Choosing Shoes for Skirt Length

Pres, I have a question. Are flats okay with a pencil that comes
to just above the knees? What should I take into consideration in order to wear
flats with a pencil or straight skirt?
Thanks,
Min

To take into consideration:
a) The width of the skirt. A fuller, gathered skirt requires a shorter
length. Some straight line full skirts, like those on crisp
shirtdresses, especially if there is a high opening on the button
front hem to expose the leg, can support a longer skirt, and flats.

b) The length/width of the calves, as well as of the thighs. If your
thigh bone is short, and your calf is curvy, this requires a different
look than long thighs and narrow calves. If your thigh is wider, and
your calves shorter (think Ilie) then a heel will produce a tipped-up
foot to lengthen the leg line, and make you look tall.

c) The type of shoe. A very low profile flat, which exposes the entire
foot, will support a hem differently than a bootie which goes to the
ankle, or a gladiator that puts lines across the front of the foot.
Knee high boots can rescue a midcalf skirt (But a wide or gathered
midcalf skirt, plus flat boots? And a shorter wearer? No rescue.)

d) The stockings: contrasting, or matching, as well as texture (micro
fishnets versus heavy cable knit) all figure into this.

e) The event. Some occasion require heels, which connote formality,
and professional strength. A job interview is an example, as well as a
court appearance, in contrast to some regular days of back office
work.

Remember that skirts can be too short, not only too long, and
that high heels compound this error. You can rescue a short skirt,
especially a bubble hem, with the right flats.

And so, dear Min, you can see that I haven't answered your question.
You do have to put the outfit on, and see.



Min: Actually this is very helpful. I knew there wouldn't be just one
answer but what I wanted to know was what I should consider when
trying to choose the right shoes with a skirt/dress.

My instinct was that for a more casual look flats would possibly
work. I also like to use flat with shorter skirts to avoid looking
like a street-walker.

So thank you very much for your thoughts and insight. I'm going to
save your comments in a file to pull out when putting outfits
together.


More, From Siepres: Min, I think Pres described the rules best. Here's how I interpret them for my body. I will only wear flats with a skirt above the
knee. Anything below the knee, and flats just make my legs look
dumpy. Directly above the knee cap to about 2" above the knee cap,
works for both flats and heels (although I prefer the heels). 2 to 4"
above the knee (which is the shortest I'll go) is usually reserved for
flats only. Now, I *might* wear heels if the skirt is fuller or a-
line shaped because the only sexy aspect is the little bit of leg I'm
showing it. It depends on the vibe I'm going for. Flats with fuller
skirts at a shorter length can look very cute. Now, I *usually* never
wear heels with a pencil skirt of this length because then you have
the curve-hugging sexiness of the pencil + the sexiness of the legs =
too much sexiness. It can start looking like you're trying too hard
(especially because I have the curvy top half to consider too). I
think deciding on the right shoe/skirt length is definitely going to
depend not only on the individual pieces of the outfits but also your
body shape and height. Because Ilie is only 5' tall, she wear a
shorter skirt or even short shorts with heels and still look great.