YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Do you have a preferred skirt length?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Do you have a preferred skirt length? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 11:30:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Jane on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length/page/2#post-2039271 Mon, 01 Jul 2019 06:24:45 +0000 Jane 2039271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love high low hems front to back and then skirts with side to sides high lows. I’m happy with anything below the knees; I tend to only wear skirts with tights unless midi length or below. DonnaF on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length/page/2#post-2039225 Mon, 01 Jul 2019 01:43:06 +0000 DonnaF 2039225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As others have said, it depends on the silhouette. Most of what I have ranges from a few inches above the knee to just covering the knee. I'm short with short legs, so a bit on the short side seems to give me better proportions notwithstanding my ugly knees. I have also taken to wearing fishnet type stockings, so they cover up said knees. FWIW, an old church member came back to visit today. IIRC, she is pushing 70 (at least), but looks a decade younger or more. She is quite slender and has a boho style, or maybe she's just an old hippie. Today, she was wearing a mini length sundress -- and looked fab! It was probably four inches above her knees. Her shoes or sandals were flat so the length didn't strike me as inappropriate but matched the cut of the dress. She has great gams but usually wears midi skirts of the tiered boho variety.  Theodora on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length/page/2#post-2038995 Sat, 29 Jun 2019 13:17:10 +0000 Theodora 2038995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok, Fashintern, that may be MY goal for the next few months- to actually post WIW's after being a member for so many years...  I have a messy, busy life, (Sandwich generation, combined with health issues), but no more than some here, and while posting may be something I can do, I find it almost impossible to get back and reply in the way you guys do, so then I feel guilty, as if I am being unkind and ignoring those who have taken the time to chime in. Stagiaire Fash on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length/page/2#post-2038353 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 13:15:16 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2038353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Theodora, please start posting WIWs/OOTDs. Jenni NZ on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length/page/2#post-2038331 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 10:20:53 +0000 Jenni NZ 2038331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well Theodora I will be 60 in 2 more years and I too like the look of some above the knee lengths on me. Because I am short they seem quite good proportionately. I must say I kind of prefer them in winter with tights. The shape of my legs is still pretty good but the whiteness and spider veins in summer, not so much. In the heat though, I also think what the heck Anonymous on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length/page/2#post-2038199 Tue, 25 Jun 2019 14:57:45 +0000 Anonymous 2038199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In my younger days I was queen of the mini and had the legs for it, but now skirts must cover the knee 23-25” from the waist. No maxies and I feel too short to wear midi lengths below the calf. Theodora on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length/page/2#post-2038178 Tue, 25 Jun 2019 14:00:58 +0000 Theodora 2038178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I may be totally alone with my preferences here. Having just turned 60, I wear skirts and dresses more than pants and shorts, but TOTALLY prefer above the knee, even relatively short, with flats or sneakers. Longer makes me look like a kid in grandma’s clothing for some reason, or just schlumpy. I don’t like the look of my aging knees, but I figure- what the heck! Out of 4-5 skirts that are in constant rotation, none are below knee, and they range from mid-thigh to even higher. I pair with simple tee and flats and they do not look trampy. Below is one of my most worn skirts from Veronica Beard. If I could get photos, I would post. Will try.... Staysfit on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length/page/2#post-2037729 Sun, 23 Jun 2019 14:25:27 +0000 Staysfit 2037729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Different lengths for different style skirts, a-line vs. pencil, but I have personally stopped wearing anything that is above my knee cap. I feel it is more graceful and sleek looking to have a knee cap covering length and therefore in keeping with my style. Stagiaire Fash on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length/page/2#post-2037717 Sun, 23 Jun 2019 13:30:45 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2037717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>Mine is changing. I used to love calf-length skirts, felt luxurious to me. Last fall when I tried one on, the forum convinced me not to go there. I recently came across those pix on the phone and quite agree.  If a skirt or dress hits me at the knee, it must be quite wide. Otherwise I look knock-kneed and all kinds of awkward. I'm comfortable in short skirts, as long as I can bend over, ride a bike, etc. </div><div> </div><div>I guess the short answer is "no". </div> Gigi on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2037658 Sun, 23 Jun 2019 01:15:26 +0000 Gigi 2037658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For pencil skirts, I like just above the knee. I am short (5'2"), and I think this works well with my proportions. I like my midis to be probably at the midpoint of my calf. I don't have muscular calves (or boot shopping would be much easier!), so I don't need to worry about drawing a lot of attention to that area. I used to love maxis but haven't been feeling them for a couple of years. Same with minis. I did buy one mini denim skirt this year, but I bought it specifically as a substitute for denim shorts. Otherwise I don't wear many minis. Barbara Diane on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2037561 Sat, 22 Jun 2019 18:16:16 +0000 Barbara Diane 2037561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ From knee covering on down. But must not show above the knee while sitting. Must check from the side if I have any doubt. Moara on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2037539 Sat, 22 Jun 2019 16:13:38 +0000 Moara 2037539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>An inch below the knee or an inch above the knee works for me.</div><div> </div><div>For midi skirts, they have to be 1/3 of the way from my knee to my ankle. Anything 2/3 of the way down looks ill-fitting and odd.</div><div> </div><div>I also suit short skirts 1/3 of the way from my hip to my knee, but choose not to wear them for modesty and comfort. </div> Jaime on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2036405 Tue, 18 Jun 2019 03:53:21 +0000 Jaime 2036405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mid-knee to mid-calf for me.  Cee on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2036403 Tue, 18 Jun 2019 03:43:20 +0000 Cee 2036403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Queen Victoria !! Ginger on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2036400 Tue, 18 Jun 2019 02:33:23 +0000 Ginger 2036400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Huh. No, I don't have a preferred length! I can and do wear anything from lower/mid thigh to trained. (Okay, the last is only for costume. So far.) Sometimes I don't have a choice about the length, so it depends on how the whole cut looks on me and if it's acceptable or not.  If I have opportunity to choose (like with eShakti dresses or my own makes) I typically choose just below the knee, or whatever is sufficient to cover a petticoat. Or recently, a little bit longer, since midis are in style. One thing I don't have in short supply is length from waist to ground. SarahD8 on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2036344 Mon, 17 Jun 2019 21:02:10 +0000 SarahD8 2036344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Like so many others have said, my preferences depend on the cut of the skirt. For skirts just above to just below the knee, I prefer a straight/narrow cut. For full skirts, I prefer midi length (anywhere from mid-calf-ish to a few inches above the ankle bone). I used to wear mainly a-line skirts that hit right around/just below the knee. I don't care for that look on me these days, it feels too saccharine. I wonder if I'll ever come back around? Echo on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2036342 Mon, 17 Jun 2019 20:57:45 +0000 Echo 2036342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I prefer a true midi, which in my mind is about mid-calf. Just below the knee is, well, just below the knee and doesn't count as midi to me, so it is frustrating to order dresses and have them be shorter than anticipated. But I generally prefer skirts to be swingy, too, because I teach and I find it easiest to be able to crouch and bend over without any worry of anything being too short. Freedom of movement is essential, and a long-enough swingy skirt provides that.  I also have a weird poison eye for being able to see the top line of a boot with a skirt, so I prefer to be able to cover the top edge of my boots. Having an inch or two of leg visible between boots and skirt just disrupts the line for my eye. I now actually prefer OTK boots so that I rarely have that issue. Longer skirt + taller boots = visual harmony in my mirror.  Sal on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2036339 Mon, 17 Jun 2019 20:26:36 +0000 Sal 2036339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I prefer below the knee for straight skirts ( which for me are all dresses) or midi for fuller ones or A line. I used to prefer about 3 inches above the knee which seems to be better than 1 inch above. I will wear maxi lengths too and they would be one of the items I always get complimented on. As a tall person I often find dresses and skirts a little shorter than I would prefer so am better to size up for length. Tall lengths are not really available here. As a teen and in my early 20s I wore short mini skirts with opaques and loved the look. Suz on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2036325 Mon, 17 Jun 2019 19:39:49 +0000 Suz 2036325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm with Brooklyn -- it depends on the dress silhouette and also what footwear I'll wear it with.  For a straight shift -- on the knee, middle of knee, or just below knee.  For A-line -- midi length, but asymmetrical tends to work best if it the skirt hits mid-calf. A longer midi (tea length) or one just below the knee will generally work more easily than mid-calf.  For a pencil or tube skirt -- at the knee, or preferably, just below the knee.  Liesbeth on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2036167 Mon, 17 Jun 2019 05:54:55 +0000 Liesbeth 2036167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I look best in: - waist surrendered or drop waist dresses that end about one hand above the knee (not really mini yet) - fitted (pencil or a-line) dresses that end just 'on' the knee, longer makes my legs look stumpy and my upper body disproportionally short - ankle to floor length when goung longer The currently trending midi I find very hard to wear but that also has to do with my need to draw attention upwards (pear shape camouflage ;)) nuancedream on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2036155 Mon, 17 Jun 2019 03:48:10 +0000 nuancedream 2036155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My preference is for midi skirts.  I love the ultra feminine  flow of fabric when I walk.  I still wear knee length skirts, although the pencil skirts aren't getting as much love now as they used to get.  The only length I avoid like the plague is a skirt that bisects my calf at its widest point...not a good look. The Cat on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2036067 Sun, 16 Jun 2019 22:32:03 +0000 The Cat 2036067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Any length from just below the knee to ankle length. karen13 on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2036052 Sun, 16 Jun 2019 21:27:53 +0000 karen13 2036052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've been thinking about this a lot as I've seen all the lovely YLGF dresses this week, and was finally inspired to make/wear one. I have struggled with "rules" and have not loved me in dresses/skirts. I think the "rules" told me to wear them shorter (as I'm 5'2" so more leg was supposed to be lengthening) but I didn't find that flattering. I just posted my entry into the dress challenge, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dress-challenge---i-finally-wore-one">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....y-wore-one</a> and I think what I have learned is I feel JFE if the length covers below the widest part of calf, but is slim enough to not overwhelm me. Tucking to show a higher waist helped reduce the stumpifying factor. It kind of rocked my world as I'm not a tucker or a dresser/skirter.  ChristelJ on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2036028 Sun, 16 Jun 2019 20:45:54 +0000 ChristelJ 2036028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just at or below the knee for me mostly. Maxi or high-low also. I wore midi length throughout the 80s and 90s, so I feel like it’s almost too soon for me to go back to midis, like I look dated. I like them on others, though! Becky on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2036021 Sun, 16 Jun 2019 20:38:00 +0000 Becky 2036021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think it depends on the style and fullness of the skirt: I like just above the knee for fitted skirts/dresses, or below the knee at the top of the curve of the calf muscle. I don't have many flaring skirts right now, so I'm not sure how I would feel about the length for that style. AndiB on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2035935 Sun, 16 Jun 2019 14:59:39 +0000 AndiB 2035935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am thrilled that longer lengths are back! I loved them in the 80s and 90s, and I suppose I moved to a pencil or sheath shape for work years when my profession rather demanded that look. But I’ve always loved a lower calf length - not maxi - full or narrow. I’ve purchased way too many this and last season haha. Anonymous on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2035933 Sun, 16 Jun 2019 14:49:21 +0000 Anonymous 2035933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Anything from a couple inches shorter than knee length to maxi. Lots of tapered pencil skirts/dresses, but also swishy ones as long as they collapse back onto the leg. I don't wear short flared skirts, cause they feel too young on me, plus the fear of "Marilyn-ing" in wind. anchie on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2035921 Sun, 16 Jun 2019 14:16:50 +0000 anchie 2035921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I prefer knee covering midis. It is so much better not to worry if you are exposing too much while sitting. I purged almost all above the knee skirts and dresses. Angie on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2035918 Sun, 16 Jun 2019 14:13:10 +0000 Angie 2035918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Midi. No exceptions. Must be knee-covering, and can go as long as calf covering depending on the silhouette. No maxis unless it's a ball gown.  I have three skirts that perfectly fit the bill.  Bijou on "Do you have a preferred skirt length?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-preferred-skirt-length#post-2035902 Sun, 16 Jun 2019 13:42:07 +0000 Bijou 2035902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wear all lengths other than mini - so from about 3 inches above my knees to floor length. Most of my skirts and dresses with swoosh are midi length, pencil skirts and dresses below the knee and A-line skirts, above the knee.