The Right Length

As a shorter woman, I always notice a skirt’s length because the right length can create the illusion of appearing taller. To elongate my legs, I like my skirts to be cut a few inches above my knee.

Check out the difference a hemline makes on a couple of my work dresses. My favorite tailor raised the hemlines on both dresses (see photos on right).

In the past, I got rid of items that had an ill-fit more often than opting for tailoring.  This year, in an attempt to work with the wardrobe that I already own and spend less on new items, I am turning to tailoring to revive my existing wardrobe.

Dress 1—Kay Unger New York via Marshalls
Dress 2—Willi Smith via TJ Maxx

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6 Comments

  1. February 8, 2011 / 10:52 pm

    Yea I've heard that the mid knee length is not correct. It should either be a tad above the knee or right below it. I totally feel you on the tailoring.

  2. February 9, 2011 / 2:46 pm

    @Sing. Yes, tailoring is so crucial! I guess the hemline should work for your height and silhouette. Hemlines below my knee hit my calves at their widest spot, so it is not a good look 🙂

  3. February 9, 2011 / 8:18 pm

    i love that tailored length! that's my preferred length as well and i am constantly frustrated with the mini trend. i so wish more dresses and skirts would be this length, but it's rare to find them.

  4. February 11, 2011 / 2:22 pm

    I have a few dresses that I'd also like to get tailored. How did you go about finding a good tailor?

  5. March 16, 2011 / 2:18 pm

    I couldn't live without my tailor. She knows how to make everything just right. At 5'4" many clothes are kind of in between for me. Length and waistlines usually need to be adjusted.

  6. March 17, 2011 / 6:02 pm

    @Andrea, I asked around, but ultimately relied on online reviews to find my current tailor. I started out with something simple and was impressed by the work and the service.

    I have the same problem @Stacey! I am also 5'4". Petites are rarely ever right. So, I usually buy regular sized clothing and adjust when necessary.