How To Find The Right Midi Skirt Length For Your Height And Body Shape
Fall is upon us, and with it comes all of our favorite cozy trends – sweaters, leather jackets, tall boots, and a common favorite, the midi skirt. Some clothing brands offer midi skirts in a few lengths: short, regular, and tall. But even then, not all are created equal, and it can be difficult to pinpoint what the most flattering length is based on your body shape and height.
Here are some helpful tips to find the perfect midi skirt length for your unique features.
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Consider Where the Hem Hits Your Calves
The last word we want on anyone’s mind when they see our fall outfit is “frumpy.” This is why choosing a skirt that falls at just the right spot on our legs makes a huge difference. Too long and it can swallow your shape; too short and it can look awkward with your favorite fall boots.
Ideally, you’d like the hem not to fall at the widest part of your calves. This can make you look shorter, and your legs look disproportionate to the rest of your body. The ideal spot? You’ve got options: one to two inches above or below the widest part of your calf. If you’re on the shorter side, consider the shorter length or always pair with boots that have a taller shaft. This will streamline your figure and lengthen the appearance of your legs.
If you’re on the taller side, you’ve got a little more flexibility with length. You could even pick a midi skirt that falls a few inches above your ankles, and pair with pointed-toe flats or kitten heel pumps.
Think About Where the Waist Sits on Your Body
I know not everyone loves a high waist, but a midi skirt that hits at the smallest part of your waist can slim you down, give the illusion of curves, highlight your hips, or elongate your legs, all depending on your unique shape!
For the most put-together look, opt for a high-waisted midi skirt that you can mix and match with different accessories and tops. If you’re petite, try tucking in a light sweater and pairing with a wide leather belt to accentuate your waist. If you’re curvy, a high-waisted midi skirt can streamline your curves and flatter your hips, especially if you find a light, flowy style. High-waisted isn’t off-limits to tall ladies, either! Tuck in a ribbed turtleneck and finish with a thin belt.
Footwear Matters!
Footwear choice is arguably just as important as finding the right length for your midi skirt! If you’re on the shorter side, consider always pairing your midi skirt with shoes that have a heel of at least two inches. Being only 5’2, I always wear midi skirts with knee-high boots or D’orsay style work pumps. This elongates your legs and gives a classy vibe that is sure to turn heads at the office and grocery store alike.
Curvy and short gals should try to avoid pairing a midi skirt with boots that have a shorter shaft, like ankle boots. While it’s certainly not impossible to have a well-styled combination with these items, together they tend to chop up the bottom half and make legs appear shorter and wider.
If you’re a tall gal and not a fan of wearing heels, the riding boot is a classic! There are so many colors and styles available now it’s easy to find one that will pair well with your midi skirt.
Wear a Well-Matched Top
I don’t mean you have to always go monochromatic, but the length and fabric of your top can have a huge impact on the overall balance of your outfit. Shorter and curvier girls should opt for more cropped styles that don’t have a lot of bulky material, like a slim leather jacket, crewneck cashmere sweater, or fitted turtleneck. Opting for a top that matches the color of your midi skirt can also help to elongate your body and look extra polished.
If you’re taller and slender, a chunky knit sweater with a sleek silk midi skirt doesn’t hide your features and creates the coziest of vibes. You can also never go wrong with a slim wool coat that’s sure to give you runway model feels.
As a general tip, large and bright patterns tend not to scream fall. Instead, opt for neutral florals, rich browns, and muted oranges and yellows to maximize the chilly-weather mood and keep your outfit on season.
Closing Thoughts
It can never hurt to find a tailor you like and trust if your favorite midi skirt doesn’t fall where you want it to. A skilled tailor can take in the waist, shorten the hem, or slim down an overwhelming skirt so it fits your unique shape perfectly. Plus, you’ll have classic, curated pieces that stay in your wardrobe for years!
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