Skirts are feminine and versatile, and usually prove as an easy garment to style for most women. But skirt lengths are no trivial matter, and can really give your overall silhouette a leg up when picked out discerningly. Whilst most of us choose skirt lengths based on personal preferences and comfort, other considerations matter too, such as height and the shape of your legs.
We break down the four major hemlines and what you should look out for when picking up a piece. Plus, these tips apply to dresses too.
#1: Mini skirt
As the name suggests, mini skirts are, well, mini. To be more precise, mini skirts end inches above the knee. While mini skirts are great because they show off the most of your toned gams and are the most elongating of all hemlines, they aren’t exactly appropriate for all social occasions, especially when the dress code is formal and the decorum is strict. Minis are especially great for petite women but can be enjoyed by all.
Length to note: Get a mini skirt that doesn’t end at the widest part of your thighs, if you don’t wish to draw the eye to that area.
https://www.femalemag.com.sg/fashion/skirt-length-tips-hemlines/
Mini skirt
Miu Miu crinkled glossed-leather mini skirt, US$1,840 (S$2,487.99) from Net-a-Porter
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Made with black glossed lamb leather, this flattering A-line crinkled leather mini skirt can easily be paired with a knotted shirt and ankle boots, or wear a slouchy sweater to juxtapose its clean lines.
Alexander McQueen spine shell jacquard mini skirt, S$1,945
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Looking to add shape to your lower body? Pair this flared skirt with the matching top for a holistic monochromatic finish. Or if you want something less busy, tuck a simple black blouse into the piece.
Topshop denim mini skirt, S$66.90
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Dress this up with boots and a blouse for a smart casual look.
#2: Knee-length
This silhouette is identifiable by the length of the skirt ending at, slightly above, or slightly below the knee. Knee-length skirts are also family- and boss-friendly, and suit most, if not all, occasions.
Length to get: Knee-length is an easy fail-safe choice because it flatters women of all height. If you’re more petite, you could opt for one that ends above the knee rather than below, for the illusion of height.
https://www.femalemag.com.sg/fashion/skirt-length-tips-hemlines/
Knee-length
Diane von Furstenberg Klara pleated metallic stretch-knit midi skirt, US$375.92 (S$508.31) from Net-a-Porter
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The breezy form of pleated skirts add movement and lightness to your overall look — not to mention a touch of femininity. Pair this shiny piece with a soft silk or satin blouse and add a slinky pair of silver heels to complete the look.
Gucci embellished wool and silk-blend crepe skirt, US$1,095.94 (S$1,481.90) from Net-a-Porter
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This black pencil skirt from Gucci features its archival GG hardware prominently — which you can remove if you’re more for the pared-down look. But if you’re all for conspicuous consumption, tuck in your top, throw on a simple pair of brogues and let the logo shine.
Mango cut-out detail skirt, S$49.90
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This sleek pencil skirt hits the knee but sports a centre split that shows off your gams. A sophisticated addition to your work ensemble, match it with a striped shirt or silk cami top. Finish with loafers or heels.
Read more on the next page.
#3: Midi
Also known as tea length skirts, midi dresses extend past the knees and can end at the widest part of the calves, which results in a truncated silhouette that might not be advisable for petite women. However, a pair of sky-high stilettos or nude pumps can help to mitigate this as they add the illusion of height.
Length to get: Using the same logic as when choosing the length of a mini skirt, opt for a midi that ends at the thinnest part of the shins.
https://www.femalemag.com.sg/fashion/skirt-length-tips-hemlines/
Midi
Moncler Genius + 4 Simone Rocha ruffled shell-trimmed tulle midi skirt, US$1,093.63 (S$1,478.77) from Net-a-Porter
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Don’t play it safe at work. Go for this exaggerated and dramatic ruffled shell skirt to make an entrance. From Moncler Genius’ Simone Rocha collection, this skirt is great for shorter women as the transparency of the tulle helps add stature. Finish with a simple blouse and towering black heels.
JW Anderson asymmetric twill midi skirt, US$515.96 (S$697.67) from Net-a-Porter
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Soft and light, this is the perfect number for those slow and lazy days. Ending right at the thinnest part of the calves, this JW Anderson piece sports a panel and a draped overlay that can be left undone or tied at the back in a loose bow. Inject some toughness by tucking a sleeveless buttoned shirt in and slipping into a pair of Chelsea boots.
Topshop snake satin bias midi skirt, S$79.90
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Turn heads at your workplace by opting for this statement snake print piece from Topshop that comes in a bold shade of hot pink. Tone it down with a black T-shirt and sneakers for a street style look.
Zara crochet skirt, S$59.90
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Crochet is a Spring/Summer ’19 trend that we can totally get onboard with, especially when it comes in a feminine design like this Zara number. Wear with a crochet top in another colour to stay in theme, or if that’s too much, a simple cropped top will do.
#4: Maxi
A maxi length skirt would end at or beyond the ankle. Great for women who are taller in height, these are also the perfect cover up for any less than stellar footwear choices you might’ve made on mornings you overslept.
Length to get: People of a more petite stature should skip those that skim the floor. For added height, click on some high heels.
https://www.femalemag.com.sg/fashion/skirt-length-tips-hemlines/
Maxi
Alice + Olivia Diana ruched satin maxi skirt, US$403.80 (S$546.01) from Net-a-Porter
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Channel Angelina Jolie’s iconic Oscar look and show off leg with this maxi skirt that boasts a thigh high slit. French tuck a simple jumper, slip into some crystal crusted stilettos and finish with a matching minaudiere for an irresistible after-hours look.
Antonio Berardi stretch-cady maxi skirt, US$975.85 (S$1,319.52) from Net-a-Porter
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If you have a black tie event but don’t feel like wearing a restrictive full-length gown, why not opt for this floor-sweeping number from Antonio Berardi? Pair it with an off-shoulder top to show some skin. Go with comfy block heels rather than killer stilettos since it covers your feet.
Zara floral print long skirt, S$69.90
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Bask in our eternal summer by wearing this cheery yellow floral printed skirt. Complete the look with a simple topknot, white T-shirt, and remember your sunnies.