Will the longer length last?



Carolina Herrera

Good grief, I hope so. Just as we're getting used to the new proportions, it would be cruel to throw us into mini's again, no matter how good our legs are.
For some, of course, the longer length never completely went away. So, if you don't like your legs, but if you do like a bit of drama, and if you think you'd be sartorially happier living in Jane Austen's time or if you just feel the cold, then longer skirts are clearly for you.

And, luckily, they're not going anywhere for the time being either, because designers have been quick to continue the longer trend into next spring and summer. 

Marc Jacobs

Why? Well, it enables them to delve into various era's that are 'long centric'. The 1920's is one such era. Cue a whole load of flapper dresses in frosty colours with heavy beading? Not quite, but with this style, this naturally means that the waist is going to drop (more of this later), and we'll all be slicking our hair down, Gloria Swanson style.
I blame Miuccia Prada. She started this whole length craze and until she says otherwise, lengths are staying firmly under the knee. Take a look at her spring/summer collection for next year if you want a few pointers on the hairstyle; otherwise, think long and flowing for next year.

There's also going to be a 70's influence next year. That, potentially, will be a bigger trend than any flapper influence. It's not going to be quite as psychedellic as some 70's revivals - but you are going to see some lurid colours, floral prints and whimsical silhouettes; all with a slower, more relaxed demeanour. Think Hawaii 5.0. on Valium.