If you’ve ever searched for skirts online, you’ve probably come across the many styles and lengths available to you—maxi, mini, A-line, pencil, etc. One skirt that’s quite common is the midi skirt. These skirts fall around the calf area (either above or below) and are a nice compromise if maxi styles swallow you because you’re petite and mini skirts are not your vibe. But if you are a petite—meaning you’re on the shorter side—and are searching for a midi skirt for yourself or another petite individual in your life, you know that it could be hard to find options that aren’t too long on your legs. But don’t worry, you’ve landed on the right page.
“A midi skirt gives the feeling of wearing a longer skirt, yet does not overwhelm a petite frame,” explains Amanda Weil, celebrity stylist and CEO of Style Awakenings. “Plus, with the right shoes, a midi skirt can give the illusion of longer legs.”
How you wear a midi skirt can change the dynamic of your outfit or look, which is why we went to the experts for their insights. In addition to Weil, Nashville-based celebrity stylist Olivia Rose Mobleyalso spoke with Parade to share some do’s and don’ts of wearing midi skirts for petites. They also share some styling insights to keep in mind when pairing midi skirts with coats, tops and other accessories.
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What Skirt Length Is Best for a Petite?
A midi skirt is meant to fall around the calf area (but below the knee and above the ankle). However, what’s the best length for someone petite?
“The best skirt length for a petite frame is a midi skirt that hits at the lower calf, above ankle length but below the midcalf,” Mobley explains. Think anywhere that hits you at the smallest part of your calf above your ankle.”
That said, even though a midi skirt is the best skirt length for petites from a proportions perspective, you shouldn’t let that stop you from wearing whichever skirt length you feel best and most confident in, Weil adds.
How To Wear a Midi Skirt as a Petite
Although you or any other petite out there can wear a midi skirt however you’d like, our experts share a few tips you can consider when it comes to styling. For example, Weil notes that it is important to balance your shirt and skirt.
“My go-to outfit with a midi skirt is a blouse tucked in with an oversized blazer and a pair of pointed-toe kitten heels,” Mobley adds.
Related: 7 Best Petite Coats and Jackets, According to Celebrity Stylists
7 Do’s for Wearing a Midi Skirt as a Petite
1. Wear a Midi Skirt With Elongating Shoes
The shoes a petite person pairs with a midi skirt not only significantly alters how the skirt looks, but can impact the entire outfit.
“Focus on shoes that elongate your legs such as pointed-toe higher boots, pointed-toe heels or a wedge,” advises Weil. Mobley adds that sandals and pointed-toe flats also work well.
2. Add Accessories to Your Look
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!
“Add your personality to make the look yours by adding jewelry, a belt or a scarf,” says Weil.
3. Wear Solid Colors or Elongating Prints
Mobley notes that wearing a monochromatic or tonal look can help further elongate your appearance.
“Opt for column dressing which means wearing the same shade head to toe,” adds Weil.
4. Accentuate Your Waist
Draw attention to your waist by way of your midi skirt to show off your figure. Mobley notes that you can do this by adding a belt at your waist or tucking in your shirt.
“The goal is to highlight your waist and give the illusion of balance between the upper and lower body,” explains Weil. “This is why tucking in the shirt balancing a more fitted top with a looser bottom, or, if you wear a more fitted skirt, playing with a looser top such as a chunky sweater is important.”
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5. Pair a Midi Skirt With Different Kinds of Tops
Although you can opt for the same kind of top (or the same top) each time you wear a midi skirt, changing up your look keeps your outfits from appearing redundant.
“Opt for a graphic t-shirt or tank for a more casual look or add that blazer or cardigan to feel more professional,” says Weil. “Stay out of the mindset that your skirt has to be worn a certain way each time.”
6. Show More Leg
Although this isn’t a requirement, showing more leg while wearing a midi skirt can help elongate your look.
“Opt for a side slit, wrap skirt or sheer style to show a little more leg,” says Mobley.
7. Have Fun Wearing a Midi Skirt
Even though we’re giving you tips, you can wear skirts however you please! The best part about wearing a midi skirt is having fun regardless of how you decide to rock it.
“Don’t get too caught up in ‘rules’,” says Weil. “Trust your intuition and put together a look that makes you feel happy and confident.”
7 Don’ts for Wearing a Midi Skirt as a Petite
1. Don’t Let It Touch the Widest Part of Your Calves
Mobley recommends avoiding wearing midi skirts that touch the widest part of your calves. Although the choice is up to you, doing so could make you appear shorter.
2. Don’t Wear an Overly Billowing Shirt
When wearing a midi skirt, you want to be able to see it without the rest of your outfit being too overwhelming. That said, it’s key to ensure your top does not cover it. This is especially true if you’re wearing a flowy midi skirt, explains Weil.
3. Don’t Be Afraid To Get Your Midi Skirt Tailored
Weil notes that there may only be a few occasions when you find the perfect midi skirt that doesn’t need any alterations. You shouldn’t let the possibility of hemming a midi skirt discourage you from buying it, adds Weil.
Related: 21 Best Plus-Size Summer Dresses, According to Celebrity Stylists
4. Don’t Wear Distracting Prints
Mobley recommends staying away from midi skirts with distracting prints. A big or overwhelming print can take the focus away from you, and you want to shine.
5. Don’t Opt for a Boxy-Shaped Midi Skirt
A midi skirt can accentuate your figure. That said, “Don’t go for a wider or boxy shape,” Mobley explains.
6. Don’t Wear Shoes That Cut off at the Ankle
“Avoid a shoe or bootie that cuts you at the ankle as that will shorten your legs,” explains Weil.
However, if it’s a cooler month and you feel like you need extra coverage from the cold or inclement weather elements, go for it. After all, safety is most important.
7. Don’t Worry Too Much
The do’s and don’ts of wearing midi skirts for a petite are only guidelines. You need to do what makes you happiest and create outfits that bring you the most joy.
Up Next:
Related: The 16 Best Fall Dresses for Petites, According to Stylists
Sources
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Amanda Weil is a celebrity stylist and CEO of Style Awakenings. Throughout her more than 10-year career as a stylist, she has styled celebrities including Sam Rubin and Richard T. Jones.
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Olivia Rose Mobley is a Nashville-based celebrity stylist who has styled celebrities including Shania Twain, Luke Combs, Hannah Brown, Vincent Mason and Kayley Green, just to name a few of the many clients she has worked with throughout her more than 10 years in the fashion industry.
