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
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Linking up to: iwillwearwhatilike, Visible Monday, Shoe and Tell, Turning Heads Tuesday, Brilliant Blog Posts, My Refined Style, Passion for Fashion Friday, Fun Fashion Friday
I just bought my first midi skirt a few days ago:). Great post Catherine. Renata xo
I don't mean to disagree Catherine, but midis lately, they don't work for me. I have to wear runners, and I never look like the sample up above. I don't know if I'm choosing the wrong length, but every time I go to wear a midi it looks so frumpy on me with my tennis shoes. For my body type–apple with big boobs, a midi accentuates my waist and then larger size breasts. I feel like if I were able to wear a pair of heels it would help to elongate things. But with runners I end up looking short and squat. I think I'll give it one more go though and try the midi with a shirt tied at my waist. That might work.
Anyway, in my opinion, the midi skirt looks the very best with a heel, and with a flat shoe the calf just ends up looking real short.
I hope you don't mind my disagreement. AND, I will try to wear a midi this week and tag it to the #iwillwearwhatilike so you can tell me what you think. *wink wink*
Love, Ann from Kremb de la Kremb
I just started loving midi skirts and picked quite a few really adorable ones in my local thrift shop. I love every midi skirt in this post, Catherine. But that's how I am…once I fixate on a trend, I'm all in! Great post!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com/army-banquet-and-on-the-edge-of-the-week-link-up-10/
Yay for midi skirts! Midis are my fav … long enough to cover my legs and short enough to show off cute shoes! 😀
Thanks SO much for joining us at Fun Fashion Friday! It always makes me happy to see you at our linky!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
It annoys me too that a 'midi' in some shop descriptions can be on the knee. That's not my interpretation at all! I adore midi skirts, especially pencil midis (Dior got it right back in the late 40s with his specification of how many inches above the ground a hem should be!). Being tall it's hard to find true midi lengths sometimes. I'm actually learning to sew and am making a midi skirt, so I can get it just the right length! The lengths I have to go to… (excuse the pun). xx
Oh here comes trouble. I find it extremely difficult to style skirts and dresses. And I know that my problem is SHOES and boots. And the fact that I am used to tucking things in etc. Most of the undoubtedly splendid examples you show, I just do not find attractive. I doesn't show the bit of the calf where it goed back in. Just the lower part of the calf is a stick. IMHO.
The only person I know who gets away with them is Carin (catoinamsterdam).
There is just so much of it. Especially with my black Max Mara skirt: long, nearly to the ankle, thick material (winter) and I even have a matching black jacket which is tailored, showing off the waist. I thought I would make a great 1950 picture with high heels underneath it. My husband just asked me whether I was going to a funeral. Sigh.
Haven't found anyone who could style it.
Me and dresses and skirts… I love them, but I don't get them. Which is why I come home with trousers all the time.
Greetje
goed=goes
And don't feel offended by this ranting comment. It is only my frustration, not being able to style them. Nothing to do with what you offer or describe. I love the Ted Baker and Finery skirts. And the Closet A-line black and white number (always good in my book). And all the tulle skirts. Sigh.
Love all the links you provided. The tulle and pleated ones are so pretty! I love a midi length skirt. They are so versatile. Loving your series. Thank you, Catherine. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
These are my favorite skirts! I have several below-the knee skirts that get a heavy rotation in my closet, and you're inspiring me for a few more here. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
The tulle midi skirts here are a beautiful idea that I haven't tried. I love a beautiful fabric midi but as mentioned in other comments, it's a fine line between stylish and frumpy. It's often not the skirt that dictates the outcome but the top (too long and potentially it's disastrous) and shoes.
I am a big fan of a midi skirt! I love all sports, colors ,design of them! I think they are stylish all the time!
I love a midi, am just considering venturing into a pencil midi for the first time to add to my collection of demin, pleated, patterned, sparkly and lace midis
great skirts, I love the tulle, seriously my favourite. Samantha is right though one misstep and its a disaster ( especially for us shorter types) but when its right it is so very right
Another great post, Catherine!
Midi's can look extremely good, super chic, elegant, funky and very flattering BUT, put a foot wrong (or an inch or two) and they can make the wearer look like the frumpiest of frumps from Frumpsville.
This is a great guide to getting a difficult look spot on.
XXX
Samantha
http://www.fakefabulous.com