The Return of the Long Skirt
Calf-length, ankle-grazing and floor-sweeping: how to wear the hem that has quietly taken over the high street.
It is easy to see why the long skirt has returned. It is comfortable, it moves, and it makes even the most basic top look considered. It also happens to suit nearly everybody, which is the rarest quality in fashion.
The trick is proportion. A long skirt wants something fitted on top: a slim knit, a tucked-in shirt, a cropped jacket. The hem wants a shoe with a little presence, whether that is an ankle boot, a loafer or a trainer with some weight to it.
- Pleated reads smart and moves beautifully. Best in a fabric with a little body.
- Satin or bias-cut is the evening option. Wear it with a chunky jumper to take the edge off.
- Denim is the weekend answer. It goes with everything and improves with washing.
Hem length matters more than you think. Try it with your shoes on, in front of a long mirror, and walk three steps. If the skirt trails or catches, take it up.
Written by
Imogen Vale
Fashion director. Writes about tailoring, the economics of getting dressed, and why most people already own enough.
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