In recent times, designers have begun experimenting with a slightly longer silhouette for skirts. For instance, American designer Burch introduced a loose, below-the-knee shirt dress in a vibrant poppy red silk. She adjusted the hem to just above the ankle for a dress in a jungle-fern pattern, and raised it to just at the knee for a spaghetti-strap sundress.
Reese, another designer, introduced a lot of flair into this new style with ruffled hems, while Rebekah Actress presented a versatile midi skirt in silk charmeuse. Michael Kors showcased calf-length skirts in both neutrals and vibrant fuchsia.
According to fashion expert Slowey, this look can be made more sophisticated in crinkled linen in bright colors, or it can be styled in a more edgy, ’90s grunge way with oversized jackets and kohl-rimmed eyes. “It’s all about attitude,” she added.
However, body shape is a crucial factor. Midi skirts may not be flattering for women with thicker legs. “If not done right, it can be incredibly frumpy,” warned Slowey. “You have to be realistic about your body shape.”
The best approach is to streamline the silhouette, pairing the skirt with a more fitted top or blouse and heels to elongate the legs.
Hoff, a fashion advisor, noted that many women are hesitant to experiment with accessories. “They feel that they can’t pull off the look like ‘the stylish women’ can. We tell women to start slow with one necklace or scarf and when they feel comfortable, add another to their collection. A few key accessories can transform your existing wardrobe into a stylish and flirty look.”
Despite living miles apart, business partners Roy and Hoff have successfully maintained their fashion business and are approaching their 3-year anniversary.
They met as freshmen at Lafayette College and quickly formed a friendship despite their contrasting styles: Hoff’s Louis Vuitton bag and Roy’s casual flip flops. Years later, both established successful careers in fashion and accessories, Hoff as a senior executive at Ralph Lauren and Beth as a corporate sales manager for Tiffany & Co.
Eventually, they left the corporate world for motherhood but continued to maintain their passion for fashion. They believe that when a mother feels good and is happy, everyone is happy.
For those who enjoy playing with clothing proportions, mastering the midi skirt is like solving a fashion Rubik’s Cube. It requires a bit of thought before everything falls into place.
Carr, owner of a boutique, initially hesitated when she first saw the midi trend. “But now that I’ve been working with it, I love it,” she said. “That length can look great with platforms with a strap around the ankle.”
As with any major shift in fashion, it can take some time for people to adjust.
Christy Lorio, a fashion blogger, embraced the longer hemline after figuring out how to make it work for her petite 5’1″ frame. “I found a skirt with a high waist, and that made the proportion feel right,” she said. “I then kept everything else simple. I wore it with a black tank top and a belt.”
She humorously added, “I didn’t want to venture into sister-wife territory. I think the key is to try it on in a variety of different ways and find one that works for you, whether that’s going really long or closer to the knee.”
Nicole Bergeron Allison, owner of a boutique, shared, “To the knee is about as long as I’ll go. If you go too long or too full, it can be way too much dress.”
After a long period of tight and short being the prevailing fashion trend, don’t expect the longer look to completely phase out mini-skirts. Many labels, including Milly, Alice + Olivia, and Diane von Furstenberg, offered hemline options for spring, including the comfort zone of above the knee.
