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For women who consider themselves height challenged, long skirts are a boon because this length is so forgiving on shorter statures. Ultimately, it's not about how tall you are, but how you work with your figure and proportions to create the illusion of length and verticality. You've seen petite celebs such as Sarah Jessica Parker rock an ankle-grazing maxi skirt as fabulously as a sky-high mini. Whether you opt for a maxi or midi length, long skirts can be an effortless way to look taller and still be at the 'height' of fashion.
A-line Maxi Skirts
All spring and into summer, boho chic maxi's have been trendy. If you are on the shorter side of the height spectrum, the best way to play with this look is to keep it simple. Pair your maxi with a fitted top, tee or tank. If you are slender, you can tuck your top in, add a belt at your waist and top off with a cropped jacket or cardi. If you're fuller figured, try pairing your A-line maxi with a fitted jacket or shirt that contours with your torso un-tucked. Either way, you're creating length in your body oh-so-stylishly.
Ankle Length Knits
Jersey or knit ankle-length skirts have made a comeback from the late '90s and will likely stick around for a minute because they are so comfy to wear. This style skirt is best suited for a petite woman who is slimmer through the hips and thighs, as these skirts tend to be long and lean. If you're a curvy petite, don't fret. Look for knits with less stretch and more substance, so they contour rather than cling to your curves. Also try skirts with a tier or two at the bottom, which balances out your wider hips, and pair with a flow-y blouse that you can belt at the waist for a va-va-voom hourglass effect.
Flared Midi Skirts
Long flared skirts that stop above the ankle are so '60s. But this look can be tricky for a petite statured woman -- the skirt is wide and can end at an unflattering part of the leg. If the skirt ends at the widest part of your calf, your legs will look squat, which makes you appear even shorter. To pull off this look, this skirt needs to end at your lower calf, just above your ankle, so you show the skinniest part of your leg. This way you can rock your ultra girly, long flared skirt with confidence.
Nailing the Details
The most flattering long skirts for a petite woman are those that are light and airy rather than thick or bulky. Think 'blowing in the wind' type of vibe. Pay attention to the fabric of your beloved maxi to be sure it skims over your curves effortlessly. Be careful of long skirts with horizontal tiers from top to bottom, as these will make you appear bottom heavy. Instead, gravitate to diagonal stripes or vertical patterns, which are quite trendy and elongating, enabling you to take it to the max(i).
