I love short skirts but my modesty doesn’t. I get very disheartened browsing all the beautiful new collections only to realise I can’t buy half of it for risk of exposing my rear end to most of the world. Not exactly something I really want to do.
You see short skirts are that perfect thigh skimming length on most people whereas on me they become practically x-rated. I’m not hugely tall but at 5ft 9 I’m not short either. This means that I have to be so careful when choosing items to avoid looking ridiculous. And don’t get me started on dresses. They are a completely different ball game.
For years I have opted for more of a midi skirt which is great as there are a lot around right now. Hello gorgeous pleated velvet number that is very much on my wish list for Christmas day. However, I actually find short skirts more flattering. Due to my height (and my husbands non height) I very rarely wear heels and I find that midi skirts can look a little frumpy without a bit of extra help in the leg lengthening department whereas a pair of flats look great with a short skirt. On that note I have just purchased these AMAZING leopard print boots from Boden. Just enough of a heel for me and Lauren assures me that leopard print is a neutral so an excellent all round purchase.
Anyway, back to the skirts. It’s the summer I struggle with as bare legs and short skirts on me just don’t seem to work. Now if my thighs were a smidgen thinner then I may reconsider but seen as that isn’t going to happen I have to try and find skirts that sort of fall mid thigh/closer to my knees so that I feel comfortable. I’ve also tried sizing up so that it falls lower on my hips and therefore further down my legs. I know that many stores do tall ranges but I find the collections are often limited or out of stock or stupidly more expensive than the normal version. I know it’s a got a bit more fabric but really? I’ve found Boden or good old M&S seem to fit me well.
This winter though I’ve had a bit of a love affair with New Look skirts. They are my new favourite thing and will often pop in and accidentally come out with a new purchase. This faux leather number in forest green is my most worn item. I went up a size and it fits perfectly and is just the right length. I also picked up this dove grey cord skirt which has been a brilliant purchase with a cosy jumper. It’s sadly only available in limited sizes now.
The reason I love choosing winter skirts is that I feel brave enough to go that little bit shorter due to the added security of a pair of tights. I feel that the addition of tights makes it ok to wear a shorter skirt and I am fulling embracing it this season.
I’m now starting to wonder if I can go shorter still? Zara have some amazing skirts that I’ve fallen for but they are teeny tiny on my legs. But with tights is that ok?
So my question to you (after all that rambling) is how short is too short? Do you feel comfortable sporting a short skirt and at 35 can I still wear a thigh high number or should I be opting for a more respectable length? Also, are you like me and have different rules for summer versus winter?
I’m exactly the same Lottie really struggle with skirts in the summer as they just seem so revealing and like there is a lot of skin on display! In the winter with a pair of black tights I think you can get away with it though and there is no skirt to short ?
Tights all the way Carly xx
I just never wear short skirts in summer as my legs are so pasty and pale and I can not be arsed with fake tan, too much faff and it never gives me the desired colour anyway. I have got the green pleather skirt from new look! Bought it ages ago but just wore it last weekend for the first time. Mini skirts are difficult with baby/toddler to run around after I think! but love a good mini skirt and tights combo in winter. Bit more modesty if you do end up flashing someone accidentally!
I must admit I’m the same in the summer. As soon as I have a bit of colour that’s fine but before that I avoid them. I’m glad I’m past the crawling round on the floor after a toddler stage so can just about get away with them now. Excellent purchase on the green skirt too! x
35 is def not too old for a mini! At least I hope not, as I am 45 and wear them. As long as you have reasonable legs coupled with attitude you can get away with it. And if modesty is an issue there’s some great skorts/shorts out there. How cute are these!http://www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/shorts/star-print-bermuda-shorts-c733903p3709087.html
Oooh, hadn’t looked at skorts. Excellent plan. And keep wearing those short skirts! x
I agree with Siobhan – I’m 45 too, and provided the tights are of a thick enough denier, I love a short skirt in the winter. Funnily enough, though, when it comes to the summer, I’m a maxi girl all the way. My mum used to say that it’s time to cover up when your knees start looking at each other, and now I understand what she meant! Loving the green pleather though – may accidentally fall into New Look myself later on…
Do it Denise. It also comes in lots of other lovely colours….. x
I haven’t worn a short skirt in ages but that’s because I’m only comfortable with showing the world my calves and a bit of knee at a push. If I had lovely long legs like you I would definitely be showing them a lot more and you look lovely in the header image so don’t stop any time soon. The skorts sound like a perfect summer solution to the modesty problem too.
Ah thanks Kat. Randomly despite being tall I just never wear maxi skirts. It randomly makes me feel taller!! x
Here’s to breaking all the fashion rules! I love maxis in the summer and with a 6’7″husband I’m always going to look short no matter what I wear xx
Haha the woes of the tall but not tall enough for tall ranges lady! I’m the same height as you and I’m still not over the rage at being sent home from school for wearing the exact same skirt as shorter girls. Grrr.
I don’t tend to wear skirts (toddler) but love Mango for shorts, and Crew do a nice longer cut.
Not being funny, have I got old or have shorts got really blooming short? Even in the old days, bottom cheek skimming hot pants were not my thing (Minogue only) and now they seem mainstream????
I have pants bigger than some of the shorts on sale now haha – and I don’t wear granny pants (yet)!
My skirts were indecent at school Lucy! And yes to the short shorts. It’s ridiculous x
I have the opposite problem: 5’2 with sturdy climbers legs! Tights fall down and I get chaffing in the summer. I’m also not in love with the chub around my knees. I’m a sucker for denim skirts and shorts though. I’ve literally worn through several pairs. I do have a midi black leather that I adore. With size 7 feet I’ve got to be careful to avoid the clown look! I basically need a stylist to whip me into shape! I just sigh when looking at all the pretty
omg YES! Exactly the same problem here, 5ft9 isn’t giant but it makes a huge difference to arse baring in skirts. I tend to do the same as you, tights for winter and then size up in summer so I can wiggle it down onto my hips to cover more arse/thighs! And my hubby is the same height so heels are a general nono for me too.
I bought a gorgeous ikat print mini from m&s that looks lovely with black biker boots.
Dresses are a whole other ball games as everything is just in the wrong proportions.
#tallgirlproblems
(Don’t even get me started on jeans or clothes for long limbed children!!)
Gemma, have you tried Zara for trousers. I’m 5ft 5 and I always find their trousers way too long -so they may be good for you if are long legged.
Ladies – wear the mini skirt!! I promise you no-one is noticing the pastiness or small bit of cellulite on your thighs. And that’s what black opaques are for anyway!
I think that everyone should follow the spirit of this Nora Ephron quote: “Oh, how I regret not having worn a bikini for the entire year I was twenty-six. If anyone young is reading this, go, right this minute, put on a bikini, and don’t take it off until you’re thirty-four.”
Love, love, love this comment so blooming true!! C
I feel your pain, I am 5″8 but also have an out of proportion bum! This means short skirts become shorter. Alternatively a dress looks fine from the front, but the little slit at the back then comes up far too high. So many pretty skirts that I just can’t wear, but with some thick tights and flats you can certainly get away with a shorter skirt! Xx
I think my sartorial lesson this year (30!) has been that the only single thing I should consider when choosing what to wear is… “Does this make me feel beautiful?” Screw what you think everyone else is thinking (because they’re probably not thinking that anyway).
I personally, really like my pins. Yes, I have cellulite and a few broken veins from pregnancy, but I like their shape and length… So I quite happily rock a mini skirt as and when I please.
Winter does make me go a little shorter than summer. Tights make me braver too. But living in Oz means, I’m in shorts/skirts/dresses for about 75% of the year anyway.
I say whatever what age you are, if you feel good in it, wear it. No matter how short/see through/plunging/backless etc.
Are oldies allowed to comment? I was weaned on mini skirts, indecently short, summer or winter. Have always been a fan and still my favourite. I still prefer a slightly more modest version of the mini. No other length looks flattering. We did embrace the midi trend briefly, but frankly looked hideous, our only saving grace being that we were young and pretty! You girls are all still young and pretty, being a mum doesn’t change that, so I say go with the mini skirts; there are so many gorgeous ones in the shops. Don’t get to my age and wish you had worn them when you still could!
This might sound random but I have just discovered skirts/tights combo! I have chunky, short legs (so blessed lol) and my staple has been black skinnies for ever. I actually bought a moc croc pleather skirt from Tesco of all places, and felt so much nicer with a polo neck tucked in than if I had just chucked on my skinnies. I even experimented with dark coloured tights I felt so confident!! I am short however so I think most are longer than intended on me, but grateful for the knee-chunk coverage! Might give shorts/tights combo a try to make it a tad more toddler friendly however…
This post has come at the perfect time! I bought a stunning mini skirt from New Look recently but just haven’t had the courage to wear it – it’s too short, my thighs are too chunky, I’m too short, I can’t rock it, I’m too old (33) – this post has made me realise we’re all in the same boat and you know what? I’m going to wear it TOMORROW to the meeting I’m attending.
OK so I’m going to wear it with tights but I’m wearing it – that’s progress right there! Thank you Lottie!