Midi magic: The hemline that’s making a statement this autumn/winter

Time to retire those mini skirts as hemlines drop for autumn/winter, says Emma Akbareian

Jacket £89, jumper £29.50, skirt £49.50, shoes £29.50, bag £35, marksandspencer.com

Nothing has the ability to transform a look like the length of a skirt; from itsy bitsy minis to floor-sweeping maxis; sartorially, you can always count on a new hemline to make a statement. This season however, there’s a new style to consider and it hasn’t always attracted the most favourable of reputations.

The midi refers to a hemline that falls somewhere between the knee and the ankle. Unfortunately the frump factor somewhat puts people off. No-one wants to end up looking like a cross between a librarian and their nan.

But that reputation is undeserved; remember that saying, less is more, it applies here. There’s something about just the flash of the ankle that is infinitely more alluring and simultaneously graceful. A tight fit and a pair of heels will up the sex appeal whilst flat shoes and a looser fit is more daytime appropriate.

Look to the catwalks for inspiration where the midi was overwhelmingly the hemline of choice. At Saint Laurent they came with a Seventies feel, belted at the waist and teamed with knee-high boots. At Gucci they came in mis-matched prints, not unlike something you’re Gran would wear only far more considered. Burberry went down the prim and proper route with belted trenches and tweed pieces.

Proportion is key when it comes to considering ways to wear this trend; an a-line or pleated number should be styled with something fitted on top; a tucked in t-shirt or polo-neck are ideal. With form fitting skirts you can afford to loosen the silhouette and an oversized jumper will actually give the illusion of a smaller bottom half, result.

Figure flattery isn’t the midi’s only attribute; seasonally, the midi makes a lot of sense too. It’s that awkward in-between part of the year where it’s not quite time to pack away your summer clothes but far too early to get out the cold weather gear. A mid-length skirt treads this ground with ease; bare legs and sandals will work just as well as tights and winter boots when the big chill sets in.