Woman in a midiskirt

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

This is one of the trickiest trends to get right: If the hemline is just an inch or two off, you're in dowdy-ville. But the midi can work no matter your height: Just choose a column style (no dirndls please!), add a sleek top, and make sure your skirt hits no more than five inches below your knee.

If you're on the fence, buy a cheaper midi—you can always have it altered to a shorter length if you decide later you don't like it.

Top, $148; and skirt, $750; J.Crew.
Midiskirts for petite women

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Petite: 5'3" and under
Skirt Length: 25.5 inches (but the stretchy rayon fabric makes it fit shorter)

Skirt, $145; Ted Baker London. Sweater, $64; L.L.Bean Signature.
Midiskirts for average women

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Average: 5'4" to 5'8"
Skirt Length: 23 inches

Skirt, $90; Banana Republic. Shirt, $85; White.
Midiskirts for tall women

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Tall: 5'9" and under
Skirt Length: 30 inches

Skirt, $62; Asos. Blouse, $265; Rebecca Taylor.
Shoes to wear with midiskirts

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

You're not showing much leg, so choose a shoe that elongates what you've got.

A Chunky Heel: Pour La Victoire, $265

A Beaded Sandal: Tory Burch, $295

A Nude Flat: J.Crew, $188

Next: 3 ways to mix casual and fancy clothes
From the April 2013 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine