14 October 2013

Midi of the Road

black checkers

Midi is always a challenging length for a shortie like me, though I can't help but to keep trying since I like the lady-like silhouette.

I think midis are supposed to hit a normal-height person at mid-shin, where the legs begin to thin out (so says LC - though I've always been Team Kristin), but a shorter-than-normal person is supposed to stick to lengths no longer than ones that hit right below the knee because anything anything longer could get "overwhelming" for a short frame.

black checkers  black checkers

The MTV queen-turned-style guru probably has a point but I wanted to take this skirt out for a spin as-is before I head it off to the tailor. I loved this skirt from a distance for a long while but never considered it because of its length. But then I found one from Ebay recently for cheap and couldn't resist.

My only other midi-length piece I ended up shortening. But what do you think about this skirt? Should I shorten it or keep it as-is?

black checkers

black checkers

Top: J.Crew tissue turtleneck (factory version)
Skirt: Edme & Esyllte by Anthropologie shifting buttons (sim, sim, sim)
Bracelets: Ann Taylor (sim, sim, steal), J.Crew (sim), Sage K and Co (deal, sim)
Shoes: Zara cap-toe court (worn here - sim, pricey, mary jane)
Clutch: Rebecca Minkoff (worn here - deal, sim, foldover)
Cover: J.Crew (check stores, sim, sim, sim)

86 comments:

  1. I don't think that you should shorten the skirt. With the high waist, it needs the balance of the longer length. I think it is a very slimming look and "hits" you at a great part of your calf. If the skirt were shorter, I think it would look too "poufy". I'm not sure I'm making any sense, so I'll stop right here :) But, it is a great, flattering length the way it is.

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    Replies
    1. I know what you mean. Like high-waist short skirts can look poufy and kind of childish.

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  2. OHH! Love this look so much. So elegant and yet sexy in a subtle way. Gorgeous darling!

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  3. Definitely a great print! I'd shorten it though, I like you am not tall and have also realized the difference skirt length can make in how great an outfit can look.
    Ginny

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  4. I love midi skirts! It looks so elegant on you Lisa!

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  5. This midi looks great on you!!
    xo, Lee
    edfbylee.com

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  6. It looks good on you I think. No, don't make it shorter honey. The high-waist style made your lower body elongated and I can see skirt length is fine on you. :)

    Visit my blog: I AM JENNIYA

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  7. You emerged a winner in the midi war Lisa....it elongated your lithe frame & how perfect are those SHOES!!!!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

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  8. I would keep it as-is. You're wearing it a bit higher on your waist so it isn't sitting as low and looking longer. It looks just fine! don't wear it with flats.
    -Ash
    www.thestylizedwannabe.com

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  9. I like how it is worn high-waisted style, though I'd pin it up just to see what it looks like a little shorter... I love midi lengths, but I am 5'4" and it doesn't always work!

    Why don't you pin it up and post side-by-side pics on the blog? We can see then which look works best... because this one already look great!

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  10. Shorten it! It is doing you no favors at this length... it hides your legs way too much. I definitely have issues with midis too... I agree, they are so ladylike, but I always end up feeling frumpy. This one is so not frumpy though! love it!

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  11. Keep it as it is. Over the knee is safe and thus boring. Having something different is so much more fun, especially in this case since it looks so cute and elongating on you. :-)

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  12. I would shorten it just a bit, but not to just below the knees. Experiment with length by pinning it before you make the chop.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for your input, yes, I'll need to play around with it!

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  13. I would shorten it a little bit so you can see more leg to elongate you.

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

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  14. This is a gorgeous skirt, Lisa! I'd shorten it, but not too much (below te knee perhaps?)

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  15. you look really beautiful in this outfit! i think the midi is really working for you..i say, don't shorten!

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  16. It's so interesting to read the difference of opinions here! My vote is to shorten it, just a little. You have great legs - show 'em off!

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  17. This is just gorgeous - love the print mixing! I agree that midi skirts are a hard length to pull off. They end up making me look short and frumpy unless they're just the right length. I find I prefer skirts that hit me just below the knee. I think that length works on you just fine with the heels, but I think you could shorten it a few inches and then pair it with heels or flats.

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    Replies
    1. I'm leaning towards losing a few inches but still keeping it below the knee at this point.

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  18. Shorten it for sure. However, can we talk about why on earth you're Team Kristen? Did you watch Laguna Beach? She was a total mean girl.

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    1. I know, Kristin's always been the mean girl but for some reason I've liked her since the LB days and through the Hills. She was always a bit more tomboy and I liked that. LC was just always too nice for my taste. And Lo ... no, please. ;o)

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  19. I like it just the way it is. As others have said, with the higher waist - the midi length is perfect with it.

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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  20. I like it as-is! I think it looks perfect on you!!
    xo,cynthia

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  21. Love the colors you used in the outfit!
    I wish i could pull off the midi skirt,but it looks horrible on me:(

    Btw. i think i saw the grey studded phone cover at the Howell Mill Rd JC.
    Have youz checked out the location yet?

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    Replies
    1. Not yet - and I saw this morning that they are on the web too (I thought they went off for a while). I may just order one instead of going hunting.

      Delete
  22. I love midi skirts and think this one is perfect on you. They are more limiting in terms of footwear so I wouldn't blame you if you shortened it, but you really do look wonderful.

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    1. I don't think I could pull off an Audrey Hepburn midi-skirt-with-ballet-flats look successfully.

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  23. Oh my goodness, keep it as is!! I love this length on you!! It's so unique, and you really stand out in a good way!! It looks like a midi skirt should look!
    Meredith
    createthatoutfit.com

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  24. In the sameboat with being short, but THAT SKIRT LOOKS AMAZING ON YOU!

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  25. Keep it! or send it back to me, is a lovely print and you look pretty elegant on it.

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  26. Oh I love the clutch! I don't think the skirt makes you frumpy, and it doesn't truncate you, I'd keep it as is! xo

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  27. Personally I'm not a fan of the midi length so I'm all for shortening it. I feel like midi's are far too matronly for all these young, cute girls to be wearing. Or since living in Utah it instantly screams Mormon going to church to me - not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just not you (or me). The pattern is super cute though so I don't blame you for picking it up.

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    1. Haha, I totally did not consider the modesty thing at all - I better not start wearing midis with flats!

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    2. Not all Mormons wear midi length skirts to Church. I am of the LDS faith and I mostly wear fitted (but not skin tight) pencil skirts with Jackie cardies and sky high heels!! And most Mormons don't wear flats with skirts/dresses, unless they are missionaries who do tons of walking.
      Regardless, the skirt looks great on you. Midi lengths aren't my bag, but they do look cute on some!

      Delete
  28. As long as you like it the way it is, I see no reason to alter it. I think you look great! I like that you kept the skirt the star by wearing a basic top, and I really like your accessories to make the whole look special.

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  29. I think you should shorten it :) I find it hard to pull off midi length as it makes my legs look shorter.

    katattack2000.wordpress.com

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  30. I think the length looks elegant on you. I'm with the ladies who say keep it as it is! :)

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  31. This is such a pretty skirt, and I like the length as is. I am also completely in love with the bracelets you chose here!

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  32. This is a gorgeous skirt on you. I'm in love with the pattern and color. I think the length looks perfect on you and I wouldn't touch it.

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  33. The skirt is SO cute. Love this whole outfit! So original!

    <3

    Kelly
    kellyinthecity.com

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  34. I love the skirt! You look so chic. The length reminds me of the 1930's. I would not touch it. I think it is just lovely. I have three midis in my closet and have only worn two of them one time each. I think they are so hard. You pull it off flawlessly!

    Jenni

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    1. Aw, thanks. I love the midi lengths and silhouettes but I sure don't have the height or grace to carry most of them off!

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  36. What a pretty skirt!! I love the pattern and length!

    xo,
    Angela

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  37. I think the skirt works because it doesn't have a lot of extra volume in the waist. any more and it would swallow you up. I think you should shorten it a bit - while the skirt is beautiful and looks great on you, I think it would be more flattering a little shorter. thanks for sharing!

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    1. I'm leaning towards losing a bit of length myself, but you all are right, I will need to play with it a bit to find my "best long length."

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  38. I think you look stunning in midi lengths! I'm a shortie too but like you I'm always attracted to the lady like midi length. You should definitely keep wearing midi skirts Lisa. I especially love the pattern on this skirt!!

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    1. You carry yourself so well with so much grace, I always felt like you were much taller. You always make Anthro pieces look fantastic!

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  39. I have to say, I really love it in this longer length. There's something retro and crisp in the print, as well as in the buttons. I think it would look fine shorter, but I think it would lose a little something with the retro vibe. Also, great shoe choice with the skirt!

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  40. Lisa, no! Don't shorten the skirt, it looks gorgeous on you as it is! You look so classical in this outfit and skirt length, like a vintage Chanel model! :)

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    1. Aw, if I could only be a vintage Chanel model. Wear couture, yes, please!

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  41. I think where the skirt hits isnt the only consideration. But rather where the the skirt starts as well. A high waisted skirt, or hip hugging skirt might look good or bad on you as a midi depending on the start and end lengths!

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    1. I know what you mean, with the high waist, I think it'd look fun if it was too short.

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  42. Looking great Lisa! I always reserve this skirt for the spring and summer seasons but I love seeing it styled for the Fall, especially with pumps!

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    1. Funny, because I consider it more fall-type. However I live in the SE and our cooler months are not so cold by NE and Mid-Atlantic standards!

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  43. Thanks for all your fantastic feedback about the skirt, ladies. I'll need to do a pinned and no pinned side-by-side view for comparison, but I am leaning towards tailoring it a bit, but still keeping it midi length and below the knee. It's such a pretty skirt, I hate to do anything do it, though. I'll have to experiment a bit to find my most "flattering" longer length.

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    1. I am late to the game Lisa but I agree with this - there is a "right" midi- length for us and you just have to play around to find your correct length.
      You have great legs and your other skirts show these off plenty fine - it's fun to play around with fashion so leave this as a great midi option.

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  44. I think midi skirts are so classicly chic (and flattering)! You look stunning!

    ~Jacy
    www.laviedelenore.blogspot.com

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  45. I love the skirt and think it fits you well.
    However I would take it to the taylor :)

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  46. unless the tailor's name is Taylor ;)

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  47. I really love it exactly how it is. Though, I'm not sure I'd wear it with flats, it looks gorgeous with heels! Nice find!
    Nikki
    Fashion Finds on a Dime

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  48. I love this! But I know what you mean about the midi length on petite frames. Still think you look beautiful though Lisa!

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  49. I know the dilemma. I too have succumb to shortening midi dresses. I do believe you lose something in the piece when you do that. However, if it means you will wear it more if it is shorter, then by all means shorten it.

    Personally I think the way you have styled this is gorgeous and looks great on you. I wouldn't wear it with flats though.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  50. Lisa,
    I love the skirt as is. I would wear it with high heeled boots for winter, then shorten it for spring. It is a great outfit, per usual!
    XX, Elle
    http://mydailycostume.com/

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  51. I like the length on you...makes me want to try it, since I'm pretty sure we are a similar height :)

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  52. I LOVE that skirt, and the midi length looks great on you! Those accessories are killer with the skirt, too. You are always so put together! I love it!!

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  53. You look amazing! I am your follower number 1187.
    Would love it if you could visit my blog. Perhaps let me know what you think?
    Thanks so much! <3

    http://meteobeauty.blogspot.com/

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  54. Such an amazing skirt. LOVE the print!

    Xo, Hannah

    sweetsweetnoir.net

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  55. I never go for midis myself - plus this skirt does have a really large print and a lot of volume... I'd shorten.
    Chic on the Cheap

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  56. I love this skirt on you and I don't think you should hem it. I really like the fifties style skirts and I think this length works for you.

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  57. So lovin that shirt! you look amazing!

    http://www.simplysassysstyle.blogspot.com

    dawn

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  58. Love the midi on you. I think the proportions really work. I was luckily able to snag that phone cover this morning online! I love it...great look.

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  59. That skirt is so amazing and the clutch is so perfect with this look! I love midis too! I just started to buy more to add to my wardrobe because they are flattering!

    xx Easy Outfits, by Pip

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  60. I think it totally works as a different look for you. Something about the shoes bring the length in a little bit. I guess because the nude toe, your feet don't look long and, therefore, don't elongate the skirt. I think I'd add a belt to break up the skirt right at the waist and good to go. Keeper as-is.

    love,
    a fellow shorty ;)

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    1. ps thanks for awesome links & not sending us to look at junk and things that aren't relevant

      $0.02

      Delete
  61. No, don't shorten it. Apparently there are exceptions to the rules. I think it lengthens you. Very elegant outfit. Perfect shoes to go with it.
    Greetje

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  62. I love this skirt, it looks perfect on you.
    Rosalyn
    www.just2fancy.com

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  63. I think the length looks perfect on you, but I would try it with something other than a turtleneck -- I think you and I are built quite similarly, and I often find that a turtleneck with a high-waisted but longer skirt makes the torso look blockier than it actually is (or I may just be blocky!). I would probably either wear this (at the current length) with a whtie collared shirt open at the neck and rolled at the sleeves or a tank with a v-neck or scoop-neck with a cropped cardigan. Just an idea!

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  64. It's not bad but I agree the length is quite challenging for the petite population. Perhaps this skirt could have the illusion of looking less overwhelming paired with a belt in a dark colour; thereby maximizing your torso length.

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  65. I'm with you on the Midi Skirt- I am obsessed with the look but struggle because of my height. I recently purchased my first Midi from ASOS.com (They have petite sizes) I am very pleased with the skirt and like you I paired it with a black turtleneck. Feedback I received was perhaps a light colored button up blouse or a thin knit crew neck would be a better choice with the Midi. (Haven't tried it yet)

    So happy to have found your site!
    ~Jamie
    www.rubyslipperdiaries.com

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