Skirt lengths, proportions...I am officially on the midi team!

I'm trying on a lot of my summer work clothing options this afternoon, and realizing that I have officially come over to the midi team when it comes to skirt length. I bought the AT patterned skirt in photo #2 last summer and loved it then...but this summer it just feels too short (it's 21 inches).

My Bailey 44 skirt in photo #1, on the other hand, feels just right at 26 1/2 inches...as do my VC midi tube skirts at 27 1/2 inches.

It's interesting that my Bailey skirt has almost the same colors, but in a more subdued pattern than the more boho ethnic pattern of the AT skirt. This is a style shift for me as well (in addition to the more modern longer length). I think the boho elements I used to claim to love were really my attempt to have a more arty look without really knowing how to pull it off. I'm learning how to refine boho into arty/modern.

#1 - Bailey 44 skirt length that feels right....tried here with my 3 dots tee to debombshell the look for work. Not sure if this is working?
#2 - AT skirt that just feels too short. The proportions feel too juvenile and unfashionable

What do you think?

12 years ago

Raisin

Veteran

The first skirt is perfect! I don't like the pattern of the second skirt as much, but I don't mind the length of it on you. It doesn't feel juvenile to me. I do wear shorter than that myself, though. I find just above the knee to be a pretty flattering length in general.

nancylee

Thanks, Raisin. It's funny how my feelings about skirt length have changed since last summer. I think I just prefer the longer length as a more modern option....and I'm also feeling the shorter skirt is a little juvenile for me at 51.

catgirl

I just posted a couple of short skirts that feel uncomfortable at the length right now. Though booties help alleviate that for me... LOVE the B44 skirt!

Janet

(website)

I think the shorter skirt still looks fab on you, but much more casual. I hear you loud and clear, though. I like the longer lengths on me (my legs are nowhere near as fab as yours!) and am struggling to find longer lengths in skirts and dresses that are not conservative styles. It's really challenging.

Suz

I agree with what Janet says. And you look amazing in a midi and flats -- wow!

You could probably rescue the shorter skirt with a different kind of top. A short skirt with a T can feel especially juvenile (to me) even when the T is great quality.

Thanks for your insights, everyone. I think I'm hesitating on the shorter skirt for several reasons: 1) my eye has adjusted to longer lengths, 2) my style has shifted to favor longer skirts, and 3) my age has me feeling a little squeamish about short skirts. Even if you have decent legs (thanks janet!) it still might not be a good look on a middle-aged woman. I'm feeling unhappy with even my 23- and 24-inch skirts, which used to be my go-to length. Weirdly, I feel ok wearing dresses that hit slightly above the knee.....but not a skirt. Hm.

Una, I'll have to take a look at your skirts. I hear ya on the comfort level.

Janet, I'm looking for the same....hip longer skirts. It helps if they taper in a little at the bottom. Jersey skirts seems less conservative, too. My VC midis feel hip and they're so comfy!

Suz, good advice on trying a different top besides the tee. I feel I have to be so careful about some pieces (like tees) as I get older. *sigh*

ElleH

I love both skirt lengths on you. I think if you try the shorter one with longer & shorter tops you might find a look or proportions you like.

unfrumped

You can SO wear the midi. Truly.

I don't think the other one is scandalous or anything. I think it is that your perfect "knee length" skirt, as in a pencil skirt, is just a tad longer than that, so that is what I'd aim for, not confining yourself only to below the knee. To me sometimes just 1/2 or 1 " more or less is where the sweet spot is for a given person (PSL--perfect skirt lengths) on the knee-length idea and even that varies a little with the shape of the skirt.

Sveta

I think you have perfect legs for wearing midi skirts with flats and this is hard to pull off (some jealousy here). I also don't think shorter skirt is juvenile but more casual for sure - and midi looks much more elegant.

Jaime

I completely relate to your feelings about skirt lengths. You have gorgeous legs and there is absolutely nothing too youthful or wrong about the shorter skirt, but I also have completely readjusted and find the longer length much more elegant and sophisticated somehow (as in we are not too old we are more sophisticated!). I do have a couple of shorter length dresses that I am keeping but will not consider anything new that does not cover my knees. For now anyhow.

pil

You look terrific in both skirts, though the comfort of the knit Bailey is probably a real plus. Not to mention not having to be as careful as with the shorter skirt : )
Suz suggested a different top with the AT - what about something longer? Or maybe you're not even interested in putting in the effort to make it work for this summer.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I can't resist:

Go Team Midi!

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