Pencil skirt length - YouLookFab Forum

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Pencil skirt length

Anonymous

Hi there -
Just a quick post to ask a quick question:
I wanted to get the long length in this pencil skirt (See find) and instead of wearing it at the knee, wear it a bit below the knee (kind of like my profile picture -- I know it's minuscule!)

I'm wondering if this makes sense given that I'm a regular-sized person (5'6"), and the skirt was cut to be knee length. I *do* have a long rise, so maybe it would work.

British Tweed Pencil Skirt

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1

Dressing

15 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

unfrumped

Veteran

I dunno , it says “ finishes below knee” but didn’t give s length. But seems more LIKELY to be below knee.
I have struggled with pencil skirt lengths— no longer want anywhere near above knee but not midi. Hard to find! Want just at bottom on kneecap usually unless going for a specific long length.
Try and see !
I do like the sound of this length !

DonnaF

Veteran

You won’t really know until you try. To my eye, however, that skirt looks slightly a-line versus straight or tapered. You may find that you want it tapered to hang more like the profile picture.

Anonymous

Thanks unfrumped and Donna.
Unfrumped, Boden publishes the skirt dimensions, and the 'regular' length finishes at mid-knee on me.

I know I need to try it on to see, but returns are costly, so I want to hedge my bets before I order!

Joy

Veteran

Maybe you can get the actual length from Boden. Oops. Just saw that you have that. Could you get the skirt shortened to the length you want?

Bijou

Veteran

Smittie - I think an inch or two below the knee is quite a different look to on the knee, this is not a trivial question.

I do think that Joy's solution (of getting the longer length and shortening it) is likely to give you more options. However you may get lucky and the regular may hit you at exactly the right length. There is the possibility that the skirt may have a hem that you can let down an another inch. It is definitely worth a try.

Anonymous

It is a gorgeous skirt. Simply, yet classy.

I'm with Bijou. An inch or two makes a huge difference and this is not a trivial question. It does sound like regular would achieve the look you want based on the length.

krishnidoux

Veteran

One thing that can guide you: bottom of the skirt's line. Does it curve back inwards? Then yes. Does it just hang there? Then it might look frumpy.

I love the look you describe and are going for. But in my experience, you can only find it on skirts that are designed that way. Those will have a more generous curve at the hips and bottom, higher cinched waists (perfect for us long rises!) and tapered hems hitting just at the tops of your calves. Looks smashing with dressier boots or even lace-ups with a little heel, and of course with heeled pumps. A very automnal look too, as chunky sweaters layer well over these slim waisted pieces.

Another possibly more pocket friendly option is to look for a slightly bodycon knitted cable tube skirt of that length.

Sorry if my answer didin't comment on this one find, which looks really good and classy at the shorter length IMO.

Anonymous

Yes, exactly Ladies! That extra inch or so below the knee makes a huge difference in the whole look. I am not nearly so pedantic about pant lengths, but skirt lengths? They must be perfect.
And Krish, I hear you n the lines, and if it’s not tapered enough, it will look wrong.

I think I’ve decided to get the regular length. It’ll still look great at knee length, and is not as much of a risk. As Bijou suggests, I might be able to take out the hem a bit.

I’m going to also look at the more intentionally blow-the-knee lengths that most definitely taper. I’ve always avoided this style due to the va-voom factor, but with a chunky sweater, I think it will work for me. I wear skinny jeans all the time so I’m not adverse to body-con on the bottom.

kerry

Veteran

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Anonymous

Kerry and others—
I just bought the following items. There is a ponte skirt (last find) that is definitely below the knee and has a good taper.

Boden Boden Wool Cotton Alpaca Fair Isle Sweater | Nordstrom

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Round Toe Stretch Boots

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Freya Pencil Skirt

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Hampshire Ponte Skirt

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1

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm shorter than you at barely 5'4" but I ordered a long in the Penny dress from Boden to get a midi-length. It worked. However, it's a different style. I agree with those who say that unless a skirt tapers a bit at the bottom it can look unflattering if it's on the long side. At least that's the case on my own frame.

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Penny Jersey Dress

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6

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Midi length pencils are in this year and can look very modern ,the right footwear is essential to look cool not frumpy but you are a stylish lady so I’m sure that you are up for the challenge.

Anonymous

Thanks for the picture Suz. I didn't realize that your dress was the long length, and it looks like the length I'm going for. But I'm too chicken and got the regular length, fearing there would not be enough taper. I also got a longer-length ponte skirt, so we'll see how that goes.

Thanks Cardiff girl! I agree that longer length is more in style and I also like the added warmth and elegance.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I figured the long would work with this fabrication since it's cotton jersey. It's a different thing entirely with a woven lined skirt. Going for the ponte seems like a good bet. Crossing fingers for you!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES, Smittie. I will only wear my skirts below the knee, and am your height. For pencil skirts, you might like a little more tapering along the side seams. For A-lines and flares - it's different. Take it skirt by skirt, and figure out how to style it with tops and footwear. The devil is in the detail.