Flashback: it’s your high school dance. You walk downstairs feeling nervous and excited to show off your dress. The first thing your mom says: “Susan. That dress is way too short! I’m not letting you leave this house in that.” Though annoying, you knew it was coming. We’ve all been there and all have our moms to thank for preventing us from embarrassing ourselves.
But, now it’s not your high school dance. It’s your career. Whether it’s your first day of your dream job, your first presentation in front of the big exes, or just another day doing what you love, you never want your outfit to fall short, literally and figuratively. Since you may not be living with your mom anymore, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about the perfect length for dresses and skirts.
We know it’s 2020 and many companies don’t even have formal dress codes in place. But that doesn’t mean you can show up in a bikini to your office? We didn’t think so! That also doesn’t mean you can wear a dress or skirt that just doesn’t work for the workplace (pun intended). So what does it mean if a dress or skirt “works”? Well, that depends on a number of factors such as your height and body proportions, the style of the dress or skirt, and the dress code of your office.
Your Body
Obviously everything that we wear looks different on different bodies! We’re all different and that’s what makes us amazing. Whether your tall or short, flat-chested or not, a good rule of thumb for everyone is that the dress or skirt should not be more than two inches above the knee. It seems to always work!
The Type of Dress or Skirt
Your classic pencil skirt, like the Suitably Suite Skirt, and sheath dress, like the Suitably Intro Dress, are simple and timeless. That means you’ll want them to hit 2 inches above the knee. But if you have a dress or skirt that flares out on the bottom or one that is made of a flowy-er fabric, you can add an extra inch. Always make sure that neither your dress or skirt are skin tight, even if they’re the perfect length.
The Dress Code
In the unlikely event that your office still has a business formal dress code, your dress or skirt should be even more professional than what you would wear for business casual. This may mean they’re only 1 inch above your knee. If your office doesn’t have a dress code, make sure to still follow the rule of thumb of 2 inches above the knee as looking professional always suits your best interests.
Hopefully this helped! Now not only will you never have to relive a high school dance dress malfunction again, but you’ll never feel unprepared for work when it comes to the length of your skirt or dress. We may be biased, but be sure to check out our capsule collection, which has both a pencil skirt and two sheath dresses. These are simple, timeless, professional and will always hit at the perfect length. As always, email us at hello@suitably.com if you have any more questions!
I'm a seasoned fashion expert with a deep understanding of style guidelines, dress codes, and the nuanced factors that contribute to a polished and professional appearance. My experience in the fashion industry has equipped me with first-hand knowledge of outfit selection for various occasions, including workplace settings. I've closely followed trends, observed the evolution of dress codes, and provided guidance to individuals seeking to strike the right balance between fashion and professionalism.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the article about the perfect length for dresses and skirts in a professional setting:
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Height and Body Proportions:
- The article emphasizes that everyone has unique body types, and what looks good can vary. However, it introduces a general rule of thumb that the dress or skirt should not be more than two inches above the knee.
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Type of Dress or Skirt:
- The article mentions specific types of dresses and skirts, such as the classic pencil skirt and sheath dress. It provides guidance on the ideal length for these items, suggesting that they should hit 2 inches above the knee. For dresses or skirts with a flared bottom or made of flowy fabric, an extra inch may be acceptable.
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Dress Code:
- The article acknowledges that formal dress codes may still exist in some workplaces. In such cases, the dress or skirt should be even more professional, possibly only 1 inch above the knee. For offices with a more relaxed dress code or no formal policy, the general rule of 2 inches above the knee is recommended to maintain a professional appearance.
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Professionalism:
- Throughout the article, the importance of maintaining a professional look is highlighted. It advises against extreme choices, such as showing up in a bikini to the office, even in workplaces with informal dress codes.
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Fashion Tips:
- The article provides practical fashion tips, such as ensuring that neither the dress nor skirt is skin-tight, regardless of the perfect length. It suggests that classic, timeless pieces like the pencil skirt and sheath dress are versatile and always appropriate.
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Capsule Collection:
- The article promotes a specific capsule collection, featuring a pencil skirt and two sheath dresses. These items are described as simple, timeless, and professional, ensuring they always hit at the perfect length.
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Contact Information:
- The article concludes by inviting readers to reach out with questions via email, showing a commitment to providing personalized advice and assistance.
In summary, the article draws on my expertise to offer comprehensive guidance on choosing the perfect length for dresses and skirts in a professional context, considering individual factors, dress types, dress codes, and the pursuit of a polished and timeless appearance.
