Honest Opinions Needed

March 28, 2011

Written by Meg

This is my first attempt at wearing a longer skirt. I know that sounds odd, but since I’m short I pretty much always stick to skirts above the knee. However, I keep seeing so many slightly longer skirts around I decided it was time to give it a try.

I found this gorgeous silk blend on super sale at my new favourite fabric store – G street – watch out if you live within a 50mile radius, because I plan to shop the heck out of this place – and as fate would have it, there was only a yard left. Just enough for a skirt.

So can you tell me honestly – do you think I can pull off the slightly longer length, or does it (as I fear) make me look dumpy? (please try and ignore the static cling – not even my best petticoat could save me from it today)

Top: Picnic,
Skirt: Megan Nielsen,
Tights: c/o We Love Colours (Mocha),
Shoes: BCBG via TJ Maxx,
Necklace: Agate beads, vintage family heirloom

About Author

Meg

Meg is the Founder and Creative Director of Megan Nielsen Patterns, and is constantly dreaming up ideas for new sewing patterns and ways to make your sewing journey more enjoyable! She gets really excited about design details and is always trying to add way too many variations to our patterns.

49 Comments

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Charlotte

11 years ago

Well, with out even reading what you wrote, I thought to myself “wow, she looks different”. Then I read what you posted, it looks great on you. It falls right at your knees so it does not make you look frumpy at all, you should think about making more.

Caitlin

11 years ago

I think with heels it actually makes you look taller! As a fellow shortie, I understand your apprehension though.

p.s. still love the bangs

11 years ago

I think you look beautiful, very sophisticated. I also love the waist band you did. I’m going to have to check out G street.

Author

Meg

11 years ago

Reply to Le

You should totally check it out hun! It’s amazing!

Alex

11 years ago

I thought you looked particularly nice in this outfit before I read about the longer skirt. I’m 5’1″ and I make my skirts a little longer than would be most flattering so that I can wear them to work. I think they look fine as long as they are at or just above the knee. They look better than fine if I wear heels, but I’m not much of a heel person. You are – so you have nothing to worry about! This skirt looks great on you.

Kyla

11 years ago

Honestly, this looks AWESOME on you! I’m loving the longer hemlines right now. Done right, they are soooo flattering – even moreso than shorter lengths, and you are doing it right! I love the proportions – so grown-up, sexy.

Author

Meg

11 years ago

Reply to Kyla

Yay!! Thanks Kyla!!

Meg

11 years ago

This skirt is a great length for you – still shows some knee so it looks youthful, but high-waisted so it makes your legs look miles long! I think it was a good choice. :)

Also, I love how beautifully your surroundings in these photos complement your outfit.

Author

Meg

11 years ago

Reply to Meg

hehe it is kind of funny how my outfit matches my surrounds hey? My hubby said I was wearing “lady camouflage” haha so funny

Chelsea S.

11 years ago

this is my absolute favorite length of skirt for myself, so I’m obviously biased, but I love it on you! especially with the color scheme you’ve got going on. I think the shape elongates you too (along with those fantastic platforms).

Cydney

11 years ago

I love the skirt… and the bangs! I somehow missed them before this post, but noticed them right away and love them! The skirt is great… I think just at/above the knee is a very slimming length. That’s what I keep telling myself, since I haven’t worn a skirt in months and can’t wait for consistent spring weather… and this baby to arrive! :)

Author

Meg

11 years ago

Reply to Cydney

Thanks Cydney!! Actually the bangs are new too! In a moment of crazyness I cut them myself last week. hehe can’t leave me alone with scissors :)

what would a nerd wear

11 years ago

hee, as soon as i saw this skirt, i thought I WANT ONE. i don’t think it makes you look dumpy–i think we’ve all gotten used to above-the-knee skirts and it’s an adjustment to wear below the knee.
but maybe adding some brighter colors would help make it feel more fun.
but it definitely does not dumpify. if anything, you look taller than usual.

Author

Meg

11 years ago

Reply to what would a nerd wear

my dear, you will get one :) for sure

Kat

11 years ago

It seems I have to echo what others have said… I thought you looked different in these photos and I love both the bangs and the longer length skirt! I tend to be partial to longer skirts (just above the knee) and I think you look fabulous. True, they can look less than flattering on us short girls if we’re wearing flats, but with heels it’s always a sleek look.

And on a side note – no, not my G Street! You probably know this, but the remnants section can have some great finds and they get a new shipment in on Friday mid-day. Sadly, I work at that time and can’t get there on Fridays, or else I would never share that information (there are enough people who know already!)

Author

Meg

11 years ago

Reply to Kat

Kat I am so loving you right now – I had no idea they got new shipments on Fridays!! Seriously, that remnant section is so darned amazing!! I spent over $200 in a half an hour mad dash through it. it’s a dangerous place :)

Sarah

11 years ago

You know, I think it might even make you look taller… counter-intuitive, I know, but not at all dumpy, especially not with those shoes!

Erin

11 years ago

I think it looks really sweet on you and not at ALL dumpy!

Trudy Callan

11 years ago

You definitely do not look dumpy or frumpy. I actually prefer this look on you.

June

11 years ago

I thought the knee length skirt was great!

Have you seen this:
http://jcauncmom.blogspot.com/2009/09/part-2-how-to-decide-your-ideal-skirt.html

It suggests how to determine your ideal skirt length based on the lengths of your upper leg and lower leg. I recently brought a dress to the tailor for hemming, and we used this formula. Can’t wait to see how it turns out…

Author

Meg

11 years ago

Reply to June

That is really fascinating! THanks for the link – some people are so gosh darned clever!

Hannah Avery

11 years ago

You look absolutely adorable! I really love your skirt, it seems to work perfectly on you! Just found your blog through ” Kendi Everyday.” So glad I found it. Have a blessed day.

-Hannah

Author

Meg

11 years ago

Reply to Hannah Avery

I’m so glad you stopped by!! I LOVE Kendi (actually who doesn’t?)

Ingrid

11 years ago

I honestly think the skirt is the perfect length for you. It looks sophisticated and more “womanly” instead of “girly.” I have loved the “what can I make from tights” project. Each entry was really cool. I can’t believe you could make that many nice things out of old tights! I can’t even choose a favorite! Thanks for sharing!

Author

Meg

11 years ago

Reply to Ingrid

Thanks so much! I really enjoyed doing the week of tights – it was so fun!!

Rebecca

11 years ago

I actually really love the length of this skirt, it looks lovely on you!

Allison

11 years ago

I love this length on you! You surely don’t look frumpy or matronly, especially when you pair it with your fabulous shoe collection!

Lizzy

11 years ago

I think it actually makes you look really tall! You look great!

Jessica M

11 years ago

This may be my first time commenting, but I had to say that I love this look! It’s beautiful and translates to something that I could imagine myself wearing to work (I teach). Now I have to find such a skirt!

Author

Meg

11 years ago

Reply to Jessica M

Thanks Jessica!! It’s funny you should say that, because I commented to my hubby that I felt like this is how i would dress if i was a teacher! XOXO

Annelise

11 years ago

I have a skirt just like that and it really is the perfect length. At least for me people think I am older when I wear it which is nice!

And I’d agree with the other comments that it definitely makes you look taller and shows off your slim calves

Amelie

11 years ago

Before even reading your post I thought that your torso looked longer, maybe the skirt has something to do with it? I also love the color scheme and your hair looks great!

Christy

11 years ago

I LOVE the longer length, honestly, I think it makes your legs look longer and you look sleeker all over.

Alisa

11 years ago

I am echoing what everyone else has said…I really like the length on you. And I don’t know if it’s the particular style of the skirt, or the combo of the skirt with the heels but you look especially long and lean in these photos. Really think it’s quite flattering.

Imaan

11 years ago

I think it looks great, :)

Clarissa

11 years ago

I love this length on you. I think paired with heels, longer skirts look better on most people. It’s very flattering on you. Very pretty outfit. BTW, your hair looks awesome in this post.

Peta

11 years ago

Honestly, I think that if anything this length actually suits you more than shorter ones do (though you look cute in them, too!). I definitely think you look taller in that skirt than you do in shorter styles.

laura

11 years ago

Yes I really like the longer length on you! Think it looks great and the colour palette is beautiful.
P.S. amazing hair day!
xxx

Morgan_Lua

11 years ago

Actually…I think kind of the opposite. I think the length with the high waist line does a lot to elongate your lines. Its weird because you definitely would never think that a skirt/dress that ends mid calf would do alot to lengthen your figure but somehow it does. Id say you should add more of this length to your closet!!

Lauren

11 years ago

This is not dumpy at all!! I really really love this! The colors and the silhouette look amazing together! Way to keep upping the overall style of Warrenton :)

And PS, the bangs look amazing!

Rochelle

11 years ago

Megan you do not look dumpy at all! You look so lovely and feminine! And those shoes are so cute! I think the heels help make the longer hem not look overpowering at all!

Rachael

11 years ago

I love this longer skirt! Very elegant. I agree with a lot of the above statements, and think it makes you look taller actually.

Justine

11 years ago

I think this long skirt is PERFECT length for you! I love it and I wish I had one for myself too.

Just Better Together

megan nielsen design diary - muse: eat sleep wear

11 years ago

[…] thank you all so much for the feedback on my longer skirt! I was feeling rather nervous about it, but now I think I will have to get into making more longer […]

Linda

11 years ago

I’m glad you made it to G Street. Make sure you sign up for the coupons. They have some good deals. I also enjoy pawing through the 2.97 pile. The Falls Church store has different fabrics.

Sam

11 years ago

I love G Street! I can never leave northern VA because what would I do without that remnant table??

Author

Meg

11 years ago

Reply to Sam

hehe I totally agree. that remnant table is amazing!

Sarah

11 years ago

I think that length adds height, especially with the higher waistband.

styled: now and then - megan nielsen design diary

9 years ago

[…] back to a time that was, and am reminded of how a person can change in a few years, or how much you all have had an impact on my life. It’s taken me years to really define and hone my aesthetic to something that i think is […]

Honest Opinions Needed

Further Reading...