10 Midi Skirt and Dress Styles to Embrace

1. There’s a midi for every body, leg shape and length

The term “midi” applies to any length from two inches below the knees to just above the ankles. The easiest lengths for most women are just above the swell of the calf (a couple of inches below the knees) or just below the calves (so that a few inches of ankle show). The most unflattering length is exactly at the widest part of your calf. A good tailor can tweak any midi to hit exactly where it’s best for you. Even an inch can make a difference between beautiful and blah, so go for it.

2. You can always use another new black skirt, right?

So, start with a style you usually wear in a longer length — a pencil, pleated, wrap or A-line skirt. The familiar silhouette will enhance the appeal, and it’s pretty risk-free. The worst that can happen is that you shorten it to your normal hemline — but I suspect you’ll be hooked.

3. Slim cut midis work like squeeze-free skinny jeans or leggings

Narrow midis in pencil trumpets that fit and flare at the hem, and knit tube skirts provide an elongated tapered base. They keep the outline of your curves in plain sight but don’t reveal thigh or leg proportions (or squeeze) like skin-hugging leggings and jeans do. Trim midis work with any top — fitted or full. Feel free to add tucked-in T-shirts and silky blouses or untucked full-cut sweaters, jackets and tunics.

4. Fuller-cut midis provide added flair (and flare!)

Fuller midis make an even bolder fashion statement than slim midis and come in A-line or pleated styles. Just keep skirt proportions and your body/leg proportions in sync. (See tip No. 1.) Show a few generous inches of leg at the ankles for balance and some body definition with a fitted top, V neckline or belted waist. For evening, just add a black jacket or white blouse to a generously cut skirt — and you’re done.

5. Waist definition restores legginess

Worried that a long skirt will make you appear to be standing in a ditch? This comes up a lot with those of us 5 feet 4 inches and under, and also taller women with a long torso and shorter legs. The trick is to show the waist and draw attention to it or where your waist would be (sometimes this means cheating with a slightly higher or wider waistband). Look for midis with a belt, elastic cinched or tie-waist, then tuck in your top or add a nipped waist jacket. Any or all of these will create the illusion of a longer lower body.

6. Midis provide a safe playground to expand your personal style

A longer-length skirt makes everything you own look new. Whether you choose a midi skirt in a solid neutral, a pop of color or a playful print, your same blouses, booties, wedge sandals and ballet flats get reinvented by a simple shift in proportions.

7. Midis manage show-off and camouflage opportunities

Have fabulous shoulders but like the idea of comfort and coverage? A midi skirt or dress lets you breathe, eat and move at work, events and parties — without being conscious of what’s going on with your belly, booty and thighs, and while spotlighting your assets at the neckline.

8. Select a midi with a slit for an extra flash of leg

If you want a little more sass, look for a long midi with a knee-high slit (any higher, and it becomes tacky on real folks). A wrap-style dress and a shirtdress that unbuttons as needed are two good options, but some basic flowing midis offer a slit, too. A peep-toe pump or wedge adds inches to the exposed, leg but sneakers or mules are always a cool option for extra dash.

9. Ankle-length midis are edgy — but watch the hemline

This longest midi works best in slim knife pleats for unrestricted movement and controlled volume. Tailor it to anklebone length if it hits the floor, or top of your shoes for proportion control. It looks contemporary when paired with booties or flats, not pumps.

10. A midi has all-weather, all-season, 24/7 versatility 

You can’t lose. Right now you can wear any midi with tights and boots or booties to get through chilly days. Add a leather jacket to toughen its feminine quality, and a silky, ruffled blouse or sparkly top to glam it up for special nights. Come warm weather, swap your footwear for sandals and enjoy the bonus of breezy bare-leg coverage.

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For more beauty and style tips for women age 50-plus, check out The Woman's Wakeup: How to Shake Up Your Looks, Life, and Love After 50 by Lois Joy Johnson