From ankle-length to midi to mini, this season’s selection of dress lengths have caused quite a stir as memories of mid-90s modesty help set the tone for a spring and summer defined by memories and risks. However, since not all of us have the luxury of donning a skirt of any length and having it fit perfectly, we’ve come up with a list of the hottest lengths and who looks best wearing what. Thus, there may not be a need to invest in that retro Northern Reflections dress just yet.
What: Ankle-Length
Why: Often the black sheep of the dress word, ankle-length anything has seemed synonymous with 90s fashion disasters and Sister Wives for many moons, as anyone willing to cover their calves were classified as potential Croc wearers and shunned along with their copy of Practical Magic. However, thanks to the likes of Zara and Calvin Klein, ankle-length skirts and dresses have made a comeback, making those with an affinity for modesty far more fashion-forward than their haters.
Who: Since ankle-length styles offer little to no shape in terms of silhouette, it’s best to adopt them if you’re of the tall and slim variety, since curves can appear shapeless and result in a look that’s relatively unflattering. However, as proven by Emma Stone in a recent ankle-length dress, provided it’s cinched at the waist and boasts a v-neck (thus creating definition), you can pair it with heels and wear it proudly regardless of body type.
Try sporting this trend with Zara’s Fuchsia Ankle-Length Skirt, $59.90.
What: Midi
Why: Thanks to the 1970s revival, midi skirts have made calf-length styles the new black equivalent, as countless designers have taken a page out of the book of WKRP to create an hourglass silhouette that borrows from several decades “ including this season’s hottest. Boasting an A-line cut and a defined waist, midi skirts look just as good with heels as they do with flats and remind us why the affinity for early 60s style always reigns supreme.
Who: The real question of the hour: who can’t wear the midi? Provided you’re donning an A-line style over a pencil skirt or a stiff denim number, any height and body type can adopt the midi skirt and wear it with a blouse, cropped jacket or even a well-fitted tee. The only rule pertains to pencil skirts: if you’re shorter with curves, you may want to opt for heels since they add height and definition, thus ensuring the most flattering silhouette.
H&M’s Turquoise Pleated Midi Skirt will definitely make a bold statement, $49.95.
What: Mini
Why: Like white blouses and black pumps, mini skirts will never die, and thanks to various styles and shapes, you can easily make them a timeless option needed to anchor the season’s statement pieces. The only catch? Since longer skirts are increasing in rank, you’ll want to pair your mini with tights to prevent looking dated.
Who: Like the A-line, mini skirts can easily be worn alongside any height or body type, provided they’re not too tight and worn with tights or flat shoes. However, with such a push toward either the ultra-feminine or relatively androgynous, mini is hardly that: an above the knee cut now constitutes as this season’s mini skirt, so if you’re looking to go any shorter, stick to an oversize shirt worn with leggings.
Check out Joe Fresh’s Printed Mini Skirt, $29.
