Fashion is most days all about the hemlines — short, long, knee-length and ankle-length. These days, the lower the hemlines, the more attention you grab. It’s also the one trend that makes you stand out in a crowd of monotone dresses and holier-than-thou denims.
Midi skirts are the new favourites — they’re versatile, easy to wear and mostly, straddle fashion and comfort on an even keel. But how does one define the perfect midi skirt? “The trick is to get the fabric and length right. Never let it cut you at the widest part of the calf. The skirt should not be too voluminous at the hip for most body types. A circle cut midi skirt is a wonderful way to channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and add style,” says designer Nachiket Barve. The fabric is the most important thing here — it should be light, coloured and playful, pencil, pleated or A-line,” adds Tanya Sharma of Label Gaga.
It is of course, not an easy trend. It’s do-able but it has its rules and many women don’t quite pick it up — only because it looks like a cross between a prom dress and an old lady skirt with lots of voluminous fabric thrown in for good measure. “A midi skirt is a blessing in disguise. It covers not-so-perfect thighs and yet lends an air of femininity,” adds Barve.
But trust us, if done right, it’s a trend that can totally take care of your body. “Wear them in the round circular cut flared style as it looks good on all body types and can camouflage flab,” says stylist Nisha Kundnani who has styled Anushka Sharma and Shraddha Kapoor.
Here are 10 rules that will help you wear these modest yet flattering midi skirts to work and beyond
-The good thing about midi-skirts is the fact that they can make you look demure with all of that extra fabric around your lower body — that can only mean one thing, crop tops. If you were ever shy of wearing them, this is your chance because your top half needs to be close-fitted. Bralets, tees and tucked-in shirts all make the midi look elegant and fun.
- Height and shape must be taken into account. The midi must end at your calf slightly below your knee.
l Cropped jackets and shrugs work wonders on a midi skirt because they give you a stylish look without encroaching on the midi silhouette.
- “It can teamed with a white shirt and big heels for office, a slinky crop top and espadrilles for a lunch, a satin bomber jacket and the high heels for cocktails or with a cashmere top and pumps for a meeting,” adds Nachiket.
- Try to wear your hair up, it always shows off your perfect silhouette and makes sure you don’t look unkempt or frumpy.
- Add edgy accessories like bold cuffs and cocktail rings — the subtlety of the skirt can be balanced by these cute, yet fun accessories.
- It might sound Draconian, but wear high heels or medium heels with a midi skirt. Flats make you look frumpy. Kitten heels and slender sandals with cute embellishments work wonders. Avoid pumps and heavy wedges as they can make you look bulky instead of delicate.
- Do not carry big bags. Just look for chain-link bags or even cutesy box clutches. They’re delicate and make your silhouette look more fabulous.
- “The midi skirt is a perfect respite for the summer season - make it look cool and casual, pair it with sneakers to support the sports luxe trend. Or if you need to look taller, wear them with high-top trainers,” says Nisha Kundnani.
- A midi skirt is a vintage idea, almost. “So make sure you add old school elements like block heels, charms and pearls. Classic is the way to go,” adds Tanya Sharma.
Latha Sunadh is managing editor at popxo.com
