What to Wear
Know Your Hemlines
The term 'hemline' describes the ‘finished edge’ of a garment and where it finishes on the body. From the classic full length maxi which grazes the floor to the midi hemline which sits above the ankle and below the knee to the mini skirt popularised in the 1960s which sits around or above the mid thigh.
The length of your hem will impact your overall style and appearance. It can work as an optical illusion for your body shape, drawing the eye to areas you want to show off and away from the parts you’d prefer to hide.
Read on and discover a full range of short, long and decorative hemline options to feel inspired to create your most flattering silhouette.
Dresses and Skirts
The Mini
Usually sitting 3-4 inches above the knee, this skirt length isn’t appropriate for all occasions (always check the dress code for a special event), but it’s definitely a head-turner. Mini skirts reveal plenty of leg and can help to elongate your silhouette.
In summer pairing a mini skirt with heels in a similar shade to your skin tone can create the illusion of a longer leg whilst in winter adding black tights and knee high boots can do this whilst also keeping the cold at bay.
A mini dress with a delicate pephem detail is a feminine and pretty look perfect for a garden party or weekend barbecue especially in a vibrant summery colour. Whilst a smock dress with a tiered skirt is a comfortable and cool look ideal for a warm holiday outfit.
Short Skirts
Typically resting around the middle of your thigh, short skirts are more demure than a mini. For this reason, fitted tops can make the perfect pairing, especially for ‘fit and flare’ shaped skirts which offer a playful elegance.
Short hems are a great pick for a fun brunch date with the girls dressed up with heeled wedges and a faux leather jacket. Pair a floral wrap dress with flat sandals and a denim jacket for a comfortable outfit ideal for a sunshine holiday.
Knee Length
This hem length oozes sophistication; think classic shift dresses and elegant a-line silhouettes. A knee length hem works perfectly with all kinds of fabrics. In particular lightweight viscose, cotton or jersey will drape beautifully and still be comfortable all day (or all night depending on the event).
Look out for fitted bodycon styles with a back split, offering you more freedom of movement - a knee length hem can feel a little restrictive. If you prefer a looser fitting skirt but still want to create an hourglass figure then opt for a fit & flare dress which will cinch in at the waist and flare out over the hips for a flattering and most importantly comfortable outfit.
Midi Length
The most versatile hem length, the midi hem usually drops down to the middle of your calf sitting below the knee and above the ankle. Flattering for almost all body shapes, its modest length makes it acceptable for almost any occasion or dress code; whilst also staying comfortable regardless of weather or activity.
A tiered midi dress is flattering and easy to style whether you dress it up with heels and a clutch bag for a wedding or choose to dress it down with trainers and a denim jacket for a casual daytime outfit.
A classic midi skirt is a versatile option if you're looking for a true 'workhorse' in your closet, paired with a relaxed t-shirt and trainers they're great for a city break where you need to stay comfortable while exploring. Our style with a fitted blouse and heels for an elegant daytime occasion.
The Maxi
Floating all the way to the ankle, sometimes just grazing the floor, a maxi length hem has a certain grandeur. A a classic a-line maxi dress with a vibrant floral print is an effortlessly refined outfit for a summer wedding when styled with heels.
Pair a printed maxi skirt with a white t-shirt and trainers for a simple yet stylish daytime look perfect for days in the park or elevate for dinner with a silky sleeveless top and heels.
A summer wardrobe staple, you can swap from day to night in an instant by simply swapping your sandals for heels, and your beach bag for an elegant clutch!
Trousers & Jumpsuits
From full length to cropped, ankle grazers and even shorts, don’t forget to experiment with different fits of trousers.
The Crop
Cropped trousers, which typically sit just above the ankle are a perfect choice during summer months where you might want to try and stay cooler. They are a stylish and comfortable alternative to a skirt. Fitted, straight or wide leg styles are all worth trying, each offering very different overall looks.
Our personal pick would be linen blend cropped culottes paired with a relaxed tunic top and flat sandals. A look that works equally well on a beach holiday in humid climates as it does in a pub garden at a casual weekend lunch.
Full Length
Ankle and full length are most popular, but cropped trousers, particularly during summer months can be super stylish and a great alternative to a skirt. Fitted, straight or wide legged styles are all worth trying, each offering very different overall looks.
Tops & Tunics
Hip Length
Hip length tops are often considered the most common hemline length for tops and blouses, falling close to the natural hipline. Add dimension to your look with interesting shapes such as loose fitting smock shape, a figure enhancing wrap front blouse or a flattering and on trend peplum cut.
Longline
Create a sleek silhouette with a longline top or blouse paired with leggings or skinny jeans. Skimming gracefully over curves, this longer hem length will give the illusion of a slimmer body shape and can lengthen a shorter torso to create balance.
