Merry Middleton
And just like that, we’re only 37 days away from Christmas. I haven’t gotten into the whole spirit thing yet, not when I’m feeling unstable because of this trickle-sweat weather and migraine-inducing traffic gridlocks. You’d sympathize with me if you drove every day and witnessed paint peel off cars due to the heat and steam. It hurts to be outside — the sun melts everything. So much for all my readied cooler climate layering.
It’s about that time of the year when closets are upheaved for weekly parties and debaucheries. Since Fashion Week just finished, I’ve pretty much hoarded a decent stash to tide me over the slew of merry-making and cheer. But if you’re still about to beef up on your holiday sartorial bedazzles, make sure you update with the season’s new length. I’ve expounded the merits of the maxi skirt to death, but the new length to be seen in is the midi.
As the silhouette of choice by many powerful editors, it’s austerity harks back to the classic simplicity of the 1940s, a close-to-the-body tightness that’s sexy without revealing too much skin. Here are five reinterpretations that will make you the instant leader of the fashion pack — fangirls, groupies and all.
Mirrorized midis
Be it sequins, embellishments, pailletés, high-shine or metallic, glints and sparkle are all allowed for the festive season. The more eye-blinding, the better. There is a popular rule of thumb to keep sparkle finish to one piece at a time, but then if you think you can rock twinkles with glitters, then pair same-shine midis with like-shine tops. Although I do agree that if you intend to go on in full-out bling, leave the jeweled accessories, gemmed out minaudières, and encrusted footwear at home.
Stiff sheer midi (Givenchy)
Say goodbye to the billowy, gossamer versions — rigid is the way to go. Givenchy adds more oomph to it by trimming the hem with panthers and cutting out the upper outline of the cats to leave see-through thighs, which I have to say could be the new erogenous zone. A great way to expose your legs without having to disclose all! Pair with a dressy sweater and you’re good to go.
Peplumed midi (Marc Jacobs)
Shapes that adjust to the eye are always welcome in any fashion-forward individual’s wardrobe. Although this one is a retro revival, it still looks very now, what with it being reshaped in the hands of genius Marc Jacobs himself. This very ladylike reinterpretation, with an obvious focus on cinched waists and illusion hips, is given the luxe redo with sequined embellishments. This hourglass silhouette will work perfectly for reed-thin women as it pads areas that usually come with curves.
Slit thigh MIDI (Michael Kors)
Nothing says rawr more than a scissor-ed slash straight up the trotters. This show-some/hide-some equation is more titillating than just going for a straight out micro-mini, plus you get added style points for being the tasteful one. Choose your skin-reveal capacity: mid-thigh like Versace or all the way like Michael Kors. If I were to choose though, I’d rather do it with guns blazing than just sailing it half-mast. Plus, having it that high gives a longer line, resulting in endless stretched legs, paired with ultra-high heels, of course.
Patterned midi (Etro)
There’s nothing that beats the merits of a sensible, solid colored skirt: it’s slimming, exposure mileage is high (since you can just play it on repeat), and it goes with almost everything. But you need to live the fashion life once in a while, yes? Go for artsy, bold, eye-catching prints that let you be the center of everyone’s attention, like Etro. Or if you’re not ready to explore the kaleidoscope world, opt for a monochromatic print, like luxurious python à la Gucci that brings instant class and sophistication.
