Petite sizing is considered anything 5’4″ and below. I’m right at the cut-off point so I wear both regular and petite sizes.
When I came across this amazing full midi skirt in leather that annoying voice in my head said, “You’re too short to wear that!” My heart often ignores that voice and believes I’m a twenty year old 6′ model. My heart is delusional like that.
I couldn’t walk away from such a great piece that screams 1970’s for $12. It looks very similar to this one on sale for $2,994 reduced from $4,990!
No joke.
What-the-what?
Now I’m extra pumped I scored this skirt.
Added bonus…it has pockets!
I was determined to “make it work” with my not-so-lean-or-tall frame.
When I tried it on in the fitting room I stood up on my tippy toes. I knew I’d need to wear some kind of heels with it. A three inch leg doesn’t look good on anyone. Even Chihuahuas.
My Tips How To Wear A Midi Skirt When You Are Petite
1. Go for a high waisted skirt. It will elongate your legs.
2. Tuck in your shirt/top.
3. Wear heels. Even a one or two inch heel will be better than flats.
4. Wear boots. Ones that are a similar colour to the skirt will work even better. This avoids visually cutting the bottom half of your body.
5. Consider adjusting the hem a bit. Ideally it should hit at the thinnest part of your leg, just below the knees, or closer to the ankles.
6. Pair it with nude heels.
7. Wear it with tights and shoes that are the same colour so your leg line isn’t broken.
Sweater – TJ Maxx (similar on super sale), Boots – thrifted (sim), Skirt – thrifted (sim and not $3,000), Necklace – handmade, Handbag – vintage (sim but I REALLY love this one), Hat – Gap (sim)
I toyed with the idea of cutting this about two inches shorter, so it would sit just below my knees, but I decided to wear it a bit before making the cut.
This might be more of an autumn look but our weather here has been wacky so last week it was perfect for leather and cashmere.
How do you feel about the look of midi skirts? Do you feel they shorten the body too much? Or is it just our perception after seeing so many short skirts for so many years?
PS if you liked this you might also like how to wear bold print maxi skirts or how to wear vintage maxi dresses.
Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Throw Back Thursday, Fun Fashion Friday,
This looks wonderful, and I love it that no cows were used to make this fab skirt. My sister is 5’1″ and won’t wear any longer skirts – but she needs to see this. xox
Ah now, some of this advice seems very familiar 😉 I’m an advocate for everything you’re saying here, of course, and I edited out my comment on tucking tops in, but I agree with that one too!
Forgot that you recently did a post on this too : )
Fabulous look and what an amazing find!
I need to make the trip out to that thrift store more often. It is about 40 minutes from my house, but I always score something great there.
What an incredible find, I love it! So glad you didn’t chop anything off the length, its perfect as it is.
You’re right, us short-arses can wear midi length, its all about creating an unbroken line with either the same coloured tights and shoes or knee length boots.
Worn to perfection. xxx
What a great find for $12! You just saved yourself over $2,982. I adore midi skirt but think I prefer a little bit shorter length. I love how feminine they make me feel.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
They are very feminine, but I like how this is a bit edgy because of the leather. I agree…normally I would always choose one that is just below the knee. I didn’t mind this though since I’m wearing it with boots.
I love the gray and I love the midi skirts, so feminine and elegant. This skirt is beautiful and the whole look is charming, elegant lady style, which I prefer. The bag is cute, and the whole outfit with boots and hat, is a great success.
I love midi skirts. You and I are the same height, so I have similar issues. Definitely need to wear heels! But I think they can look super chic when paired with the right shoes and top. You look awesome! I can’t believe you found this for $12. Imagine if you had bought the Valentino first! 😉
Yeah…never would have happened. LOL
Let’s see, you got it for $12 and the other one was almost $5,000, okay, $3,000. That leaves you about $3,000 to spend with the money you saved. See? That’s how my mind works.
This looks great on you! Petite and powerful. Great combo. Your tips work for most anyone.
I like the way your mind works lady! I’ll get my husband to call you so you can explain it to him as well ; )
Awesome skirt!!! And great advice too – as a petite person I’m bookmarking this one. Funny I always had it in my head that you were tall!
LOL…the wonders of the internet…I can appear tall : )
Now don’t you look pretty and what a find! This look suits you and doesn’t shorten you in the least (I thought you were taller!). In addition to the skirt, I especially love the necklace, hat and handbag. I’ve got about 4″ on you and as one on the upper end of average, I like the length of this skirt. Only, me, personally, I wouldn’t choose this cut. For my figure it is more flattering in a softer fabric that is less ‘full’ at the hips, or a straighter cut, and I don’t ever tuck in a shirt (unless it’s under a jacket or cardigan and you don’t see it).
Wow! You’d tower over me : ) Yes I’m jealous.
I’m so glad you ignored the annoying voice and purchased this beauty – it is PERFECT on you. And with the money you saved by not buying the expensive version, you can almost buy yourself a car. 🙂 I loved reading your tips, very useful and clearly written as always. I love midi length, to me it is not a trendy thing – it is classic. I have a few. Don’t cut it! It is an absolute perfection on you… xxx
Wow, 12 dollars as in USD? amazing! It does look like a skirt that would cost over $2000. I do love how you styled it and agree with your advice. If I wear a skirt that length I always wear a boot or shoe with a bit of a heel and I always tuck my blouse in or wear a fitted sweater .
Love that bag!
X Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
Well no…$12 in CAD which sadly now means that is more like 10.50 USD. Damn falling dollar.
Aren’t I a silly one? And you are even a better shopper…
You rock, truly..
X, Elle
You look amazing-no surprise there! You have a gorgeous hour glass figure and look very fit. You have an actual waist to show off! Your midi-skirt tips for petite women are perfect and I like the length of the skirt on you at it is. I love midi skirts; it is probably my favourite length and what I have worn most of my life. I think they always look really great with boots. xoxoxo
PS-I am booked into the Blue Horizon Hotel now too.
I look fit? It is all a ruse. LOL
About 8 years ago I lost my waist. One day I was looking at myself in the mirror (when I was at my heaviest) and I couldn’t believe my waist had just disappeared, without warning me or even saying goodbye. I was just straight up and down from the hips up. That was when I was taking my chefs classes and was cooking and baking non stop every day. After I came out of the carb/sugar high I started running, stopped baking so much, cleaned up my act and managed after several years to find my waist again. Now I try to keep my eye on it. It is a constant battle though, and harder it seems with each passing year.
A great outfit and good tips too. i’m always amazed by the different a heel can make visually.
Wow, an amazing skirt! Certainly a keeper. I love the whole outfit, it’s just perfect. the length is good, too, but it does require the heels, you’re right. And I have to admit I needed to find a height converter to figure out what 5″4 is in centimetres… But I’m about the same height (if I got that right…), and knee-high, or just below the knee seems to work best.
I am 5ft74 and I find midi skirts extremely difficult to style. But having seen all these examples, I am getting the hang of it now. And I would not cut this amazing skirt of yours. (I am so going to fill my suitcases with vintage when I come over in July.)
Stunning, feminine look. Nothing wrong with your frame.
Greetje
I appreciate your tips because midis are a style I struggle with myself. Outfit photos tell all, and something I thought looked okay while I was wearing it looks poorly in photos. I’m pinning these tips. I did just buy a pair of nude pumps (well, blush – because my skin is pink), so I’ll have to pair them with my midi skirts!
<3 Liz
http://www.withwonderandwhimsy.com
I once found a floor-length black leather skirt at a thrift store and I loved it. I gave it away when we moved here because being encased in leather in the tropics didn’t sound like a good idea, even to me.
I’m 5’5″, so an inch taller than you–I only think of myself as petite when surrounding by my siblings, since only the 8 year old is shorter than me. I really, really like the midi-length, and floor length skirts as well, though sometimes it does seem difficult to find exactly those specific hem lengths which look just right. But for a truly great skirt the hem length doesn’t always have to be ‘perfect.’ I love this skirt on you, it’s an amazingly cool look!
I always got the impression you were fairly tall, isn’t that odd how our brains assign a height to people we only see pictures of?!
I think that skirt is bargain-tastic and you couldn’t have left it there, not at that price. It looks great on you, I really don’t think it shortens your frame at all. Great tips. I am tall, but even I look a little dumpy in a midi skirt if I wear flats with it. I think only Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot can get away with that one.
x
I like midi-length skirts. They seem so elegant (as you’ve proven). I always wear mine with heels too. I appreciate the other tips (matching boots or tights for a long look; high waists; tucked-in tops). I’m “almost” 5’7″ but who doesn’t want extra help in the long-and-lean department? 🙂
That skirt is a fabulous find, and you wear it beautifully – I’d definitely vote for leaving it at that length.
I bought a 1980s leather midi from a charity shop which was a ridiculous bargain (£3) but couldn’t squeeze into it, so I sold it on. One day I’ll find one that fits! xx
You look fab in them, dear! Great buy for $12!
You had me at pockets! That skirt is undeniably perfect. And your tips are spot on…I shared your post on my FB page so my other elfin size friends could benefit from your genius. 🙂
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Great look Suzanne. I actually like the longer length. It looks modern and hip and since the skirt is high waisted and properly balanced makes you look taller.
YOU ALWAYS LOOK SO TALL, POISED AND FIT, I WOULD NEVER GUESS YOU WERE PETITE. Great midi skirt and hat, Suzanne!
LOVE this on you! What a great score too!! I used to be 5’3″ but have started to shrink in my old age. I never thought I could wear a midi skirt but with your styling tips I might try it. 🙂
Darlene
http://whosaprettygirl.com
I’m average height and tend to shy away from midi skirts but between your tips and the way you styled this look I am for sure ready to give them a try!
xo
A
Hi Suzanne ,
I am 5’1 ” and struggle with midi skirts and tucking in as I have short waist .
What would you suggest for people like me.Would it work if I wear top/shirts untucked at hip length or would it be better if it sits at mid thigh or should I avoid trying to wear midi as I am short waisted .
Any styling advice ?
Hi Beatrice,
That is a bit of a challenge. Ideally you still want to visually create a longer, leaner leg. If you want to leave the top untucked I would recommend a shorter top. Nothing past your hips. Wearing heels with the midi skirt will help visually lengthen your body. Hope this helps!
Thankyou for sharing your thoughts with me .