The Best Skirt Lengths for your Height - Brenda Muir Ladieswear (2024)

FAQs

How long should my skirt be for my height? ›

Knee-length or slightly below are perfect for ladies who are tall as it shows just the right amount of your legs. Petite ladies on the other hand should avoid knee-length hemlines as it does little to elongate your silhouette. If you have to, opt for high-waist knee-length options to add length.

For those of an average height, knee-length, A-line skirts are a flattering option. They offer the perfect balance between skirt and leg. Tea/midi length skirts are the most flattering type for most people. As the name implies, a knee-length dress/skirt's hem ends just above or below the knee.

If you are unsure, the knee is the guidepost to use. Anything that falls to the knees is generally appropriate for any personal or professional setting. Skirt length should be two inches or less above the knee to be considered a professional look for the workplace.

divide your body length from shoulder to floor by 1.618.

If you're going to wear a short dress or skirt, don't be afraid to go quite short! Doing so will really elongate the appearance of your legs. Knee length skirts will actually make you look shorter - so try to go above the knee. Of course, if you're going to don a mini skirt, keep it playful but still elegant.

The Most Flattering Hem Length

The most universally flattering hem length for women is knee length. It allows for the classic one-third/two-third proportion, which offers 1/3rd bare leg to 2/3rds coverage from neck to foot. This visually breaks the body in thirds and shows the most flattering part of the leg.

A-Line Skirts

They are potentially one of the most flattering types of skirts in our roundup due to their ability to cinch in your waist and drape over your hips and thighs — you'll feel fabulous, no matter what your body type!

Try to disguise the wider mid-section. Skirts that hit at knee length or right above the knee, or at the calf, are best. Knee-length bias cut, A-line and pencil skirts are all good. Pleated and A line skirts should start at a point below the tummy and be side fastening and flat-fronted.

Skirts are a great option for apple or circle body types, to help split up the body and create a more distinct waistline. Higher waistlines can help shape the bust line and give length to the legs, whilst skimming over the tummy area. Skirts with an asymmetric or interesting hemline can also work well.

Many dress codes have something called a finger-tip rule for shorts and skirts, which basically means that any skirt or pair of shorts that's shorter than the fingertips will be considered an offending garment, and if caught wearing one, the wearer will either be sent home or forced to wear "loaner clothes" to cover up ...

How short is too short for a skirt? ›

Depends on your body type but up to 2 inches above the knee is pretty safe no matter who you are. I have a large backside so a skirt or dress that looks just fine up front will look scandalous in the back so I can't go too short on the skirt or dress.

This puts the skirt at or just below mid-knee length for a wearer of average height and leg length. Depending on the wearer, a skirt as short as 22 inches might safely be considered conservative, but probably not any shorter than that.

For someone who is 5'2", a maxi dress length that falls just above the ankle or at the ankle is recommended.

To play it safe, women 5'3” or shorter can go for knee-length dresses or mid-calf dresses. Otherwise, wear a midi dress length or a maxi dress length. This ensures that your dress is both flattering and proportionate to your physique.

I'm almost always aiming for just above the knee, but if I'm looking to break out of my above the knee rut – at, mid-calf, tee* length, and ankle measurements for skirt length are included. That's it.

Floor-grazing styles like the maxi should be a summer staple in any fashion-forward wardrobe. Being petite doesn't mean that you need to be left out of this trend! Here's an insider tip from Stylists: the longer length will actually do wonders for lengthening your frame!