How To Wear a Midi Skirt
Tina, here.
Knee-haters rejoice. The midi skirt is officially not frumpy. Unless of course you are wearing one from more than 10 years ago. And that's being very generous. Let me give you a visual of a frumpy midi skirt:
And here's the kind that looks good on almost everyone:
Let's break it down.
First of all, the rule, if you wore it the last time it was in style, you shouldn't wear it the second time is most often true. That goes for wardrobe items like denim jackets, cords, high-waisted jeans, and also midi skirts. Exceptions to the rule would be turquoise jewelry, most cowboy boots, anything Chanel, and some, but very few, black cocktail dresses (notice I didn't say regular LBD's - that's an entirely different story).
What is a midi skirt? It's any skirt that falls below your knees. Could be right under your knees (good) or mid-calf (terrible). Take a look again at the examples above and you'll see the difference. Midi skirts are one of my November Must-Haves, so I wanted to spend a little time showing you how to wear them.
I like to wear my midi skirts more fitted, to make up for the length. That's what keeps it from being frumpy. So to balance the fit of the skirt, I'll wear something looser on top, like this men's buffalo check shirt (you can shop this look if you're a Style Vault Insider). I've been known to shop the men's section and alter the arms to fit. I haven't done that yet, but I think because it's casual, I'm getting away with it.
Style Hack: Now I've got something fitted, yet longer, on my bottom half, and something looser on top. But I still feel like I need to tame the fullness. Enter the belt. Such a perfect accessory for this look. (I bought this concho belt at the Nashville Flea Market almost 10 years ago for a song. I felt guilty. But it's signed, silver and original. I've sourced a similar one in this collection where Insiders can shop the look).
This midi skirt is a bit longer, so heels become necessary to give you back the height your skirt stole from your legs. Even though I'm wearing a fitted tee, it's long enough to scrunch at the waist, which breaks it up.
As it gets colder, I'll wear boots with longer skirts. I don't mind the gap between my dress or skirt and the top of my boots, but for those of you who do, a midi skirt or dress is your dream come true to close the gap.
I will say, I don't like my skirt length getting any longer because now you really lose your legs and any appearance of height if you go much longer.
My favorite midi skirt has a little kick to it. I found some beautiful skirts with just the perfect flounce at the back of the knee. A tailor once told me that's the ideal skirt to show off a woman's backside. It really is when you put one of these on and waltz around a room for everyone to delight in you.
You can see that little kick in the hem here. It's also more forgiving when you're walking or seated.
I hope you'll resist the urge to pull out your old Harold's long flowing skirts from the 90's, and take advantage of the fabulous skirts on offer now. Stock up now while they're on the racks, because iust as soon as this trend takes off, another one will take its place. And don't worry, you can still your midi skirt if you wear it the right way! Insiders can click below to shop more midi skirts in the collection. Not a member yet? Join our 5 day free trial!
Thanks for reading, and all the best,
Tina
