Whether your tall or short, flat-chested or not, a good rule of thumb for everyone is that the dress or skirt should not be more than two inches above the knee. It seems to always work!
Skirt length and slits:
Your skirt should come at least to your knees while you are standing. While you are seated, your thighs should be covered. If your skirt comes to just below the knee, a slit to just above the knee might be acceptable. A very long skirt should not be slit to above the knee.
A maxi hemline is almost foolproof and would look good on almost all body types, whether you're tall, petite, curvy or slim. This hemline is forgiving and with the right silhouette–A-line is universally flattering while straight cuts are less lenient, it's easy to look good, effortlessly.
If you're going to wear a short dress or skirt, don't be afraid to go quite short! Doing so will really elongate the appearance of your legs. Knee length skirts will actually make you look shorter - so try to go above the knee. Of course, if you're going to don a mini skirt, keep it playful but still elegant.
Wear tights or leggings underneath.
Pull on a pair of tights underneath a short skirt to cover up your legs a little more for warmth or modesty. Wear a thicker legging for more coverage or for a colder climate.
An a-line skirt highlights your natural curves with its shape. Plus, the short hemline helps elongate your legs, so you don't have to don a pair of heels to give yourself some height. Be sure to go for an a-line skirt that's a bit fuller than average to help highlight your curves.
The shorter your skirts or dresses, the higher they will draw the eyes, thus making your legs look longer. People will focus their attention on where your skirt and dress hem ends. The most flattering length of skirts or dresses for petite girls is about 3 inches above your knee.
When you're rocking a maxi skirt or dress, be sure to keep your top half well defined to create the perfect balance between the longer length of your skirt and your petite shape. Tops with a slim fit that hit at or above your hips will help balance the volume below.
It may seem contradicting to wear short styles after hearing that long hems elongate your legs. But if the weather is right and you're comfortable showing off your legs, try short hemlines. Mini skirts and dresses or shorts that hit mid-thigh or higher will elongate your figure as they let the eye see most of your leg.
Fit and flare dresses (also known as A-line dresses or skater dresses) are some of the best dresses for petite women. If you are short, the best length is either short (1-2 inches above your knees) or a longer length like a maxi dress. These two lengths are always the most popular in my petite dress collections!
Knee length skirts are versatile and are very classy for women with short legs. Knee length skirts are flattering on women with short legs and could uplift your body figure for more confidence and elegance. It is important to make sure that the knee length skirts are the right size for your shape.
Mini skirts have a hemline that sits mid-thigh, well above the knee. They range between about 10 inches and 20 inches long. Mini skirts are generally ideal for women with slim legs and can make legs appear longer. They can be paired with tights or leggings if the wearer wants more coverage or warmth.
Longer skirts work well for pear shapes, as the longer length slims down the lower body. Pick on that falls a little past your knees. Pick a high-waisted skirt for an apple figure. If you're shaped like an apple, a high-waisted skirt with flounce and flare at the bottom works great.
This rule states that a student should be able to stand straight, arms by their side, and not have their fingertips reach past their shorts. This, on many, measures to about a couple inches above the knee. This rule is emplaced for "modesty" purposes.
But mini skirts don't have to live in the past. You CAN wear them at any age. It's all about HOW you wear them.
You are never too old to wear a skirt. You can wear it as long as you feel comfortable in it. For a 100% comfort level, you have to find a suitable length for you. Skirts come in various lengths from full-length, mid-length, and short skirts.
A Line Skirts
A-line skirts are on the top list of best skirts for Petites because they are universally flattering, regardless of your body type. The shape is clean and the slight flare makes your legs look more slender.
A-line and pencil skirts are good choices. Higher waistlines help with the leg-lengthening illusion. Short skirts with high waistlines are great for making your legs look longer.
Skirts too Long. Skirts that are too long this is one of those things that really can age you and make you look frumpy, weighed down, and just not fresh. I know that long midi and maxi skirts are popular, however, if you are trying to look younger, I would avoid longer skirts.
Both styles can look great on your petite frame, so try on both styles to see which you prefer. An a-line skirt will likely be easiest to find, as many midi skirts are this style. You can dress it up or down by switching out different tops. A fitted skirt will look similar to a long pencil skirt.
You can wear a mini skirt for work and look professional and smart. Sure only in winter, but hey, take off the coat, and you can wear this is easy to copy smart casual winter outfit with boots and mini skirt all spring long as well. Especially if you style your tweedy mini skirt for office with a blue shirt as I did.
If you feel uncomfortable going too short, a mid-thigh mini skirt will not only give you confidence but also hide any possible cellulite on your upper thighs – in case that's something you're worried about. Our thighs tend to get narrower towards the knees, so pick one that ends just an inch above your knees.
Try a short hairstyle with volume in the top sections. Ideally, the sides of your hair should appear flatter than the crown area. Similar to the style for longer hair, it's the contrast between the volume on top and smoother side sections that creates the illusion of being taller than you actually are.
High-Waisted Everything
High-waisted bottoms, be it skirts, shorts, or pants, are a game-changer for short ladies. They create the illusion of longer legs by accentuating your natural waistline. Pair them with a tucked-in or cropped top for maximum leg-lengthening effect!