make your neck appear shorter and create a heavy look on tall frames.

Overly small details:

Thin straps, tiny bows, or miniature embellishments get lost on taller bodies.

Heels vs Flats: The Confidence Decision

The heel height decision is personal and depends on how you feel about your height.

Wearing heels (embracing height):

Pros:

• Elongates legs even further
• Creates dramatic, model-like presence
• Feels elegant and formal
• Traditional prom footwear

Cons:

• May be significantly taller than date or friends
• Can feel self-conscious if height-sensitive
• More tiring for all-night wear
• Limits dancing comfort

Best heel choices if wearing:

• 2-3 inch block heels for comfort
• Strappy sandals that aren’t too delicate
• Metallic or neutral colors that elongate
• Platform heels for hidden height boost

Wearing flats or low heels:

Pros:

• Comfortable for all-night dancing
• Reduces total height if preferred
• Modern and confident choice
• Less worry about tripping

Cons:

• Dress hem may drag without heel lift
• May feel less formal initially
• Need proper hem length adjustment

Best flat choices:

• Elegant ballet flats in metallic or satin
• Pointed-toe flats that elongate
• Embellished flats that feel formal
• Low block heels (1-2 inches) as compromise

Hem planning with shoe choice:

Your shoe decision must come first, then dress hem is adjusted accordingly.

If wearing heels: Hem should just graze floor in your exact shoes. Bring shoes to alterations.

If wearing flats: Hem should be shortened to accommodate no heel, otherwise dress will drag.

Styling Tips for Balanced Proportions

Accessories scaled to frame:

Jewelry:

• Statement pieces rather than delicate/dainty
• Longer pendant necklaces (18-24 inches)
• Larger earrings that don’t disappear
• Bolder bracelets and rings

Clutch or bag:

• Medium-sized clutch (not tiny wristlet)
• Proportional to your hand size
• Avoid miniature accessories

Hair styling:

Most flattering for tall frames:

• Updos that add height (embrace it!)
• Long, flowing styles that complement length
• Volume at crown rather than sides
• Avoid flat, slicked-back styles that emphasize height disproportion

Color and pattern choices:

Colors that work well:

• Bold, saturated colors (red prom dress, royal blue, emerald)
• Black prom dress styles for sleek sophistication
• Rich jewel tones that command presence

Patterns:

• Larger-scale patterns rather than tiny prints
• Vertical patterns or details
• Bold sequin prom dresses or beaded prom dress options

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the dress is too short?

If a floor-length dress hits you at ankle or mid-calf, you have three options: have a seamstress add length (expensive and not always possible), order made-to-order with custom measurements, or embrace the shorter length as an intentional midi or tea-length style. Adding 2-3 inches is usually possible, but more than that becomes difficult and costly.

Should tall girls avoid heels?

No, wear whatever makes you comfortable and confident. Heels create elegant proportions and are traditional for prom. If you’re self-conscious about height, flats or low heels are equally valid and increasingly popular. Your shoe choice should come first, then have your dress hemmed accordingly.

Can tall girls wear ball gown prom dresses?

Yes, but choose styles with moderate volume rather than extreme fullness. Ensure the bodice is long enough and waist placement hits correctly. Ball gowns with too much volume can overwhelm tall frames, but well-proportioned versions look elegant and formal.

Do slits look too dramatic on tall girls?

No, slits actually look more elegant on taller frames because you have the leg length to carry them beautifully. High slits that might look excessive on shorter heights appear sophisticated and balanced on tall figures. Pair with fitted bodice and sleek styling for best effect.