From Bottom to Top: The right length for dresses, coats, skirts, shorts

We can determine the right length for dresses, coats and skirts and shorts with the help of four criteria:

*what looks best on our body

* what feels right on your body

*what is appropriate for the occasion

*what is appropriate for our age.

In the TV show What not to wear a sign is displayed, which says NO MINI SKIRTS AFTER 35!

First I thought that this was too strict, I was sure that some women over 35 would look good in a mini skirt. A couple of years later I have yet to meet that woman and I saw plenty where it did look too girlie, to vulgar and not flattering for the woman's figure.

The beach would be an occasion to wear a wrap around type of mini skirt I can imagine for myself right now and perhaps as a lingerie item.

Feeling the right length of a piece of clothing takes just a moment. Close your eyes and feel where the length of the piece touches you, when you stand and walk. Most of us are very aware of what feels right and not. The other day I tried on a friend's knitted coat and it was gorgeous, style wise and color wise but I was too long on me, felt heavy and cumbersome.

Thirdly, how does the length of the skirt look on your body? Take a photo of yourself in the outfit. We can see the harmony of proportions much better in a photo than in the mirror. We can also see how the line of a skirt or coat accentuates our legs, knees, or hips and decide what looks best. Often a piece of clothing just needs to be shortened a bit to be brought up to date and to look great on you.