Photos by Mary Summers, So Then They Say Blog
What is the right length for work?
I am going to keep this week’s Work Wear Wednesday post nice and short. I am so tired from a busy July & August, and my next few days are jammed packed with shoots & events!
I thought everyone knew what the right length for work was, until my sister recently asked me before starting medical school.
Seriously, the picture she sent was of a dress nearly touching her knees, and she kept asking if I was sure that it was ‘the right length?’ When I mentioned this to a co-worker, she told me a story about a friend of hers that wears very short dresses and skirts to work… and thinks it is ok!
These two events prompted this post.
I have been working since I was 16, so I definitely think of myself as an expert in the ‘work wear’ category.
So, what is ‘the right length for work?’
This of course depends on a number of factors, including body proportions (longer or shorter arms), type of dress or skirt (if it flares at the end, you can add another inch or two), and the dress codeof the office (business professional dresses and skirts should be even longer than business casual attire).
If you are tall, short, or average height, make sure your dress or skirt is not shorter than two inches above your knee. Business professional attire should be even longer. I would make sure those dresses and skirts are not shorter than one inch above your knee.
I am wearing a dress that actually flares at the end. I give myself an extra inch or two on these, only because in the office the dress will lay down flat and be long enough, but outside the wind will take it up a bit!
I cheat a tiny bit on skirts (because I am 5’11 after all), but I definitely make sure that the skirtis not shorter than 3 inches above my knee!
Not sure that two inches looks like? Grab a ruler or download a ruler app so you can check yourself!
Now puton your favorite work dress that you THOUGHT may be too short. WARNING: if you THINK the dress may be too short IT PROBABLY IS.
For women, it is extra hard for us to be taken seriously in the work place, and to be treated as equal among the men. If you are wearing short dresses and skirts, you are actually putting yourself, AND the rest of us back further.
Being appropriately dressed shows ambition!Make sure your clothes are the right length of work before you head out tomorrow!
PS: You probably saw these heels on my ‘The Best Shoesfor Work Post‘. They are sold out in this color, but are still available in some gorgeous new colors (including a new I MUST GET ASAP)!!
The Outfit:
Spotted Flounce Dress (this is an old dress but I linked the website that will take you straight to Loft dresses! They have some of the best work wear!)
Kate Spade Tote (old style, linked a similar style)
Tan Heels (color sold out, linked a nude pair I LOVE)
NARS Lipstick, Anita
Here some other great options for work!
XO Amanda
