Skirting The Issue

Fall 2011 may be well known as the season of the longer skirt. This is wonderful especially because our climate gets rather chilly and mini skirts with tights don't keep us warm enough. Midi-length or "tea length" as well as Maxi-length (ankle length) skirts were seen all over the runway months ago at various fall/winter 2011 fashion shows, so I thought it would be a good idea to discuss these skirts in more detail.

Midi-length or “tea length” skirts finish somewhere between the bottom of the kneecap and the bottom of the calf. Form fitting midi skirts were very prevalent in the 1940’s. They were popular in flared silhouettes in the 1950’s. And they were popular in just about every silhouette in the 80’s. For women who are shorter than 5'7" who want to wear this trend, it will work better to keep the skirt at a just-below-the-knee length and keep the silhouette slim and narrow.

Maxi-length skirts finish off at the ankle. At one time only worn by bohemian artsy types or as formal evening skirts, they are now very mainstream and come in solids as well as the familiar patterns. This length is also not a look for everyone. Once again shorter women should stick to shorter skirts (knee length and up) or else you will look like you're lost in the skirt or dress.

A good idea if you're on the shorter side is to wear knee-high boots with a skirt. To create a longer, leaner line, make sure that there's either no gap between the top of the boots and the bottom of the skirt or wear tights that match the boots and skirt.

Whether you choose midi or maxi what is popular right now are slim skirts with a high slit, full pleated skirts, and skirts shorter in the front than in the back (often called shirttail hem, tapered hem, or cutaway hem). The trend for patterns for Fall 2011 are plaid, graphic prints, polka dots, florals, or some sort of embellishment - sequins, beading, etc. To be in style choose chiffon or some other sheer material, wool, satin, or even leather. Current colours are bold like cobalt blue, emerald green, royal purple, lemon yellow, fuchsia, metallics, or stick to basic black if you must.

To make yourself look taller and thinner, once again I will repeat - wear knee-high boots and make sure that there's either no gap between the top of the boots and the bottom of the skirt or wear tights that match the boots and skirt. With a slim midi or maxi wear pumps or kitten heels with pointy toes because they will make your legs look more shapely. With a full skirted midi or maxi, try wearing a ballet flat or wedges and steer clear of pumps because they are too sexy for such a cute skirt.

Hope this inspires everyone to select the skirt that's in style and right for you!

Joelle