Length Issues

May 10, 2011

Written by Meg

I’m in a state of skirt length confusion. Let me explain.

This skirt is my favourite find from my super thrifting day a few weeks ago. There is so much I love about it, I love that it’s the perfect size, I love that it’s silk, I love that it’s cream, and I looooove that it’s in perfect condition.

But the length is troubling me. I just can’t decide whether it’s too long or whether it can sit in the “Maxi skirt” category. I’m kind of loath to hem it, as knife pleats are pretty much the devil… but if it looks weird then maybe i should…. ahhhh don’t know what to do.

What do you girls think??

Top: Gap
Skirt: Vintage, thrifted
Sandals: BC Shoes (they’re actually on super sale now, so i’m thinking of picking up another pair!! i know it’s kinda lame, but i looove them)
Necklace: vintage, via Ebay

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.

33 Comments

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Leslie

12 years ago

I agree that the length is odd. If i were going to shorten it though, I would probably cut the top of and put a new waist band on. It would probably be less work than hemming all those pleats. Or, I might turn it into an empire waist dress.

Author

Meg

12 years ago

Reply to Leslie

hmmmm new waistband – that’s a really clever solution!!! Thanks hun!

Kyla

12 years ago

We’re twins! http://www.bluecollarcatwalk.com/2011/03/sweet-southern-style.html

Seriously, don’t touch the length! It looks so beautiful – I love the color so much. It’s a little Grecian, no?

Author

Meg

12 years ago

Reply to Kyla

wooooahhhhhh I”m such a COPYCAT!!!! hehe I thought i was sooo clever when i put together this outfit – and i totally forgot about that adorable texas outfit of yours!! hehe mind meld!

gahhh i actually like your outfit better… and now i’m jealous and want your pink skirt! teehehe

Kyla

12 years ago

Reply to Meg

Great minds thing alike!

Clare

12 years ago

I have those sandals, too, and I ADORE them. They are so comfortable and perfect.

Oh, and that skirt? I vote leave it as is. I think it’s actually the perfect length! :)

Author

Meg

12 years ago

Reply to Clare

yay twinsies!! They really are just so comfy hey? the perfect sandals!xoxo

Trudy Callan

12 years ago

What do you think about adding to the waist area to lengthen it even more?

Virginie's Cinema

12 years ago

What a gorgeous ensemble! I never would have thought to do a knotted cami with a long silk skirt, now I’m way inspired! I say: keep it this length, it’s lovely!!!

Virginie

Author

Meg

12 years ago

Reply to Virginie's Cinema

thanks hun!

Leah

12 years ago

first of all, your hair looks gorgeous!! and i love the shoes. I agree, weird length… but I love the pleats too. And I can see how it would be a ton of work to hem.

Loren

12 years ago

Yeah I think the length is great. I know it isn’t the ‘in style’ but it looks really nice on you.

BiblioMOMia

12 years ago

THERE IT IS! I knew you had one up your sleeve…

Definitely keep the length. It makes your ankles look lovely. Not odd at all.

Author

Meg

12 years ago

Reply to BiblioMOMia

hehe yes i’m soooooo obsessed with pleated skirts hun!! it’s like a virus that i can’t kick!! hehe glad you like it!!

Chris C.

12 years ago

Hem it, for sure! The length is just NOT flattering! (Sorry — you’re adorable, just hate the skirt at that length). Of course, I think the whole maxi-skirt / dress trend is way off base. I don’t think they’re flattering on anyone for everyday wear, although I think long skirts are lovely for weddings and evening wear.

Author

Meg

12 years ago

Reply to Chris C.

That’s exactly what I was worried about!! Thanks so much for the feedback hun!!

Grace

12 years ago

I don’t think its horrendous, but I’m intrigued by some of the other suggestions to lengthen it by adding to the waist and making it more of a maxi (autocorrect just suggested “Nazi”… really?? That would’ve been awkward) skirt. I think it’d be perfect if it were a wee bit longer.
Also, my first reaction on seeing this post was “Oh look! She straightened the other half of her hair.” Haha.

Author

Meg

12 years ago

Reply to Grace

hehehe oh my goodness your comment made me laugh out loud!! Yes I gave in and straightened the other half haha hair fashions apparently haven’t caught up to my lazy/cutting edge only-straighten-one-side technique. heehehe
(though i kind of swear once side still looks a bit straighter…)
(also ps. the idea of a Nazi skirt is kind of terrifying ha!)

Lillie Jae

12 years ago

Reply to Meg

I agree that the length is a tad “awkward”. I think I would go longer rather than shorter…. I love the idea of adding lace. If you don’t have a lining you might could make a slip kind of thing to wear under it and maybe another skirt on a simular length. Skirts this length are readily available in thrift shops and I love them. I think they are very romantic

Zoe May

12 years ago

This is my first comment on your blog, so hello =)

I think the length looks lovely on you. Lengthening it slightly might help with feeling odd about it though. If it were mine I’d consider putting a band of lace around the bottom so it appears longer, but that’s if it has a lining layer to attach to. The effort of fiddling with those pleats would be too much since it looks so nice how it is.

~ Zoe

Author

Meg

12 years ago

Reply to Zoe May

Hi Zoe!! So nice to hear from you!! I’d never thought of lace or something on the bottom, that’s really clever!! xoxo

Casey

12 years ago

I love this outfit! :) I don’t think the length is bad at all, although I understand where you’re coming from. I just thrifted a similar (silk!) skirt that is at that “kinda-sorta-long” length, but not quite maxi. I do like the suggestions for shortening it from the top (if you do decide to)–seems so much easier with all those pleats! :)

Ashley J

12 years ago

I love this outfit and I think the skirt is a perfect length. Your hair looks amazing straight!

Meg

12 years ago

I think it’s a perfect length. If it were any longer, it would automatically look more formal (to me, anyway) and, of course, you might not mind if it looked more formal besides.

Andrea Howe

12 years ago

Hi Meg, first time visiting and commenting! Yes, I can see your quandary with the skirt length. I think it looks good, actual quite nice. But if it were a tad bit longer it would look very “today” hip, but with the slightly shorter length, it makes it look a little more vintage, which is nice!

Grace

12 years ago

I had another idea about this skirt. What about wearing it as a loose strapless dress, and belting it with a great brown leather belt? I don’t know what the top of the skirt looks like or if you’re comfortable in strapless, etc. You could also sew straps to the top of the dress so it sits smooth to just above the bust, then the pleats start. What do you think?

Also, did you ever post the tutorial for turning a skirt into scalloped shorts? I just did a quick check and didn’t see it, but I could just be a bit blind. :)

Author

Meg

12 years ago

Reply to Grace

Hi Grace!! Yes I did make the tutorial for the shorts – i just haven’t posted it yet because i’m such a slow poke!! hehe, butttt it will be up this week!!! i promise! XOXO

piglet

12 years ago

I think it is *just* long enough to qualify as a maxi. I keep seeing skirts kind of like this in stores here (some of them also the same slightly awkward length) and I’m really drawn to them. It’s pretty – keep it as is :)

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Length Issues

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