Proper skirt length for 40's & 50's suits?

Ookoo

Ookoo

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Proper skirt length for 40\'s & 50\'s suits?

I have some nice Lilli Ann and Handmacher suits that look very stylish and flattering except for the skirt lengths. They hang almost to my ankles, and I think it makes them look matronly.

I would like to shorten them to just below the knee, but how short is too short? I don't want to spoil the look, just make them fit better.

Is there a "rule" about skirt lengths for each decade?
 
Wow, very lucky you!!

Are you fairly petite, and what year do you think the suits are? There is actually more like a skirt length rule for each year, with lengths gradually getting longer from the mid 40s to about 1950, then getting gradually shorter. If your skirts are very long they may be something like late 40s?
 
If you do shorten, consider, if possible, having the fabric turned up instead of cut. That way if you decide to trade it out, the change is reversable. I think you might be rare in height, if these are average skirts and hang so low on you, and the modification would look goofy on someone with longer legs.
 
Just seconding the no cutting idea. Chopping off length will drastically reduce any future resale value. Also, a permanent crease from the new hem length will reduce value as well. If you must hem, press very lightly and when drycleaning, take the hem out so it is pressed flat then resew.

Depending on the fabrics and the cut of the skirt, you may find you can only have a hem allowance of 4" or so. Maybe 5".

I am short, and used to find that wearing boots or a matching tights/hose and shoe in an unbroken color line would let me wear longer skirt lengths.

Hollis
 
I'm 5'6", I'm not too short...

Here's one of the suits, it's a "Weathervane by Handmacher".

3075823705_06e2cb6cd7.jpg


Now it falls to the bottom of my calf, but I'd like to shorten it 5" so it's about an inch below my knee. Would that be too short for this style? There's already a 2" hem, so at least some of the material would have to be cut. I hate the idea of ruining a vintage suit. :wacko:
 
Oh, I think the Weathervane suit is just perfect in length! Personally I wouldn't fuss with that one at all. (I'm really short, myself, not taller like you, but I would wear that suit exactly as is if the skirt fit me like that!)

I agree that the Lilli Ann looks a bit long, but have you tried it with higher heels? I can see why you might want to take that up just a hair, but as Hollis says, be gentle and do not cut! I don't think you need to take this one up enough to even have to flirt with cutting..... Maybe just once the hem allowance?
 
Yeah, you're not so short! Nice suits!! Those look like later 40s to me, and I believe they actually should be longer as they are. It was a tall shoe time. I think you're instinct not to cut is right.
 
that Weathervane is WONderful that length, no shortening needed!!

and with heels, the red would be smashing, i think, it may be even cuter with it shortened (NOT CUT THOUGH) as others have suggested

great suits!!
 
Thanks for all your advice. :USETHUMBUP:

For several years I could only wear flat shoes because of a knee injury, but I've recently been able to wear heels again (up to 2") . Yay!
 
Hey, just think...You'd have to have a really short date before you had to toss out the heels! I'm 5'9", so I have the opposite problem you are facing (can I get a "heck yeah" from the tall girls!?). I had to marry a 6'3" fella to be able to wear my platform shoes! :embaressed:

The Lilli Anne is a great suit (good fit), but the dark hose and boots really cut your legs and emphasize the shorter length from hem to floor. A great pair of heels would do a lot of good for that one. The boots shorten your legs by drawing a horizontal line at your ankles.
 
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