They go up, they come down, sometimes they even hover somewhere in-between. Truth is hemlines are sent to try us and not the other way round. When they shimmy up the thigh to an almost indecent length, most of us head to the opaque tights drawer and wish that trend away. When they fall to a 3/4 length and heels-by-day aren’t a practical option, then that ‘frumpy feeling’ becomes overwhelming and we favour trousers instead. Finally, when hems fall floor-ward, a trip to the tailor becomes inevitable, because who really wants to trip over their own skirt? It’s a question of taste, body shape, style and how much one slavishly follows fashion, as to where your comfort-zone length falls.
Thing is, I LOVE a floor sweeper. I’m talking a full on ‘hide your shoes’ hem, it’s romantic, flowy and shamelessly bohemian and simply makes me feel good style-wise. After years of working in London, I watched as my favourite pieces became dip-dyed in dirt and little rips appeared where my heels caught, once, I even lost the best part of a skirt to a TopShop escalator, and yet I’m still smitten. So why you ask, am I dedicating this entire post to fuller length skirts that beg a beach in summer and not the first throws of Spring in the UK? Quite simply because there are ways to wear this look, by day, by evening and at the weekend. I’m not advocating muddy walks in the countryside, despite the fact that once upon a time, ladies actually did wear long tweed skirts to do exactly that. It’s about test-driving styles until you find your perfect fit. Maybe the hem sits on the no-trip ankle zone, or maybe you try the short slip with the long sheer overlay option that has been a high street winner for the past few summers. If you’re having a bad leg day or just fancy romancing your closet, this might just be your new go to. Dirt be damned, I’m in.
Too long for …. Inspiration courtesy of VintageVella and Pinterest.
Burberry SS16 / Vogue.com
Slip dresses ruled the runway this season and whilst some shorter lace-trimmed versions were on offer, the long silky column was the go-to. Christopher Bailey dressed his with vintage-vibe capes or festival worthy parkas and a flatform sandal to update the look.
Chloe SS16 / Vogue.com
Chloe mixed up wardrobe favourites and broke rules teaming sports casual with fluid romance. It worked.
DKNY SS16 / Vogue.com
The pinstripe suit? Not quite, but a long line pinstripe dress feels SO modern and chic. Worn in the working woman, walk-to-work way with chunky trainers. Perfect.
Alexander McQueen SS16 / Vogue.com
Pride and Prejudice wardrobe or the dream wedding dress? You choose. Pure romance from Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen.
Chloe SS16 / Vogue.com
There’s a beach and a sunset waiting for this dress somewhere. Rainbow bright with delicate tie detail shoulders, this is the easiest way to wear a floor sweeping hem-line, ocean side.
Rosetta Getty SS16 / Vogue.com
Not convinced you can completely cover your legs? The modern alternative combines both, a glimpse of leg with the comfort-blanket of a long line.
Alexander McQueen SS16 / Vogue.com
..and then there’s evening wear where long is demure, elegant and the norm. Make yours a waterfall of ruffled lace, oh and just add trainers for utter cool, McQueen style.
Saint Laurent / Vogue.com
Cue a gazillion festival copies. Saint Laurent nailed the post Courtney Love / boho / rock’n’roll girl wardrobe. Tiara optional.
If you’re seduced, try these for size;
The ultimate in romance, tulle skirt from Little Mistress at ASOS http://www.asos.com/Little-Mistress/Little-Mistress-Maxi-Tulle-Skirt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=6109279&cid=12910&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Mink&totalstyles=34&gridsize=3
For the modern minded, this, the ultimate in comfort from Zara http://www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/dresses/view-all/oversized-dress-c719020p3239319.html
The trans-seasonal floral from Zara http://www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/dresses/view-all/long-dress-with-floral-print-c719020p3184796.html
Rocked up tee and white long skirt, Classic festival fodder from Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply at ASOS http://www.asos.com/Denim-Supply-by-Ralph-Lauren/Denim-Supply-By-Ralph-Lauren-Embroidery-Anglaise-Maxi-Skirt-Co-Ord/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=5874958&cid=12910&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=White&totalstyles=34&gridsize=3
A slither of satin slip dress from Ghost. The season essential http://www.ghost.co.uk/dye-to-order
A sleek column of sports luxeness from Topshop http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/dresses-442/grey-maxi-dress-with-neon-pink-split-detail-by-jaded-london-5118490?bi=200&ps=200
Remember;
Start by dressing down your longer length look. A chunky jumper or a simple t-shirt is understated and casual.
Avoid heels – a trainer or flat boot in Spring or a flatform in summer is the modern way to wear and helps you get used to that longer length without trip ups.
If you’re curvy-of-hip, avoid voluminous skirts and don’t underestimate how great body hugging jersey can look, especially layered.
Fashion & Style Director Shelly Vella