Midi, midaxi and maxi skirts and dresses have been all the rage for several seasons, but a change is coming. The knee-covering lengths, which finish anywhere between the bottom of the kneecap to below the ankle, are taking a bit of a backseat to shorter hemlines.
Mini skirts and dresses are on-trend and mainstream. Longer versions with lengths just above the kneecap are making a comeback too. The big difference is that the shorter lengths showcase the kneecap, and in the case of minis, quite a bit of the thigh. There’s a lot of variety in the colours, fabrics, silhouettes, patterns, and fits. You’ll see both casual and dressy shorter skirts and dresses.
Here are some examples.
If you enjoy wearing shorter skirts and dresses that expose more of the leg, you’ll see a large assortment of silhouettes at retail as the trend gains momentum. No need to hem midis to your desired shorter length. If you enjoy wearing knee-covering skirts and dresses, that’s fine. You’ll just see fewer options at retail than in past seasons.
I am staunchly on Team Midi and Midaxi Skirts and Dresses on this leg of my style journey because I want to cover my kneecaps. That’s the length that makes me feel confident, attractive, ready to rock ’n’ roll, and elegant. So that’s what I am sticking with. The only time I will wear a shorter hemline these days is when it’s a tunic over pants and jeans, or as a layer over a long tulle skirt. I will bypass the shorter hemlines trend.
As recently as eight to ten years ago, it was almost impossible to find a knee-covering skirt or dress if you were regular height or taller. Everything was short or very short. Even so called knee-length dresses and skirts finished above the knee. Although they were not my preference, I simply gave in and wore just-above-the-knee dresses because I missed wearing frocks. When midis and midaxis started to trend, I was thrilled. Suddenly, it was raining dresses and skirts and I haven’t looked back.
It is my hope that as shorter hemlines gain momentum, midis and midaxis will not disappear. The fashion industry has a bad habit of occasionally overdoing a trend. But so far I see plenty of midis and midaxis coming through alongside the minis. I hope it stays that way.
Over to you. What are your thoughts on shorter skirts and dresses?
