Cool Weather Shoes for Skirts - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

Cool Weather Shoes for Skirts

HannahMichelle

Other than boots, what kinds of casual shoes can be worn with long skirts (mostly denim) in the cooler months like fall and early spring? I've basically been wearing loafer styles like these...not the greatest look I know!

http://www.naturalizer.com/sho.....5%25%2D%25

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/36996881/c/60.html

I just feel kind of stuck because a lot of sportier shoes that work with jeans don't with skirts because of the total visibility factor. And then shoes that look good with skirts (i.e. flats) you can't wear socks with, and it's not always cold enough for tights, so I usually wear knee socks or trouser socks to keep the bottom part of my legs warm.

So basically, I'm looking for some shoe style ideas (besides boots) that are casual, comfortable, and appropriate with skirts. Is this an impossible order?

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from AntjeH

AnaElizabeth

How long are the skirts you're wearing?

HannahMichelle

Ankle length...1-4 inches above my shoes.

Nicole

Veteran

Hannah, Are you confined to only wearing flats? And are you willing to wear tights with these shoes? If it's chilly, then tights will keep your legs warm. If you wear a thicker tight (like sweater knit) then a chunkier shoe will be more appropriate. But if you wear a tight that is opaque or patterned then a more feminine shoe will be best.

I think the shoes in those links are a bit too masculine for a skirt--but that's just my opinion. If you prefer a flat, you could substitute the loafer for a maryjane. If you prefer a loafer, maybe one with a heel or some detailing that makes it more feminine.

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/3.....29510.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/37000513/c/2986.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/31439727/c/3.html

HannahMichelle

Thanks for your input, Nicole! I really like the shoes in your first link. That's the kind I've been leaning towards, but I wanted to make sure I was on the right track.

Flats are what I'm most comfortable in for around town, although I can do with a bit of a heel. I'm not really digging the tights that much...they're kind of a nuscance and not that comfortable for extended periods of time. Maybe if I got a more feminine shoe I could get away with opaque trouser socks? You can only see a few inches anyway so I think they end up looking about the same as tights.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Hannah, how tall are you?

HannahMichelle

5' 7 1/2"

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thank you. Is there a reason why you don't wear skirts a little shorter?

HannahMichelle

For one, I just love the beautiful line of long skirts! They make me feel very feminine. Secondly they are warmer which comes back to my dislike of tights.
During the summer I usually wear my skirts several inches below the knee.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks Hannah. I'm happy to hear that you like to wear knee length skirts too!

AntjeH

HannahMichelle, you say that you like how feminine the long skirts make you feel. Not to be too blunt, but I really think the shoes you pointed us to in your first post are not exactly feminine. They are very clunky (personally, I find them clunky even with pants, but that's just me), definitely when worn with skirts. I think long skirts are very hard to pull off, but the best footwear options would be boots (for sure) and in summer some very light sandals or even stylish flip-flops. The in-between is tricky, I think...

HannahMichelle

AntjeH, that's okay...I was a little embarrassed to post on here because I knew
they were bad! I really believe I have more style than those shoes reflect! I just need a little help getting on the right track.

It does take more work pull off long skirts, partly because it's not a mainstream look, but I think with the right cut and fit they can still be flattering, so I really don't see myself ever giving them up. I am definitely going to buy a pair of boots and just stick to those when possible. Summer has never been a problem because like you said, I just wear light sandals or flip-flops. Thanks for the input!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Generally, I feel that long skirts are hard to pull off with style. At 5ft 7 and a bit, it’s just not your best length. I have worked with people who needed to wear long skirts for religious purposes and the only way to look fab in long skirts is to pair them with amazing boots, which is to your point Antje. This blog posting might be helpful:

http://youlookfab.com/2008/02/.....th-skirts/

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Also, we've had a similar discussion on this forum a little while ago and I've attached the link.

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....replies=28

HannahMichelle

Angie, I respect your advice because know you know what you're talking about. Does it make any difference that I am very slim or is it all in the height? (A bit shorter and wider really doesn't bother me.) I do partially wear skirts for religious reasons (I also just like them). I could wear shorter ones year-round, but it can be challenging to find the length I'm most comfortable with (whatever covers my knee when I sit, around 27 -28"), so I'd rather go longer.

HannahMichelle

Thanks for the link...I remember that discussion now. Sorry for taking up more of your time.

AnaElizabeth

I love the NY&Co skirt someone posted in the previous discussion:

http://www.nyandcompany.com/ny.....prod370012

Would this look good on someone with an hourglass figure and short legs?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for your openness Hannah. This is great. It sounds like your body type will look good in mid calf length skirts too, BUT it’s imperative that they are the right style in order to look stylish. I like to have my knees covered too, so I understand your preference. Try boots!

That skirt should do the trick AnaElizabeth. Great vertical seam detail. Go for it.

AntjeH

That's a great denim skirt, AnaElizabeth! I also love this one, which someone linked to before. Alas, it's MUCH pricier, not sure it's worth it...
https://www.nau.com/homepage/i.....ts/307W818