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Over the decades, women’s skirt lengths have seen hemline highs and lows. This season, it seems ‘prim’ is ‘proper’ and this midi length has been given extra style kudos by celebrities and Royals who’ve been leading the fashion pack with demure lengths all season. But with so many different styles on offer, from micro mini skirts to sweeping maxis, we thought we’d take a look back at some of the key skirt moments of years gone by, and offer a few tips on choosing the right length now.
1950s… the midi rules. Skirt lengths were on the rise in the ’20s and dipped again in the ’30s, but conservative views in post-war times meant the length stayed between the knee and mid-calf. In the last few years, TV shows like Mad Men have made the midi a must-have style to copy.
Then: A page from a 1955 Marks and Spencer supplement shows full skirts with nipped in waists. Now: Autograph Flared Skirt and M&S Floral Print Pencil Skirt.
1960s… it’s all about the mini. M&S sold their first mini skirt in the 1960s with the first appearance in the company magazine, St Michael News, in 1966. Showing the knee was an entirely new look.
Then: ‘Skirts are on the way up’ reports the April 1966 issue of our magazine. Now: M&S Woman 5 Pockets Denim Pencil Skirt and Limited Collection Sweat Skirt.
1970s… mad for the maxi. Lengths were lowered again as we reach the 1970s, with a more bohemian, hippy look. We’ve definitely seen a return to the maxi as an easy-to-wear style, for both casual and formal occasions, in the last decade.
Then: From July 1974, this shot shows the summer maxi was ‘in’. Now: Autograph Colour Block Maxi Skirt and Autograph Floral Print Pleated Skirt.
1980s… hemlines on the rise. Skirt lengths shot up again during the eighties where the silhouette was about showing off those power-shoulders. Body-con mini skirts, ra-ra and playful bubble-hem styles were also a big hit.
1990s and beyond… anything goes. As designers increasingly take inspiration from the past the skirt options are endless, and although there have been mini trends (cargo skirts, denim skirts, skorts and kilts), there’s also more room for individual style to determine how we wear our skirts. The great thing is, there’s plenty of choice in all lengths as it’s not just about one ‘look’.
Then: an illustration that featured in St Michael News in 1970 shows that skirt lengths were a hot topic. Now: maxi-lengths offer maximum style - try printed styles from Indigo to get the look.
Which skirt length to choose?
- For women who are very petite, a shorter skirt length can be flattering or why not try a fitted pencil skirt that finishes on the knee. M&S Woman has some great styles like this or try our petite range.Â
- If you are conscious of your legs and prefer not to show them off, rest assured there are plenty of lovely, fashionable maxi skirts available. Try Autograph or Indigo.Â
- If your legs are your best asset why hide them? Our Limited Collection has some great mini skirts, as does Indigo. Keep the look laid-back and casual with summer sandals or flats.
- For taller women, a calf length or midi skirt can be a elegant and stylish choice. But if you are shorter, simply adding a small heel will make this skirt length all-the-more flattering.
- Choosing a skirt length also depends on your height, so one woman’s mini skirt might be knee-length on another. The key is to try them on, and once you know what length looks best on you, make a note of the measurements. This way, you can shop online with ease – simply shop all skirts and then narrow your selection via the length options from the menu on the left of the screen.
Do you remember the skirt trends of past decades? How do you like to wear your skirts now? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
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Comments8
On: 25 June 2012 Permalink
Now in my more ‘mature’ years I prefer longer lengths. Knee length or above just don’t look right, in fact they look downright silly! My favourite length is midi as in the 1970s ie. lower calf length, which looks particular good with boots or higher heels. Todays so called midis on my 5′ 8″ only come to the knee or just below. Also, where are all the plain skirts to go with the wonderful patterned and/or intricate tops there are on offer. I find they have to be worn with trousers as these seem to be the only plain garments you can get. I love lined panelled skirts that drape and move as you walk and am just hoping there may be some plain ones on offer in the coming seasons. I think many of us would love to go back to the days when M & S were famous for high quality tailored garments even if they do cost a little more. Autograph started out like that but seems to have somewhat lost its way, be fashionable yes but not at the expense of quality. I still have a couple of lovely skirts from Autographs early years. The 60′s generation may no longer suit minis but we have a different mindset to the generations before us and refuse to be shuffled of to Classics!
On: 27 June 2012 Permalink
Hi Jane, thank you for your comment. We offer a range of lengths across our collections including per una, M&S Woman and Autograph. I’ve picked out a few longer, plain styles below but do pop back to the website often to see the latest arrivals.
Flared Hem Crêpe Skirt: http://www.marksandspencer.com/Flared-Hem-Waist-Crêpe-Skirt/dp/B00497EY48
Linen Blend Plain Skirt: http://www.marksandspencer.com/Linen-Blend-Pull-Plain-Skirt/dp/B000VL5MG0
Cotton Embroidered Skirt: http://www.marksandspencer.com/Per-Una-Cotton-Appliqué-Embroidered/dp/B0032GLQES
Linen Blend Midi Skirt: http://www.marksandspencer.com/Autograph-Linen-Blend-Satin-Skirt/dp/B007U09DCE
Our models online are usually 5’8” or 5’9” so the garments should sit at a similar length for you. We hope that helps.
Regards
The Stories Team
On: 22 June 2012 Permalink
I only wear trousers now. If I wanted to buy a dress or skirt for a special occasion I would buy the maxi length. Although I’m not keen on some of the loud patterns on some.
On: 22 June 2012 Permalink
Dress lengths are shorter than ever this year, I have seen so many lovely dresses but they are far too short, not everyone is a teenager. I think a good idea would be for the hems to be left unstitched and each person can have the length they want. Their has to be a problem as why would so many dresses be on the sale racks?.
On: 22 June 2012 Permalink
I don’t think unstitched hems are a great idea for all. Not everybody
likes taking up hems. M&S usually have different lengths in skirts and trousers.
On: 22 June 2012 Permalink
Bought my first ever mini skirt from M & in the 60′s. Problem is what skirt length should a 60+ be wearing. I myself prefer knee length or just below. Any suggestions ?
On: 27 June 2012 Permalink
Hi Shirley,
The answer to your question really depends on the individual and the skirt length they feel comfortable with. Lots of women of 60+ prefer a skirt that is at calf length or just over the knee, but there’s no rule to say you can’t wear a shorter skirt. With tights and boots in the autumn, a skirt that sits on the knee can look lovely as can a longer cardigan with a knee-length skirt. If opting for a maxi skirt, a shorter jacket or top is usually most flattering.
We do hope that helps.
Regards
The Stories Team
On: 6 July 2012 Permalink
Hi I also have a problem I am 4ft 10 size 10-12 and long skirts are too long and short skirts are a little to short as I am 60 years old can you advise me.