Ask Belle: Midi-Skirts for Spring
Feb 6, 2014
Dear Belle,
I keep reading about midi-length skirts in fashion magazines and on other fashion blogs. I like the idea of a longer skirt but I don’t know where to start looking for one or whether I should be wearing one. Can anyone wear a midi? Where’s the best place to shop for one? What shoes should I wear?
Thank you. I hope you can help. MH
Midi-skirts are making an appearance this season, and probably for several seasons to come. But before we dive into where to shop or what shoes to wear, let’s talk about how to wear one.
Many women think that because they’re not 8ft tall, midi-skirts aren’t for them. But looking good in a midi-skirt is really about two things: proportion and hemline. Some women look good in skirts that cut just below the knee, others look best in skirts that graze at mid-calf or just above the ankle. So try on a few lengths to find one that is right for you. And remember, if you find a skirt you really adore but the length is wrong, you can have a tailor hem it to a more flattering length.
The second thing to consider is proportion. For many women, a slim-fitting, pencil-style skirt is most flattering. But some women will find a fuller skirt or an a-line to be more to their liking. So don’t try on one style and decide that this trend is not for you.
Express High-Waist Midi ($59) // Topshop Diamond Printed Skirt ($96) // XOXO Printed Scuba Skirt ($46) // ASOS Pleated Midi Skirt ($75)
Unless this is a trend you truly love and looks great on you, you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a midi-skirt, so all the choices here are under-$100. The tribal-print pencil skirt is probably my favorite, but they’re all lovely.
If you’re searching for slimmer skirts, Express has several choices in addition to the one above. I like this striped stretch skirt and this space-dyed number.
But if fuller is what you’re looking for, I would stick with ASOS, which has more midi-skirts than a 1950s sock-hop. I love this fitted skirt with a flared hem, and don’t miss their selection of pleated midi-skirts. I like this bold cobalt one.
Plus-size? I found this pleated skirt at ASOS, and this pencil skirt from Vince Camuto. Petite? Have a look at this fuller skirt from ASOS.
What would you wear it with? I see a lot of crop tops paired with midi skirts but unlike the models, I do not have a flat stomach.
I have the fuller, jersey skirt from Asos and like it. I’ve been a bit boring and have worn it with a slim fitting, long sleeve tee that is tucked in and a leopard print belt that hits just below my waist. A friend has the chiffon Asos skirt (listed in cobalt) and she looks great in it – she’s about 5’2″ and wears it with 3″+ heels.
And I sense a follow up post… 🙂
HH, which one do you have? I’m contemplating buying one from ASOS, specifically from the ‘Petite’ line but haven’t pulled the trigger yet.
Funny, I’ve been wearing midi skirts for years — the curse of being very petite in a statuesque world! 🙂
Great picks! I’ve been looking at this length for rehearsal dinner outfits. I love that diamond printed skirt from Topshop, the tailored pleats look flattering.
Dear Belle,
Love your blog!!
So here’s what’s confusing to me. I was on the Nordi’s site yesterday and they are featuring what they call midi skirts – like the ones you’ve posted. From way back when (70s?) a midi skirt meant a mid-calf length. Like the black and white skirt you show above. Suddenly, skirts that hit just below the knee are being labeled ‘midi.’ What up? Am I out of touch with current realities, or is this a misnomer?