Permanently perfect dress length?

I'm vertically challenged (5'1". That's my story and I'm sticking to it.)
I've had a great run with the short-skirt trend the past couple of years but
that's over. I have a dress that needs to be shortened. I won't wear it
often so I want to be able to wear it for many years without having the
length be problematic. I know that too-short is wrong, but is there a
length that is universally flattering and also "evergreen"?

Right now, the dress hits me at or a tad above mid calf, making my legs look
chunky. At the knee? Just above? The dress is made of a slightly stretchy
velvet, fitted at the natural waist, A-line, with a slight amount of nice,
"drapey" fullness. I will always wear hose and heels with the dress, if
that makes a difference.

Anyone want to weigh in on this earth-shatteringly important matter?

shinypenny...

I'm 5' but my shortness is mostly in my legs, not so much my torso. I
also have small hips, so I do like A-line skirts because they balance
out my shape and make it more of an hourglass. However, I long hated
A-line skirts on me, until only recently, when I learned that the key
for my proportions is to have it hit on the longer side - below the
knee but above the top of my calf. Any shorter, and the proportion is
all wrong. Too short and it draws attention to my short legs; I end up
looking squat, more horizontal than vertical, and too hippy.

So think about it, and maybe measure yourself: whatever length you
choose, I'd go with one that is longer from waist to hem than your
upper torso than your measurement from shoulder to waist. That'll
ensure a better overall proportion.

Straighter skirts I definetly prefer above or at the knee, but I can
also get away with longer straight skirts hitting anywhere below the
knee except right at the top of the calf (but I have really thin calves
and ankles). An inch above the knee, worn with heels not boots, gives
me a leg-lengthening effect. As does any length below the knee, worn
with boots or with heels, because it creates a long column.

I rarely wear skirts much shorter anymore, unless it's a skort. For
comfort reasons!

tia,
cofarb

ami kio...

I like mid-knee, but I prefer my knees to be a bit covered. At or just
above knee should be perfect.

ahmward...

I doubt that one is universally flattering because so much depends on
the length and shape of your legs. I prefer mid knee. My youngest at
5'10" likes her knee covered but in the past has worn very short skirts
(don't we all?). The other daughter likes her skirts just above the
knee. I used to wear longer skirts and dresses but I feel they are no
longer flattering for me.

Tricia...

I'm way taller than you at 5'2" ;) but think it also depends on the
fabric, if non flowy then not quite below the knee perhaps showing about
1/2 knee, if it was flowy then below the knee. It all depends on your
body shape what style looks best on you despite the current fashion.

cofarb...

Oh, you willowy types have all the luck! The dress isn't at all flowy, just
that kind of "drapey" that velvet does. I bought it, "nwt", on ebay a
couple years ago but never had it shortened, so every time I went to wear
it, I opted for something more flattering. It's a beautiful deep wine-red
color and, aside from the length, it fits me perfectly.

Thanks for the rec on the length. I'll plan to do that mid-knee area but
I'll let the seamstress look at it on me to get it exactly right.

EMiriamD...

Cofarb, I can't tell you exactly why but I'm pretty well convinced that
this dress would look best shortened to just above the knee. Then
again, I'm not "vertically challenged" at 5'8", I just think slightly
above the knee looks fresh and youthful on everybody.

Please do let us know what the seamstress recommends, though.

cofarb...

I took my two items to the seamstress for shortening today. I was sure that
I wanted the simple black A-line skirt shortened to just above the knee. I
tried it on, she pinned it, we agreed the length was perfect.

Still wearing the same boots (black suede wedge boots, if it matters), I
tried on the stretch velvet dress. Its skirt is also A-line. When she
pinned it to the same length as the skirt, we both decided immediately that
it was too short. What worked on the skirt looked awkward on the dress.
She repinned it a couple times until we were satisfied when it was mid-knee
or a tad longer. I asked why one item looked so good while a similarly
shaped one looked awful. She said it was because the dress was fuller
(that's the drapey factor) and that one could "get away with a longer length
on a fuller skirt". It's not scientific, and I didn't ask if that applies
only to the vertically challenged, but it was an interesting tidbit of
fashion/style info.

Trianna...

Interesting. I do think that every shape has its perfect length. That
goes for human and clothing shapes.

I'm having the opposite of your problem--I'm craving long
Edwardian-style skirts to wear with boots and finding that most of the
"long skirts" in stores are about 35" long, which hits 5'9" me mid-calf
for a Festival of Cankles.

cofarb...

While you're hardly going to get much sympathy from me for your willowy
stature, I guess the solution is to have skirts made for you. (I'm really
questioning the wisdom of whoever put me in French class instead of home
ec.)

(And we agreed that any skirt that hits mid-calf is probaby universally
unflattering.)

ellabella...

I agree with just above the knee, especially since this sounds like a
fun "occasion" dress. If you're not sure, you can always ask the
seamstress to leave a little more material at the hem to let it out
later if you like. Good luck!

Jamie...

I agree with EMiriamD on JUST above the knee - where it starts. My calves
are noticeable and my upper legs aren't wonderful and I find this length
works wonders for me. If you're petite, just think what it'll do!

This length accentuates the best and slimmest part of my leg, without
drawing extra attention to my calves.

When you work with a seamstress, it will all become clear to you because she
will adjust and adjust until you both agree it's just right.

Tricia...

Good to hear you've got it sorted!

Tricia...

Look forward to you reporting back - good luck with it, it sounds
lovely.