Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success Skirt Length Question: Is there any option to wearing hose with a long skirt that has a slit up the back and still look professional? Bernice Answer: Dear Bernice, Those back slits create many opportunities for others to sneak peaks. Since they are in the back, we tend to forget about them and then not realize how important they are, especially when we are walking. The key to your question is the part about still looking professional. In that context, the answer is no, there are no other options other than wearing hosiery. However, you do have hosiery choices. Thigh highs are the best option if you eschew full panty hose. Knee high hosiery is not a good choice if the slit comes anywhere around the knee area. Remember the slit moves as you do, creating a bigger space than when you are standing still. That's the problem with that quick backward glance into the mirror. It doesn't reveal what happens to the slit when you are on the move. I am amazed at the women who wear knee highs with side or back slit skirts and believe that no one notices the skin gap. Since you have to wear hosiery with this skirt, choose one that is good for your health, such as the No Nonsense "Renew!" line. Using graduated compression technology, this hosiery massages your legs, enhances circulation, making you feel less tired at the end of the day. How can you argue with that? Fashionably sheer, it's not one of the obnoxiously heavy types typical of most support hose. The other pay off is that you have not sacrificed your professionalism. For social occasions, you can wear a skirt with a back slit with mules or sandals. If your legs are in good shape, this is a fashionable look. But it is NOT for the office. Bare legs or feet will not get you ahead in any career, unless you work as a bathing suit model. Best of luck to you, Sherry Maysonave Also see: Can I wear mules at work? Should I buy new post-pregnancy clothes? Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'