The midi skirt can be an awkward one to style – it's not quite a floor sweeping gown but it's not a Saturday night mini either. For that same reason though, a mid-length hemline can make for a really versatile look. Longer skirts are sometimes thought of as formal-only, but that doesn't have to be the case!

By dressing down your midi skirt, mixing prints and fabrics or just nipping it in at the waist, you can create an outfit with shape, structure and serious style.

Here are our favourite ways to wear long hemlines…

1. It's a cinch
Fuller midi skirts generally have a small, fitted waistband that really shows off an hourglass figure. For floatier fabrics, add a belt in a contrasting colour to cinch in your waistline and avoid looking too frumpy. Dita Von Teese is the tiny waist queen and this look suits her down to the ground, while this street style maven has added structure to an otherwise shapeless outfit:

2. Go casual
A midi skirt can tread the line between elegant and full-on Jane Austen. Dress down your midi with edgier pieces such as Jessica Alba's bomber jacket. We also love the idea of adding a chunky knit for a cozy but feminine look that's perfect for transitioning your midi into autumn:

3. Pencil perfect
A midi skirt doesn't have to hide your ass(ets)! A longer pencil skirt like Naya Rivera's or Sandra Bullock's is a great sexy choice that shows off just enough of your gorgeous shape:

4. Printed and proud
Don't just think florals – bright tribal and geometric prints are great options for midi skirts. We LOVE these two street style looks:

5. Sheer genius
Avoid looking too demure by showing off a touch of skin with a sheer fabric like Alexa Chung – or go down Rihanna's route and add sex appeal with a sultry satin number: