Modest Midi: Fall's Hardest Working Skirt Gets a Revamp

Ah, the modest midi. The silhouette just screams, "I'm married to my corporate job!" Or does it? The length—hitting the sweet spot somewhere after the knees and before the ankles—actually leaves room for a wealth of versatility, and designers are taking full advantage. No longer relegated to the boardroom, the midi is ripe for all activities, even date night. The key to avoiding the common pitfalls of boring is to play with the cut and color. If you're sticking with the A-line, try a shocking color or slightly more swingy cut; if you've chosen the tight pencil skirt, go for a fun photo print. Not only are the skirt possibilities endless, but so are the styling (and destination) possibilities. Pair 'em with offbeat button-ups (to the office), colorful sweaters (to a restaurant), or sweatshirts for the high-low look (to the market.) Stuck in the cubicle until 9 p.m. on a Friday? Not so for our beloved midi—not anymore!

How necessary is a bright shock of color in the winter? Make it work with tights and flats and a dark sweater—chic with an edge.

$100 at Revolve Clothing.

This ASOS Curve number just screams "va-va-voom going out skirt!" It would look equally as good with a sweater and cool patterned tights, or a button-up.

$52.77 at ASOS.

Basic black: check. Basic shape: check. Basic volume? No way! This J.W. Anderson skirt is padded, which lends it subtle interest.

$1,240 at Net-a-Porter.

This skirt is voluminous and has a very cool pattern that we think would be particularly versatile (hint hint: wear color!).

$795 at Net-a-Porter.

This sweet Bettie Page skirt is the perfect green—and those fans are equal parts graphic and cool. Oh, and bonus: the skirt is available up to size 4XL!

$78.99 at Modcloth.

Plaid and colder months are as compatible as peanut butter and jelly—try wearing it as a skirt instead of as an oversized button-up. This skirt is made of wool so it's like the polar opposite of leg-baring miniskirts.

$87.95 at ASOS.

Rev up your pencil skirt look with this compelling baroque pattern. Why buy jewels and baubles when you can wear their likeness on your skirt (and be hopelessly on-trend)?

$35.18 at ASOS.

The column shape and dramatic slit of this skirt only help eccentuate its great formal pattern.

$160 at Topshop.

Looking for something super work-ready? Try this by Malene Birger skirt, which would look just as good with a crisp white button-up at the office as it would with a mohair sweater at the bar.

$345 at Shopbop.

This piece is just skirting the maxi line, but the wide stripes keep it casual and flirty. This one would also look great in the office (with a textured cream sweater) as it would after-hours (try it with a grey crewneck sweatshirt.)

$258 at Shopbop.

How necessary is a bright shock of color in the winter? Make it work with tights and flats and a dark sweater—chic with an edge.

$100 at Revolve Clothing.

This ASOS Curve number just screams "va-va-voom going out skirt!" It would look equally as good with a sweater and cool patterned tights, or a button-up.

$52.77 at ASOS.

Basic black: check. Basic shape: check. Basic volume? No way! This J.W. Anderson skirt is padded, which lends it subtle interest.

$1,240 at Net-a-Porter.

This skirt is voluminous and has a very cool pattern that we think would be particularly versatile (hint hint: wear color!).

$795 at Net-a-Porter.

This sweet Bettie Page skirt is the perfect green—and those fans are equal parts graphic and cool. Oh, and bonus: the skirt is available up to size 4XL!

$78.99 at Modcloth.

Plaid and colder months are as compatible as peanut butter and jelly—try wearing it as a skirt instead of as an oversized button-up. This skirt is made of wool so it's like the polar opposite of leg-baring miniskirts.

$87.95 at ASOS.

Rev up your pencil skirt look with this compelling baroque pattern. Why buy jewels and baubles when you can wear their likeness on your skirt (and be hopelessly on-trend)?

$35.18 at ASOS.

The column shape and dramatic slit of this skirt only help eccentuate its great formal pattern.

$160 at Topshop.

Looking for something super work-ready? Try this by Malene Birger skirt, which would look just as good with a crisp white button-up at the office as it would with a mohair sweater at the bar.

$345 at Shopbop.

This piece is just skirting the maxi line, but the wide stripes keep it casual and flirty. This one would also look great in the office (with a textured cream sweater) as it would after-hours (try it with a grey crewneck sweatshirt.)

$258 at Shopbop.

How necessary is a bright shock of color in the winter? Make it work with tights and flats and a dark sweater—chic with an edge.

$100 at Revolve Clothing.

This ASOS Curve number just screams "va-va-voom going out skirt!" It would look equally as good with a sweater and cool patterned tights, or a button-up.

$52.77 at ASOS.

Basic black: check. Basic shape: check. Basic volume? No way! This J.W. Anderson skirt is padded, which lends it subtle interest.

$1,240 at Net-a-Porter.

This skirt is voluminous and has a very cool pattern that we think would be particularly versatile (hint hint: wear color!).

$795 at Net-a-Porter.

This sweet Bettie Page skirt is the perfect green—and those fans are equal parts graphic and cool. Oh, and bonus: the skirt is available up to size 4XL!

$78.99 at Modcloth.

Plaid and colder months are as compatible as peanut butter and jelly—try wearing it as a skirt instead of as an oversized button-up. This skirt is made of wool so it's like the polar opposite of leg-baring miniskirts.

$87.95 at ASOS.

Rev up your pencil skirt look with this compelling baroque pattern. Why buy jewels and baubles when you can wear their likeness on your skirt (and be hopelessly on-trend)?

$35.18 at ASOS.

The column shape and dramatic slit of this skirt only help eccentuate its great formal pattern.

$160 at Topshop.

Looking for something super work-ready? Try this by Malene Birger skirt, which would look just as good with a crisp white button-up at the office as it would with a mohair sweater at the bar.

$345 at Shopbop.

This piece is just skirting the maxi line, but the wide stripes keep it casual and flirty. This one would also look great in the office (with a textured cream sweater) as it would after-hours (try it with a grey crewneck sweatshirt.)

$258 at Shopbop.

Via: Modest Midi: Fall's Hardest Working Skirt Gets a Revamp