Feb 05 2010
How to Wear Long Skirts With Style
Every guy will tell you a mini is eye-catching- but did you know floor length beauties can have the same effect? Walk down the hall with 39″ inches between your waist and the carpet and you are beaming: romantic, polished, classy, laid-back, or even daring. Never thought long skirts could be so chic now did ya?
Here’s the secret to wearing skirts with Style-Knowing how to keep the skirt in balance.
Wear the wrong top and shoes and you’ve turned your “magnetic petticoat” into a Goodwill castoff. Fortunately, it’s easier than you might think.
Longer skirts and dresses cover the majority of your body. To create a look that is flowing rather than broken or unbalanced, your footwear will need to accomplish one of the following three things:
- Visually become a part of the skirt.
Think of tall boots that are covered by the hemline of the skirt - Add length or height beneath the hemline of the skirt, so that the skirt will seem shorter, or your legs will seem longer.
High heels sandals or open toes work well for this. - Work with the lines of the skirt to create a look that is balanced.
For example, a chunky wedge heel will work with a fuller skirt, but might be too clunky for a long fitted skirt.
Do:
- wear tops that slim the upper body, not so tight as to be immodest, but more body hugging, knits and the like. Remember the golden rule of proportion – if you have width on the bottom go slim on top.
-Show some arm. Cap sleeves, short sleeves, sleeveless. Showing some skin will keep you from looking like a mummy.
-wear open necklines. V-necks, scoop necks, boat necks.
-If possible, choose floor grazing lengths, these are definitely the trend-setters.
-Consider wearing monochromatic as it is most flattering to all body types.
Don’t:
-wear a button up cotton blouse, go for shape.
-Tuck your shirt in unless you are a size XS.
-choose skirts that narrow all the way down, opt for styles that flair out at the bottom.
Photos:
Newport-News.com
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Wow Christa this is spectacular! Thanks so much! Do you have any special ideas for jeans skirts or do the same rules apply?
same rules apply : )
Great article! I’m a huge fan of long skirts. My favorite style is an eight-gore that is narrow at the hips, and flares out at the ankles. Pefect in linen.
Amen sister! I think long skirts are so elegant and chic when worn the right way! Not a frumpy t-shirt on top, but a nice blouse and some cute shoes and you are set!
I love long skirts, there so feminine and chic:D
so do you mean the rules apply to denim skirts of any length or long denim skirts?
Do you think long skirts are a good idea on short girls….like me
I am 4′11″, so I don’t want it to look like I have no legs =)
Same question as Ella….I’m 5′2″. I bet I could get away with it if I wore heels, after all I wore a floor length gown to my sister’s wedding. But is it different if it’s a skirt? I’ve never owned a floor length skirt because I didn’t want to look shorter, but I’m considering it now…I love these looks!!
Ditto… I was going to say, I don’t think I HAVE 39″ between my waist and the carpet!
I used to wear floor-sweeping skirts all the time, but I’ve been wearing them closer in length to my knees lately. I love long, swishy, and twirly, though! 
Good decision, some of us simply don’t have the legs to keep this look “in proportion”. If you’re petite or under 5′2″ I would opt for the knee length versions.
Could you post some pictures describing the types of tops that would look nice with these skirts?
Thanks for posting this! This was a huge help!
I am short with short legs and generally avoid long skirts because they make me look like I don’t have legs. Any tips?
With petite legs, it is better to steer clear of long skirts because they drown you proportionally. I would stick to the just-below-the-knee versions.
Wish you carried skirts that go past the knees!
Nice article! Thanks!
Hey Christa!
I really liked this post. I would love to see you do a “how to” like this for Uggs-style boots.
Christa,
I find it hard to figure out what shirt to wear with a skirt. I have a bit of a tummy and some serious love handles, so I tend to wear empire style shirts–shirts that flow away from my stomach. But with a flowy skirt, long or short, I agree that you should wear something a little more fitted. But I also want it to be something that doesn’t accentuate the extra around my middle. Any ideas?