As a professional woman you are sometimes get caught in a wardrobe confusion such as, is this dress long enough for work? or can I wear this dress to the office? You´re aim is to look both professional and fashionable, and most importantly, respectable. Today´s reader´s question is about identifying whether her dress is a mini or an above-the-knee, and if it´s wearable to work.
Question
Dear Glee, I have this dress on the photo. I bought it to work – the colour is not bold and the dress style also ok – this is a mango suit dress. I find it too short. What do you think – the skirt is above the knee-length or a mini skirt? I would wear only knee-length skirt to work – I need an advice. Thank you in advance! ~ Danuta
Hi Danuta! Is that you in the photo? Judging where the hems of the dress hit the thigh, I believe it´s about 2-3 inches above the knee. The hands are hidden so I cannot tell how long is the dress from the tip of your middle finger. The style and color of the dress is definitely work-appropriate.
Regarding with your question whether this dress is above-the-knee, the answer is yes, it is, simply because it hits several inches above your knee. Not exactly on your knee nor below your knee. But whether this dress is a mini? That´s actually relative to your height. To check is it´s a mini, stand straight with your arms on your side. See if the hem is longer or shorter than your middle finger. If it´s about your finger or shorter, then it´s a mini. The skirt is appropriate to your height if its hem hits exactly at the tip of your middle finger or longer. (I learned this from Kendall Farr, The Pocket Stylist).
For a skirt or dress to be safe for work, it´s hem should be about two or more inches down your middle finger. Unless otherwise if it´s winter and it´s color is dark, and you wear it with black tights and tall boots. Then you can get away with shorter skirts.
Basically a dress is considered a knee-length dress if it´s NOT a mini and if it´s a little above or below your knee. Refer to your office´s dress code. For some institution, this length is okay, but for other´s, it´s too short.
To create an ouffice outfit, wear this dress with a skin tone tights, nude pumps and a black suit, or you can opt for black tights and black pointed pumps for a more powerful appeal.
So tell me girls, can you wear this dress to work? How?
Dear Glee, Thank you for your answer!
I find it very useful – I have never heard about the mini skirt rule yet:)
The dress code is business casual in the office, so with a blazer I think this dress will be ok. Thanks again
Adding tights, will also make it a more dressy and professional. For a semi professional look (what teachers wear), add a cardigan with the tights. Suit blazers will definitely make the look super professional.
Dear Helen, what colour are the tights you mean? Thanks:)
Hi Danuta,
For a professional setting, go with neutral colored tights like black or brown. For retail professions, you might can get away with darker colored tights like blue or purple.
To spice up the dress above, accessorize with bangles and necklaces. A simple chain necklace that dangles to your chest and sparkly bracelets and rings add a youthful appeal to your outfit.