How to Wear Midi Skirts when You're Petite

Co-authored by Sarah McDonald and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: January 20, 2023 References

If you’re looking for a perfect staple for any season, a midi skirt might be just what your wardrobe needs. Midi skirts typically fall between your knees and ankles, so they can be tricky to wear if you’re petite. Fortunately, you have lots of style options for creating perfect looks for your small frame. No matter your style preferences, a midi skirt can be your best fashion friend.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Fitting Your Skirt to Your Frame

1
Pick a midi skirt that hits just below your knees.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Sarah McDonald
Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.} While midi skirts often go to mid-calf, this can be too overwhelming on a petite frame. Instead, pick a skirt that only covers your knees. This will show off just enough leg to balance out the extra length of the skirt.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If you’re having trouble finding the right length, look for skirts that are labeled as petite. You might also hem your skirt to shorten it.
- You might also try wearing your midi skirt higher on your waist if it's too long. Pick a skirt that fits above your natural waist or use a belt to secure it in place.
2
Look for a midi skirt with a slit to show off more leg. When you’re petite, longer skirts like midis can swallow you with fabric. Flashing a little extra skin can balance out the longer style. Pick a midi skirt that has a side slit or back slit.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- You could also try a wrap midi skirt. Wrap skirts encircle your body, and you tie them in place around your waist. They naturally have a gap where the 2 sides of the skirt overlap.
Advertisement
3
Try on both fitted and flared midi skirts to see which flatter you best. Fitted mini skirts conform to your body, while flared skirts have an a-line shape. Both styles can look great on your petite frame, so try on both styles to see which you prefer.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- 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. It will look great for work but can also be a fun casual style. For instance, you might wear it with a button-up for work or a crop top for a weekend look.
4
Tuck in your skirt to help define your waist. Wearing your shirt loose over a midi skirt can make your outfit look formless. You might also look like you’re drowning in fabric. Fortunately, it’s easy to fix this by always tucking in your shirt.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- By tucking in your skirt, you create balance between your upper body and lower body.
5
Wear a narrow belt to accentuate your waist. Cinching your waist with a belt helps create more definition around your middle, which balances your upper and lower half.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Sarah McDonald
Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.} Additionally, it draws attention to the smallest part of your body. Choose a neutral color belt to complete your outfit or play around with a statement belt. Pick a narrow belt because a wide belt might make your torso look smaller.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- For a neutral look, pick a brown or black belt to complete your outfit.
- If you want a statement belt, try a gold or silver belt. You might also try a belt with rhinestones or studs.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing the Right Top

1
Wear a midi skirt with a fitted top to create balance.^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Sarah McDonald
Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.} Since midi skirts have extra fabric from the length, a fitted top can bring balance to your outfit. Additionally, it will help create a look that flatters your petite frame. Opt for a tighter fit instead of a loose top when wearing your midi skirt.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- You might pick a tight T-shirt for a casual outfit or a tailored button-up shirt for an office-appropriate look.
2
Avoid baggy shirts so you won't look like you're drowning in fabric. Because of the extra length on a midi skirt, wearing a top that's too big may overwhelm your petite frame. To look your best, stick to form-fitting tops or shirts that skim your upper body.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Your shirts don't need to be tight, but you don't want them hanging loose.
3
Keep it simple by pairing your skirt with a T-shirt. With the right T-shirt, you can wear a midi skirt anywhere. Pick a tailored, classic T-shirt for a work outfit. If you’re going casual, any T-shirt will work, including printed or graphic tees.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- For instance, you might wear a pair black and white striped T-shirt with a black midi skirt for work.
- On the weekend, you could pair your skirt with your favorite concert tee or a fun print, like flamingos.
4
Pair your skirt with a blouse for a professional look. Since midi skirts are a feminine style, they pair well with blouses. Pick a blouse in a complementary color scheme. Make sure the blouse skims your upper body and easily tucks into your skirt.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- For instance, you might pick a silky blouse with sheer sleeves or an eyelet blouse with a ruffled collar.
- If you have a solid-colored skirt, consider trying a printed blouse, such as a polka dot or floral print.
5
Style your skirt with a button-up top for a classic outfit. Button-up shirts pair well with a midi skirt, especially if you’re creating an outfit for work. Pick a button-up shirt that’s tailored so it fits close to your body. Tuck the shirt into your skirt.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- For work, pick a crisp, tailored button-up shirt.
- If you want a more casual look, try a plaid button-up top.
6
Pick a crop top for a fun weekend look. Crop tops work really well with midi skirts because they balance out the extra length. You can create a lot of fun looks with a crop top, so try different pairings to see what you like best. Here are some ideas:^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Wear a tight black crop top with a fitted black midi skirt for a chic look.
- Pair a crop top with a graphic print with a solid-color midi skirt for a casual look.
- Tie up your top to make it a crop top for a fun vacation look.
7
Add a jacket or cardigan if it’s chilly outside. Midi skirts are great for any season, but they work especially well for the transitional seasons spring and fall because of their longer length. On cooler days, throw on a light jacket or cardigan to help you stay warm.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- For a classic office look, you might wear a cardigan over a blouse or button-up.
- For a chic style, you could wear a leather jacket or linen blazer.^{[16]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Sarah McDonald
  Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
  Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}
- If you want a casual look, try a denim jacket.^{[17]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Sarah McDonald
  Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
  Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Picking Flattering Shoes

1
Wear heels to elongate your legs. A midi skirt falls lower on your leg, so it can make you look a bit shorter. To counteract this effect, pair your skirt with heels.^{[18]
X
Expert Source

Sarah McDonald
Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.} Pick a heel height that’s easy for you to walk in.^{[19]
X
Research source}
- For instance, you might wear kitten heels or pumps with a professional outfit.
- On the weekend, try strappy heels or heeled wedges.
- Nude heels can make you look even taller, so they're a great option when you're wearing a midi skirt.
2
Go with a pointy-toe if you want to wear flats. Pointy-toed shoes help elongate your legs, so they’re a great option when you’re wearing a midi skirt. Additionally, pointy-toed flats can work for both professional and casual outfits. Pick a solid-colored shoe to keep it simple or mix things up by trying a printed shoe.^{[20]
X
Research source}
- For example, you might wear plain black flats to the office or with a casual outfit.
- If you want to make a statement with your shoes, you might wear a snakeskin print or gold glittery flats.
3
Pick casual sneakers for a comfortable, casual look.^{[21]
X
Expert Source

Sarah McDonald
Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.} If you’re spending the day running errands or walking around town, you might just slip on a comfy pair of sneakers. Pick simple white or canvas sneakers for an easy option. You could also try low-rise Converse.^{[22]
X
Research source}
- Skip the socks or wear very low-cut socks that don’t show.
4
Pair your skirt with strappy sandals for a fun, casual look. In spring and summer, strappy sandals may be the perfect footwear with your midi skirt. Try a neutral colored sandal for an easy, casual option. Alternatively, try a gold or patterned sandal to dress up your weekend look.^{[23]
X
Research source}
- Since sandals show off more skin, they can help balance out the extra fabric from the skirt.

Warnings

If your top is too bulky, you might look like you’re drowning in your outfit. If this happens, switch out your top to see if that helps.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0