Midi magic: The hemline that’s making a statement this autumn/winter

Time to retire those mini skirts as hemlines drop for autumn/winter, says Emma Akbareian 

Emma Akbareian
Monday 26 September 2016 06:11 BST
Comments
Jacket £89, jumper £29.50, skirt £49.50, shoes £29.50, bag £35, marksandspencer.com
Jacket £89, jumper £29.50, skirt £49.50, shoes £29.50, bag £35, marksandspencer.com

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Nothing has the ability to transform a look like the length of a skirt; from itsy bitsy minis to floor-sweeping maxis; sartorially, you can always count on a new hemline to make a statement. This season however, there’s a new style to consider and it hasn’t always attracted the most favourable of reputations.

The midi refers to a hemline that falls somewhere between the knee and the ankle. Unfortunately the frump factor somewhat puts people off. No-one wants to end up looking like a cross between a librarian and their nan.

But that reputation is undeserved; remember that saying, less is more, it applies here. There’s something about just the flash of the ankle that is infinitely more alluring and simultaneously graceful. A tight fit and a pair of heels will up the sex appeal whilst flat shoes and a looser fit is more daytime appropriate.

Look to the catwalks for inspiration where the midi was overwhelmingly the hemline of choice. At Saint Laurent they came with a Seventies feel, belted at the waist and teamed with knee-high boots. At Gucci they came in mis-matched prints, not unlike something you’re Gran would wear only far more considered. Burberry went down the prim and proper route with belted trenches and tweed pieces.

Proportion is key when it comes to considering ways to wear this trend; an a-line or pleated number should be styled with something fitted on top; a tucked in t-shirt or polo-neck are ideal. With form fitting skirts you can afford to loosen the silhouette and an oversized jumper will actually give the illusion of a smaller bottom half, result.

Figure flattery isn’t the midi’s only attribute; seasonally, the midi makes a lot of sense too. It’s that awkward in-between part of the year where it’s not quite time to pack away your summer clothes but far too early to get out the cold weather gear. A mid-length skirt treads this ground with ease; bare legs and sandals will work just as well as tights and winter boots when the big chill sets in.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in