Hemlines matter

The hemline is as important as the dress, blouse or skirt you are wearing. It is the line formed by the lower edge of any clothes measured from the floor. Many fashion seasons have witnessed hemlines change in shape and height. Either as floor-length, hip-high or thigh-high, hemlines are determined by either the age of the wearer, the occasion to which the dress is worn and individual choice

TYPES

• Floor-length hemlines
• Ankle hemlines
• Midcalf hemlines
• Below-knee hemlines
• Above-knee hemlines
• Mid-thigh hemlines
• Hip-high hemlines
• Handkerchief hemlines
• Diagonal or asymmetric hemlines
• High-low hemlines

NOTE: Dresses and skirts are classified in terms of their length.

Skirts and hemlines

A skirt’s hemline has a huge impact on whether or not that skirt will flatter you. The right hemline can make your legs look long and slender, but the wrong hemline can make you look stout! With a skirt, know what hemline is most likely to suit your figure according to height and body shape. If you still cannot determine which hemline works best for you, experiment with different hemlines by playing with fabric and a full-length mirror.

Mini skirt: Try it if you have a short stature. Miniskirts show more skin, creating the illusion of a longer leg. According to Wiki How, if you have a height of 5 ft 4″ (about 163 centimeters) or less, a skirt that falls out somewhere between your mid-thigh and knee will provide your legs with the greatest amount of length.

Hemlines and dresses

Everything depends on your body type.

Petite women

Here, a comfortable pair of heels or wedges can become your best friend. Wear them with a mini dress that features a short hemline, and your legs will look instantly longer. If the occasion you are shopping for requires a floor-length hemline, pick a dress that will hug your body, falls straight to the floor and fits you well. Lots of extra fabric and draping can overwhelm a petite figure. With a long hemline, less is more.

Tall women

Go for dresses with lots of pleats and angles, or asymmetrical hemlines. This can create diagonal lines across your body and divide your figure with different angles. According to www.prom.about.com, sleeves are your friend. If your shoulders or arms are extra broad, steer clear from strapless dresses. Go for a dress with one long sleeve, long loose sleeves or one that is simply sleeveless.