I love both skirts but I can see why the second may be better, plus the fabric seems to be thinner. It's too bad that it was not a NAS item.
I also have the first skirt which I love but I wish the fabric was thinner and also that it would let me take big steps which it doesn't because of the gathering band above the ruffle. I wonder if the pleated skirt is better in that respect, plus it looks more fun.
The gray one has its use though and can look a bit more conservative, which may or may not be needed.

Different enough. I like the second one best. But I guess the first one will be easier to style with a variety of colours and prints.

I think they're different (people will remember the pattern of one).
I like this style too. I find it very flattering. This is the type of item that I might consider duplicating anyway just because it seems like a ver winter-appropriate bottom.

If you would wear them with different tops, I think you could justify having both.

I think they are different. I really like the second one.