https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 14 May 2026 20:44:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video#post-447431 Wed, 19 Oct 2011 01:01:48 +0000 Fruitful 447431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In fairness to midis, these are thrifted and hence dated both in cut and fabric. To those who are now surer (after seeing my post) that they shouldn't try midis, please take that into account! Current fabrications and cuts may be easier to wear.</p> <p>Thanks, Anne! I personally don't mind a bit of retro geek (though I totally understand your reservation) - but this might not be the most flattering version of that trope. Glad you like my real outfit of the day :).</p> <p>Happyschinken, I love that you distinguish between ironic/fashionable librarian looks and ones that are...not. Is it weird that I sometimes get a kick out of looking frumpy? (it doesn't usually last long though) :D</p> <p>MissVee, more edge could be good. I don't have a lot of edge in my wardrobe - this is grounds for further investigation and experimentation :)</p> <p>MNSara, it was probably the cheesy side of me that liked those pockets I will have to think about hemming the skirt. Depends if I love it enough. A pleated skirt itself is tricky for my figure, so have to think about that too! I could return as you said - thanks for the tip.</p> <p>Modgrl, your midi looks are some of the first I looked at on this forum and you've got it bang-on! I have been unconsciously/instinctively doing what you've said with skirts I already wear. These ones unfortunately already break the length rule, and neither do they flare or fit closely. Tricky indeed! I love the way you laid out the guidelines so clearly, and I agree with them all. This excursion was ignoring the rules, which is fun, but longterm I'm happier with my outfits when I work within them.</p> <p>Vildy, I "lol"ed at your post. To tell you the truth this is the kind of thing I can imagine my mother buying for me 20 years ago and me being very upset about. That's what I mean - something weird came over me for me to see it in a different light!</p> <p>Vildy, I'm really interested in the idea of getting skirts like this for the movement. I always thought it was a problem, caused by my bum lifting the skirt. I'm going to see if I should reframe that thought!</p> <p>Grewitch, Vicki, and Deborah, thankyou so much for the positivity! I'm glad you approve :). As I've said, I'm on the fence about these, sometimes I like the looks, sometimes I don't!</p> <p>Deborah, what kind words &lt;3 I love that your and my styles are different and we can so enjoy one another's looks!</p> <p>Claire, so glad you enjoyed my post! &lt;333 I think your suggestions about mixing up the vibe of the look are definitely worth trying. I tend to focus mainly on my figure, and things I feel an aesthetic/emotional connection to, so don't tend to look at the things you suggested. Thankyou! :)</p> <p>Suz, good luck with the midis! I love the librarian look too :). And although this isn't my prime motive, I've heard guys, even player types, say they like it :). I don't want to make librarians feel objectified though...</p> <p>Angie, glad you like the checked skirt! There's definitely something special about it.</p> <p>Nicole, I can't help it - I feel like photos play tricks sometimes so video seemed the obvious choice :)</p> <p>GP (Natalie?) you look fab in that plaid midi! I think we are style twins! And thanyou for your lovely comments, way to make a woman blush! ^_^ As you suggest. lightening the look could be good. I'm thinking I need a fitted white shirt (still schoolmarm though - but as you say, I like it!). Delicate footwear is trickier as it can make my legs look heavy,but I could certainly try.</p> <p>GP my hair was in some sort of pinned up bun. Don't be jealous, I'd love your amazing straight hair Oh yeah, I'm soo glad you looked at our Michael Jackson video - I don't have a good excuse to tell people to watch it, but it's too funny not to share! </p> <p>Helen, thankyou so much for watching and liking! So good to know you make your own runway videos It's the only way to know how clothes look in motion.</p> <p>Heleen, good point about the pockets. I normally avoid hip detailing, don't know what came over me! They're faux,so might not be hard to remove.</p> <p>Thankyou so much everyone for joining me in this excursion outside of my territory, and also for your positive response to my video! Hope to see some of yours too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video#post-446954 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 07:28:10 +0000 HeleenH 446954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loooove your video! The first skirt has a perfect fit around your bottom, but in front the pockets are kind of ruining the sleekness of the skirt. Could you cut the pockets out (pull the inside pockets up and see what happens). You won't be using them anyway, imagine putting more than a tiny key in there, never mind a handkerchief... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video#post-446952 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 06:52:47 +0000 HelenInCanada 446952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG, how adorable are you? And I thought I was the only one who made videos of myself wearing new clothes (to see how they look in action...lol.)! From the pictures alone, I thought I liked the first and third skirts only (and you can really pull these looks off well!) , but after seeing the video I think the grey plaid suits you as well. You look really happy in these skirts - and the cardi and higher heels play up the foxy-geek-chic fantasy! I think if you're pleased with your finds, enjoy! Personality galore! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video#post-446938 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 06:04:04 +0000 goldenpig 446938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually Kiran, I think you look really cute in these! I love the quirky schoolmarm look. I love your hair...is it in a bun? I agree, you do look better in the shorter midi. Can you shorten the plaid one at all? But the longer length could work too...if you want it to feel a little lighter, maybe try just the short sleeve cardigan by itself as a top instead of the long sleeve turtleneck, and lose the socks/leggings, and maybe a little more delicate heel? But the librarian look works too...love your style! (I have to confess I have a bit of a girl crush on you...so jealous of your gorgeous long curly hair! And love your specs and your friendly smile!) And how cool of you to post a "runway" video! That's a YLF first for me! By the way, I peeked at your other video and you are just too adorable boogieing around with your young knight and your Viking hat on and your baby strapped to your back! Haha, that totally made my day!</p> <p>And hey style twin--here's how I wore a plaid midi a few weeks ago for my librarian look! Now we have matching plaid midis and minis! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video#post-446759 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:55:16 +0000 nicoleb 446759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It seems like you've gotten a lot of great advice but i just wanted to say what a neat idea it was to add a video! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video#post-446733 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:30:56 +0000 Angie 446733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The video was an excellent idea, Kiran. I really like the checked skirt! Fabulous! It has attitude. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video#post-446703 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:05 +0000 Suz 446703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE your video. What an incredibly clever (not to mention helpful) idea. It's great for all of us. Clothes are so different when you see the movement. </p> <p>I actually think you've created some really fun looks here! I may simply be showing my own inner librarian, but it IS libraries week here in Ontario! &lt;grin&gt;</p> <p>I think Claire has given great advice. Even if you don't like the skirts or the looks you created, you might yet create other looks with them, and even if you don't, it didn't cost you a bundle to play around with these. I am hoping to thrift a midi or two myself in the next few weeks to do exactly what you've done. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video#post-446675 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:45:22 +0000 Anonymous 446675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fruitfull, your post was so amusing and whimsical. I love the way you write! LOVE the idea of posting a link to a youtube video. Totally brilliant! I am just getting to know what your style is, so take my suggestions with a grain of salt if I'm just not *getting you*</p> <p>First, I'm newish on my own journey, and nothing new ever feels like me at first. I like the idea of trying new things cheaply, so if they're an epic fail, you're not out to much dough. So I'm digging your thrifted midi idea. I'm guilty of always pairing dressy with dressy, sporty with sporty, and "never the twain shall meet". This past weekend I attended a YLF meetup and got some great pointers on how to break out of that rut.</p> <p>Modgirl had some great pointers on making the *porportion* of midis work above. Maybe the *style* of those two skirts could work with other items that don't have a schoolteacher vibe (although it was pretty darn cute). The specs and hairstyle could be changed up, and the tops could have a harder edge to make the effect more modern, instead of like a literal interpretation of midis in the post war era. Definitely save them for the "Dressing the Decade Challenge"! </p> <p>This is a safe place to experiment. I think you are onto something, so if you love the midi, don't give up. One of these could be reworked or maybe there's another one out there with your name on it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video#post-446601 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:21:24 +0000 Deborah 446601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fruitful what a joy to see your photos and I love yourvideo.. you are truly adorable. I love both skirts. I particularly like the magenta one. I think you have make them look really funky and alternate. Red is definitely one of your colors. I like that your styling is very non mainstream. LOVE </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video#post-446573 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:47:50 +0000 Vicki 446573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the grey plaid skirt on you and you looked adorable with the red slouchy socks. As a few others said, the plaid can work as retro or change it up with boots! Now, that you've appeared in your own video, it's time to make it public! You can do midi!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video#post-446438 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:49:36 +0000 grewitch 446438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe my style sense is off, but I like #1-3 on you. Maybe a tinsy bit too much red with the red tights and the pinkish tops. Perhaps boots? I do like it best with the pinkish tops and the slightly higher heels. Looks very unique! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video#post-446432 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:44:25 +0000 Vildy 446432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just a personal thing with me - spent too many years in a skirt like the straight one.<br /> Makes me wince now. </p> <p>The plaid that falls forward on your waist. I purposely do that with my skirts like that when I can. I like the extra movement it gives them when you walk. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video#post-446390 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:20:42 +0000 modgrl 446390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Midi's are not an easy breezy, just throw it on piece. You may struggle with this length until you find a midi formula that works for you. I have more posts on my midi disdain and midi struggles than with my midi successes. But when I figured out how to make it work, it was like a lightbulb went off in my head, and it is just another piece of my wardrobe rather than an orphan. It's really great that you took all of these pictures because it can help you tease out what worked and didn't work for you. </p> <p>For me, the skirt can't be too long, just a couple of inches below the knee is good unless you are very very tall. </p> <p>With full skirts, they need to have a good drape and swing. For slim skirts, it works best when they are very slim and figure hugging. </p> <p>Waist definition is a must for midi's. I like to belt, cinch or emphasize my high waist because it makes my legs look longer and it helps to minimize any shortening potential. </p> <p>Nude or low contrast shoes are key for me. I have low contrast pumps, wedges, sandals, boots... they do miracles for your legs and can make any of these looks work. I know Angie had a post on midi footwear options and Aida made her midi work with mid-calf boots, but I am still very skeptical of this look. I think it is a trick to pull it off with anything but low contrast or nude shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video#post-446385 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:50:12 +0000 MNsara 446385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm, I loved seeing them in your video, and it's really helpful.</p> <p>1-3. good midi length, but not sure about that front. It doesn't throw me off at all - it just has 'personality' when you dont' need any. What about styling this one with some camel, white, and touches of black?</p> <p>4-8. I like this one, and like its retro geek potential, but would you ever shorten it -- maybe to where those bottom two white stripes go away? You'd see more leg then and it wouldldn't be quite so dramatic. Then it may also handle boots nicely. (Do you have any dark brown campus-style boots?) I think it could look cute with a cropped jacket on top too.</p> <p>If all else fails and you don';t want the hassle, my Savers let's you bring items back within 7 days and you can exchange them for the same amount. Then you could try different midi skirts especially now that you've been learning. . . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video#post-446366 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:19:17 +0000 missvee 446366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As you say if you're trying to force it, then it's not really for you. But, I could see the plaid skirt worn with more of an edge - boots and black leather. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video#post-446354 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:53:31 +0000 Happyschinken 446354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The last one is really cute, but it also is a more flattering length compared to the other skirts. The others remind me of older secretaries or librarians, and not in a fashionable ironic way. Perhaps #1-3 would look nice with boots? </p> <p>Anyway, your comments remind me not to buy any midis. They are hard to pull off, and even with all the stylish ladies here in the forum I sometimes see looks that I definitely would not wear.</p> <p>As a commenter said above, the first looks seem costumey to me too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video#post-446353 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:52:47 +0000 anne 446353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow - just watched the video! Nice to see you in action.</p> <p>Fruitful, they look like nice skirts and the FJ look like it is good quality, as you say, but a very costumy "retro geek' look to me. I like the normal pic at the end better too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtf-self-misadventures-in-skirt-thrifting-with-video#post-446349 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:34:17 +0000 Fruitful 446349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So I snatched a few moments to pop into Savers, and rifled through the skirt racks. Somehow a whole lot of midis seemed like a good idea, plus one ruffled mini skirt that I'll deal with in a separate post.</p> <p>The thing is, lovelies, my instinct and rule would normally be to ignore the above. (something about not wanting to look stumpy/frumpy/dumpy). What the hell happened? </p> <p>Something snapped, I tell you. I went "ooh, this could work, this could look good" and trying them on seemed to confirm this theory.</p> <p>I restrained the urge to buy 5, and bought just 2. </p> <p>First is a dark magenta skirt, lined, with self belt and cute (or tacky) faux front pockets. It has a front pleat that makes its straightness pull slightly A-line, as well as a weird belly pouch space. It seems simultaneously dressy and cheap somehow :). It's like the obnoxious uncle at Christmas that you somehow love.</p> <p>The other one is a plaid Fletcher Jones pleated wool blend skirt that's mainly grey, but has a lovely red line through it. It doesn't quite sit on my waist and like a lot of skirts hangs down lower in front; the plaid would be ruined if I had the hem evened. And it's LONG. It seems to be in perfect condition, and I was drawn to that, the plaid, and the smoothness. </p> <p>At home I tried a few stylings, but they seemed like wishful thinking.I realised I'd been brainwashed (fabwashed?) by all the midis I see here and elsewhere online :). </p> <p>In the end I managed to force a kind of success with high heels for one skirt, and pushed down socks for another. Both seemed to defrumpify them a bit. A wee bit :).</p> <p>I might get the courage to wear these looks for an, ahem, bracing change. But deep in my heart, I know clothes that are the real me need no tweaking, little styling, and certainly no forcing (especially not with high heels, which I won't wear every day).</p> <p>1) magenta skirt with low heels<br /> 2) magenta skirt with higher heels<br /> 3) magenta skirt, sans cardi<br /> 4) plaid skirt with red skivvy, long socks and same peeptoe heels<br /> 5)With mary janes and same socks, pushed down; red cardi<br /> 6) as above but with grey skivvy<br /> 7) with short sleeved cardi<br /> 8) My actual WIW that day - this is the true midi length for me! What a relief to see myself in this outfit after all the madness ^_^</p> <p>In my dissatisfaction I made a video, so you could all see how these look in action:</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6Xc50dhI58" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6Xc50dhI58</a></p> <p>Thanks for looking, commenting, and laughing </p>