Hemlines attract attention; this is primarily because they are often an area where colour contrast exists between the hem of the dress or skirt, and the legs. The more the body is divided horizontally by bands of colour, the shorter and possibly heavier the result can be e.g., dark shoes, light legs, dark skirt, medium belt, light top etc. If you wish to elongate and slim the lower torso, strive to minimize the number of obvious colour divisions by the careful use of colour. For example, dark shoes and a dark skirt teamed with hosiery that blends the two will create a more vertical and slimmer appearance. Likewise a dark skirt or dress that is a little too short for your body shape or age, may be made acceptable, if teamed with dark hosiery, as the length of the skirt will become less obvious.

Ignore seasonal debates over which lengths are 'in' and go with those that suit the shape of your leg.

- Due to your height shorter hem lengths will look best on you. Long skirts and dresses have the potential to make you appear shorter and heavier. Strive to wear a focal point above your bust line to attract attention towards the top of your body e.g. a necklace, eye catching earrings or eyewear, a hat, hair accessory or brightly coloured hair. Medium to high heels will also help to counteract the effect of the Long hemline.

- Professional environments require a conservative dress code, therefore keep your hem lengths at or below 5cms (2 inches) above the knee for occasions that require a professional approach.

- Shoes with medium to high heels will make you appear taller and add graceful curves to your legs.

Nothing can spoil a woman's appearance quicker than an inappropriate or unflattering hemline.

For professional environments, conservative hem lengths are best. All skirts rise approximately 7.5 cms (3 ins) when you are seated, any hem more than 5 cms above the knee when standing will turn into a mini skirt when seated. Women wishing to climb the corporate ladder are best to be recognised for their ability not their hem length.

Ultra short skirts should be left to the young and slender. Medium lengths work well with most women and long hemlines are most successfully worn by those who are tall. In general, the lower and fuller the hemline, the shorter and heavier you will appear. Skirts longer than 5 cms below the knee can appear matronly when worn by anyone over fifty.

Light coloured skirts often appear shorter than they really are and dark coloured skirts can appear longer. If you are a presenter or trainer think about where you will be standing. If teaching from a stage the length of your skirt hem may need to be a little lower to prevent those in the nearest aisles from seeing too much leg.

Every woman's legs curve in a different place. Regardless of the suggestions in this section never end a skirt or dress at the fullest part of your thigh or calf unless you are thin as these lengths tend to make legs appear thicker.

Consider what you look like from the back as well as the front. Skirts with high splits (mid thigh or higher) highlight the legs and are not a good choice for most women over 40 years old nor professional environments. Inverted 'V' shaped splits at the back of short skirts or dresses make bending over with dignity difficult and are not appropriate for business or professional environments.

A longer than recommended hem length can be worn if a higher heel is employed. The extra heel height will lengthen the leg and add to a person's overall height thus giving the wearer the proportions to wear a longer skirt.

Be wary of unusual hemlines or skirts and dresses with borders if you are not tall or do not own shapely legs as the detailing will attract attention to your legs.

To determine your best lengths for skirts and dresses the following factors have been taken into account.

PRIMARY FACTORS AFFECTING HEMLINES

• Your vertical proportions.
  
  
• Your horizontal proportions.
  
  
• Your height.
  
  
• Your weight.
  
  
• Your age.
  
  
• Any relevant prominent features.