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Capsule Wardrobe Pieces: 20 Midi Skirts to Shop

Week three of my series about classic wardrobe pieces that suit all shapes and sizes, and this time it’s what I consider the most flattering skirt length on most people: The midi!

(In case you’ve missed the first two, I featured lots of classic shape sunglasses to shop in the first week and dark wash jeans in the second… There are many more coming up so keep an eye for the weekly series every Wednesday or Thursday 🙂

Everyone suits a midi length – you just need to get the proportions right for your height and shape. You shouldn’t forget, however, that any particular midi could be either just below the knee, mid-calf or practically ankle length depending on whether you’re tall, average height or petite. And due to the fact that most of your legs are covered, they’re great if you’re not fond of showing off your legs (like me). A high-waisted midi that’s at least mid-calf length will create the perfect “rule of thirds” proportions and elongate your legs – perfect if you feel you’re on the short-waisted side.

YOU SHOULDN’T FORGET THAT ANY PARTICULAR MIDI COULD BE EITHER JUST BELOW THE KNEE, MID LENGTH OR PRACTICALLY ANKLE LENGTH DEPENDING ON WHETHER YOU’RE TALL, AVERAGE HEIGHT OR PETITE.

It’s often a case of trial and error, and knowing what lengths different brands call a midi… I often get frustrated when filtering my online searches for skirts by “midi” only to find a long list of knee-length or even above-the-knee lengths. Those are not midi skirts IMHO…!

So don’t forget that these are all just suggestions for a classic length skirt in order to build a capsule wardrobe – #iwillwearwhatilike still applies! – and remember to inject your own personality into your outfit every time.

SHOP THE EDIT:

The styles of midi skirts I’ve chosen are casual, pleated, dressy, tulle and classic black – something for all shapes and sizes, and all personalities.

WHICH OF THESE CLASSIC STYLES DO YOU OWN – AND DO YOU HAVE A PREFERENCE OF ONE OVER ANOTHER? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR TWEET ME @NOTLAMB!

Casual midi skirts for everyday

Above left: Warehouse Chambray Skirt | Above right: ASOS Denim Midi Skirt

The perfect length for all seasons, midi skirts in denim or cotton twill will work for both mild days bare-legged and colder days with the addition of tights and boots. Light cotton or chambray is perfect for hot summer days… They’re just easy to throw on and go.

Below left: Closet A-Line Stripe Skirt | Below right: ASOS Button Through Midi Skirt

Pleated midi skirts

Above left: Storets Pleated Herringbone Skirt | Above right: Coast Gold Pleated Skirt

Pleated midis made an appearance (resurgence?) a few years ago and haven’t really gone away since. Whether you go for grey schoolgirl-style pleats, floaty chiffon or a sparkly number, they’ll always look classy and can be dressed up or down as the occasion requires.

Below left: Closet Pleated Midi Skirt | Below right: LK Bennett Printed Pleated Skirt

Dressy midi skirts (for weddings and evening wear)

Above left: Closet Floral Midi Skirt | Above right: Finery A-Line Skirt

A bold patterned or brightly coloured midi will make a statement, not least because of the sheer amount of fabric on show. They’re perfect for weddings – or indeed any dressy occasion – and all you need is a simple top to show it off. Or do as I do and go for a bit of pattern clashing.

Below left: Ted Baker Full Skirt in Antique Stripe | Below right: LK Bennett Printed Midi Skirt

Tulle Midi Skirts

Above left: Maya Embellished Midi Tulle Skirt | Above right: ASOS Tulle Prom Skirt Grey

No doubt we have Carrie Bradshaw to thank you for bringing back the tulle skirt – though if you think about it, Sex and the City first aired in 1998 and she was wearing the famous (albeit mini) tulle skirt in the opening credits. That means we’ve been loving them for nearly 20 years, so it’s safe to say they’re a classic. Guaranteed to make you feel like a fairy princess, the tulle skirt works for wedding dresses, date nights, evenings out, Christmas parties…

Below left: ASOS Multi Layered Tulle Skirt Navy | Below right: ASOS Tulle Prom Skirt Dark Pink

Black midi skirts

Above left: LK Bennett Midi Skirt | Above right: Whistles Wrap Leather Midi Skirt

I’m not a lover of black as you may know, but a black midi skirt is a sound investment that can be dressed up or down as the occasion requires: It’ll work for night and day, a cocktail bar or the office. I’ve picked some with interesting fabrics or hemlines and one true, classic, plain A-line skirt that’s just begging to be accessorised to the hilt.

Below left: Finery Graphic Broderie Skirt | Below right: And Less A-Line Skirt