Stay around the knee. Right below, at, or right above the knee is the perfect length for a dress or a skirt at work. Going shorter is when you get into trouble, obviously it can be done but it's tricky, and going longer than right below the knee (like mid calf, ankle, and maxi) tends to get a bit dowdy.
“In general, anything up to the private parts can be legally exposed in public,” said Susan Scafidi of the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham University. Which means you can officially wear your skirts as short as you want almost anywhere — as long as you are willing to deal with the judgments of those around you.
The most flattering length for most women, and especially for shorter women, is around knee length. That is: just below the knee cap, on the knee cap, or at the top of the knee cap. The more leg you expose, the taller and slimmer you'll appear. Those are the generally recognized style 'rules' for shorter women.
Check the length: The general rule is that a skirt should fall no higher than mid-thigh. If the skirt is shorter than that, it may be considered too short.
If the hem of the dress is above your fingertips when your arms are relaxed, it may be considered too short for some settings. - Thigh Coverage: For casual settings, dresses that hit mid-thigh are often acceptable. However, for more formal occasions, longer lengths (such as knee-length or midi) are usually preferred.
Knee length skirts will actually make you look shorter - so try to go above the knee.
Short dresses belong to anyone who wants to wear them; this is a fact. If you want to feel the fresh air in a beautiful minidress, age should not be the reason that prevents you from doing so. Now that we got this out of the way, let's find your dress match!
No matter your body type, the general idea is to have your dress end at a relatively small part of your leg. For example, at or just below the knee tends to be the most universally flattering skirt length, whereas anything hitting the widest part of your calves can create the illusion of a shorter leg.
Aim for the thinnest part of your leg, which might be just below your knee cap. Depending upon how shapely and attractive your knees are, your skirt length could hit an inch or two above or below your knee.
A miniskirt (sometimes hyphenated as mini-skirt, separated as mini skirt, or sometimes shortened to simply mini) is a skirt with its hemline well above the knees, generally at mid-thigh level, normally no longer than 10 cm (4 in) below the buttocks; and a dress with such a hemline is called a minidress or a miniskirt ...
A-line skirts are considered one of the most universally slimming options. Their gentle flare balances proportions and accentuates the waist, creating a flattering silhouette for most body types.
Annabel Hodin, an image consultant who works with many midlifers, agrees that it's not about age, but recommends adhering to some guidelines, just to keep it as flattering as possible.
Measure from your shoulder to your toes. Let's call this measurement L. Now divide L by 1.618 Measure down from your shoulder this new measurement. That is where your hem should land.
If you go with a "conservative" skirt length, it must not be shorter than the bend of your knee. It is better to ensure it is slightly below that. In other words, anything that shows thigh isn't considered modest.
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 ...
Most body types look good in dresses that reach the knees. If you're petite or have a pear-shaped body which means your hips are more extensive than your shoulders – knee length dresses can help you achieve proportional balance. They fit hourglass bodies beautifully as well.
Before sitting down, press your legs and knees together to avoid exposing yourself. Bend down slowly, then slide your hands over your skirt to smooth out the material and ensure it doesn't ride up.
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.
Keep your skirt and dress lengths to the knee or slightly above. Flowy dresses look best if they are mid-calf length. Steer clear of cropped pants — they were an unflattering fashion fad for way too long. Don't show too much skin: too-short skirts and tops that are too low don't flatter anyone.
For ladies 5'4” or less, a mini skirt that falls no more than just above knee shows more skin, making the legs appear longer. If you don't like your knees, choose a skirt with a tight hem that falls just below the knee. Flesh tone shoes will further elongate the legs.
But mini skirts don't have to live in the past. You CAN wear them at any age. It's all about HOW you wear them.
Invest in high-quality basics like well-fitting jeans, crisp white t-shirts, and classic blazers. Experiment with bold prints, bright colors, and trendy accessories to add interest to your outfits. Try mixing and matching different textures and fabrics to create unique and personalized looks.
Long dresses are not just for tall women. With the right tips and tricks, short women can confidently wear long dresses and look stunning. From choosing the right fabric and fit to playing with proportions and colors, there are countless ways to make long dresses work for your petite frame.