I'm laughing along with the discussion too. Who knew that denim skirts could launch such disparate opinions? Right up there with the Skirted Leggings of Controversy.

Always a fascinating discussion when it comes to denim skirts (Angie's recent post about it here). I have no opinion one way or another, what does that say about me??

(On Angie's post I mentioned that I'd not be partaking but it's more a knock on skirts in general -- I just rather wear shorts!)

Ah, now I remember. Thanks for linking to the blog post, Aida. Angie is as usual ahead of the pack in noticing anything that surfaces in the fashion pond.

I'm deeply fascinated by how this discussion elaborates on the more or less subconscious feelings and values connected with appearance in a denim skirt. This is somewhat different where I live, where religion plays a more subdued role in society for most people. We have other garments that evokes stronger emotions, but that's for another discussion.

I don't personally wear them but I don't have any categorical objections or associations to them. I used to, but they were uncomfortable (always riding up, rotating around, and I don't like stiff skirts in general) and I don't think they go with my style. But I don't mind them on others!

I have a sugar-eye for denim skirts, would love to find a knee-length A-line in gray or white denim. I don't get the conservative/religion vibe from them (if anything they seem a bit cowgirl, in a fun way) but I do get that sense from denim dresses.

I have a dark denim Boden a-line skirt that I lurve!! [But I'm a 50 year old special ed sub so maybe my fashion persona is questionably librarianesque...LOL]
For me denim skirts have to hit above the knee. Midi lengths feel a little bit like Duggar family/ sister wife territory... Probably just a lack of vision on my part! In my Northern CA climate a good denim skirt is a four season workhorse. I like mine with boots, flats and sandals. It is as versatile as jeans but provides an entirely different silhouette. If I could find just the right 'dirty' chambray tone I would add a light one.

Fascinating discussion!

Gaylene, you really made me laugh. Denim skirt as fashion lightning rod!!

And Janet, you are right in more ways than one. Denim skirts and skirted leggings....what IS it with these skirts??? No wonder you have skirt issues. All along, you've secretly been aware of something that the rest of us were trying to ignore, LOL.

I don't have any particular negative associations with denim skirts but I do understand how these associations might temper a person's pleasure in the item.

For my own style, I tend to prefer the pencil skirt versions, I think because I like the juxtaposition of a more dressy/ formal shape with a casual fabric.

But I like how yours looks on you, Ingunn. So if the buttons don't make it uncomfortable, then I say, enjoy!

Ha, I just posted a WIW with a denim skirt!

The style that you posted does not flatter my body shape, so I've always avoided those. I do think it looks nice on you. Styling is key. Since 70's is making a comeback, I see that skirt fitting right in... but maybe not with a button down?

How about this one:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/119978777549420160/

I like the idea but would want to create some significant edge in the styling. Black top, killer bootie sandal...and a version of the skirt that was definitely RATE. Throw on a black moto jacket. Yes, this would really be up my alley! I'm getting kind of excited by this look. Hmm. And yes, I think it would have to be a pencil skirt for me.

BTW Ingunn: yours seems more knee length? I think of midis as being those long sweeping lengths from the middle of the calf to above the ankle. But I could be wrong!

I would never have guessed that there was this much controversy about denim skirts, but I bet there might be similar opinions about any single item if we went about asking for them. We all come from different backgrounds and we all have different taste. That's a good thing right? That brings much needed variety to the world and allows for our unique personality to shine!

My personal preference is to like denim pencil skirts. I like your skirt Ingunn. Most a-line skirts swamp my frame, especially if the fabric is stiff like denim. I currently own two of them. One is knee length and one slightly shorter. I wear them regularly all year, although more heavily in warmer weather.

I'm a little ambivalent about denim skirts. I don't mind the idea of a pencil skirt shape and I really liked the quilted effect one that I think was on the forum a few months ago. Regarding A line shapes ... personally, I would not like the bulky front zip, or buttons, and I think as AM said, good edgy styling would be needed (which I'm sure you could manage :)).

Ingunn, I'm a little behind with my post reading but just checked out your skirt! I like it in you. Nice cut and fit and I like your styling.

With respect to denim skirts, I cannot put my finger on it but I just don't like them:(. Aline, pencil, you name it, I just cannot wear them. I don't think they have ever been reflective of my style? I do try hard to appreciate them on others though.

I've been looking for a denim skirt for more than a year and have yet to find the right one. I like Suz's and Staysfit's JCrew quilted denim skirt very much, but it would be too short on my long legs. I'm hoping to find a pencil skirt style, possibly in white or some shade of grey denim. You wouldn't think it'd be that hard...

http://www.whowhatwear.com/bes.....nt-skirts/

Just saw this on pinterest.

Hi Ingunn, after reading through this thread I believe everything that can be said has been said. This type of skirt is having a fashion moment and more importantly fits with your personal style.

If you choose to tip your hat to latest trends you could try teaming the skirt with a softly bohemian 70's shirt or an Ali McGraw style polo neck.

I wear a denim skirt when my contemporaries are wearing denim shorts/cutoffs as neither of these suits my lumps and bumps.

WOW. So many interesting opinions about denim skirts! I tend to be more in the "Que sera, sera" group, especially with the AG skirt. If you want to show a little bootay, I don't care how old you are, do it and rock it, sweet sista!

I like denim skirts in all shapes and lengths. My favorite skirt was a long denim one with a frayed hem that I worth the life out of many years ago. I had a denim pencil skirt last year that I loved but sadly it's way to big in the waist and needs alterations.

Long live the denim skirt!

Thank you for this discussion! I have an A-line dark, stiff denim skirt with a back slit that's been unworn in my closet for probably a decade.

I used to wear it sometimes, but now I just try it on every few years to see if it still fits (it does) - and stick it back in the closet.

It's an oldie - from the era before spandex denim, so it's not very comfortable and rides up as others have mentioned here.

I don't know why I've never jettisoned it in my periodic closet purges. I guess I was thinking that denim is so versatile that I should keep it.

But seriously, I am never going to wear it! Out it goes today!

I grew up around a few families (though not the majority, for sure) who didn't allow the female gender to wear pants. They wore a lot of denim skirts. To this day I still associate a-line denim skirts with certain religious groups and 1980s British sitcoms.

Despite those associations, I don't like denim skirts. I could never tell you why until I read Isabel's reply:
"Skirts and dresses are not androgynous items of clothing, why choose a work wear fabric for them? Seems kind of mixed message." And I think that's perhaps why I can't do a denim skirt. I really love gorgeous fabrics. Even if I wear a denim shirt or jeans, I can make it feminine, and pair it with heels. I can't bring myself to do that with a denim skirt. There is something so glaringly casual about a denim skirt that anything besides the most casual of pairings -- keds, t-shirt, maybe a simple sweater with a puffer vest -- seems wrong. I could never pair it with a silk blouse and heels, or a knit sweater and booties.

That said, I have no problem with other women wearing one! If you love it, wear it and know that I will be happy for you.

Ingunn, I think your skirt is cute!

This is a true story. Years ago I found a denim pencil skirt on sale. I was thrilled and couldn't wait to wear it. In my mind, I never looked better. Then one of our young engineers walked in and laughed. She thought I was wearing the denim skirt ironically. She thought we were both in on some joke. At first I was confused and then I was mortified. I have never been able to look at denim skirts in quite the same way. Although I love them in concept, I will never wear one again.

Diana, there are softer versions out there, too, as you surely knew already. My new skirt is very soft and with some stretch to it, and it doesn't bounce or ride up.

Laurinda, I agree that a white denim skirt can be really fab.

Thimblelina, I think the most flattering length for me is at or exactly below the knee. Too short, it becomes too girly, and if it reaches my calves, the skirt will swamp me (and very easily I'm in frumpy-land). And you are right, my skirt is definitely knee-length. I called it midi because that's what it says on the waistband, but we know better of course. True midis are not for me, at least not with flats.

Suz, I think pencil skirts kan be tricky on my shape, but I see what you mean by the juxtaposition of dressy and casual between fabric and style. I like that a lot, too, and try to incorporate one of each element in most outfits. When I succeed, it always results in a high happiness factor.

AJ, that is a gorgeous casual outfit. Thanks for sharing!

AM, that sounds like a very cool outfit. If you do it, please share it in the forum! I'm wearing the skirt today with cognac boots and belt, a chunky cream sweater and a stone moto.

Staysfit, I think there are more controversy around some pieces of clothing than others. Denim skirts are definitely one, skirted leggings are another, as Janet said. I'm also thinking that jumpsuits and dungarees are controversial choices for most.

Diane, I agree about bulky zippers and buttons. This particular skirt is in stretch denim and very thin and soft. The only thing that I was a bit unsure of was in fact if it is too thin.

Deborah, the only kind of denim skirt I can imagine on you must be a very dark pencil skirt. But you are right, it doesn't gel well with your style.

If I should get a denim pencil skirt, it should definitely be in white, Windchime. But I've never seen anyone I like enough yet.

Gennifyr, thank you for sharing the link. I particularly like the Stella McCartney skirt.

RoseandJoan, I think I have a deep red polo/turtle-neck in the back of my wardrobe. I recently purchased a paper thin one in navy, too. Will definitely try with that. Or a cream silk blouse with rolled sleeves? I don't own anything bohemian.

ecteacher0000, I almost never wear cutoffs myself, I leave that to my daughters. They just feel wrong. I like them a lot on others, though.

Karie, I think your attitude is very appealing. There really are no true rules, and people should wear just what they like.

Jeweled, I'm glad you found your solution.

Keturah, that is so interesting. I tend to like them exactly because of that contradiction.

Sterling, I'm sorry to hear this happened to you. What an insensitive reaction. Other people really can ruin it for you.

I'm trying to avoid skinny jeans at the moment because they are too tight, and boyfriend jeans are just a bit too baggy, so my denim response to my issues is wearing denim skirts. That way I get to wear tights (which for me are comfier) without having to say no to the versatility of denim! Plus, tights add texture and colour to the ensemble. I've always worn denim skirts, straight and pencil cuts (I like a-line skirts in any fabric but I have a short waist and find them hard to pull off). I used to favour shorter lengths but as I approach my 30s I'm preferring longer lengths now (they are more practical, anyway).

Needless to say, I really like that skirt on you!

I don't really like denim pencil skirts and I think it's probably what Isabel said - I have had them in the past, but they seem to be trying to do two different things at once, and it's hard to style them well. So I have had them but never wore them. They're just not for me. Interestingly, I am a denim jean lover and have no trouble dressing them up and down. I'm not sure why they are more versatile.

There are aspects of the 70s fashion revival that I love -- and two of those things are the Alexa Chung for AG skirt and dress (which is what Anna has, I believe). I don't often wish to be younger, but maybe for a day ... just to have the legs and body and spirit to pull off one or the other of those looks. They are clearly for a younger woman, but boy, they are SO fab. I know they are short, but I think that's fine when you're young.

Once you start looking for a more "mature" version (which Anna did for me in a recent post) the A-line skirts and dresses lose all pleasing proportions and become matronly. I think once you get north of a certain age, it's a denim pencil skirt, or denim jeans. Period.

If we were ice cream flavors on YLF, we could justify the 99 different varieties...Denim skirts are just a preference...I have a knee length NYDJ style that is fun to wear...I wear it with leggings or bare in summer...I think a good solution to this question is to wear what makes you smile and forget what doesn't...Now the dilemma of denim skirts is solved...

You can see in my wiw that I love denim skirts and wear them for smart casual office usually with a moto like or stretchy knitt blazer, even a cardi. I am (47,5) and boss of 20 workers but work in a somehow creative field so I wear them as they are comfy(not too fussy) and feel they keep up with the younger sporty looks and are suitable for an energic walk with some medium heels:-). But mines are all knee length pencil now: black waxed, light grey or dark ink for fall/winter- white and corall for spring and summer(minimum disstressing). I had and wore maxis to my midcalf or ankle before, when I was younger and on trend, but that was 10 or more(?)yrs ago.

Generally I don't like a stiff A line skirt for me(but that is connected to my hourglass body shape). If nowadays I do an A line, it usually has to be cut on bias from a soft material which drape around (body hug) and only flip out slightly on the knee for an elegant look. I much preffer tappered hems on stiff skirts.

All together, I find A line skirts (with button fronts) like you bought a bit bohemian, but I know you can style it (if wanted) in a more authoritive way for teaching+ I am also surprised of so much controversity a denim skirt could rise up:-).

So, yesterday I spent a little time with my closet, putting away the heaviest of the winter stuff and combing through some forgotten items. I culled a few dresses and a couple of skirts, and chuckled as I tried on my denim pencil skirt, thinking about this thread.

I was almost prepared to put it in the consignment pile, but I actually do like how it looks on -- and that's saying a lot because my weight is up right now and I grimaced at how quite a few of my skirts fit right now (and then I promptly went on a 22-mile bike ride!). I'm going to attempt some styling and wear it soon. I've only worn it in summer, with sleeveless top and sandals, so maybe I should try a cool-weather styling with booties and a jacket.

I will take on the denim skirt as a challenge, much like the Skirted Leggings of Controversy! Ingunn, I think you should do the same with the A-line skirt.

More interesting thoughts. above all, a denim skirt stirs up personal emotions, that's for sure.

Janet, I'm wearing the skirt today! Your challenge is accepted. I got an 'it's okay, I guess' from DH, not more, but personally I feel good about today's outfit. Will post pics separately soon

I have yet to find a denim skirt that I like and am comfortable in. I often like them on others but don't feel I have the style chops to make it work as I'd like. Same with denim shirts, vests and jackets, so far. It is partly the environmental normcore factor for me.... You would think a RATE gal could easily manage these items!

Ingunn, I'm resurrecting your thread since I was off the forum when you first posted and since yesterday's blog post was all about the denim skirt.

As a former preschool teacher, I cannot see a denim skirt that has any fullness whatsoever without mentally pegging it as preschool-teacher attire. (When you teach tiny ones, a.) you sit on the floor a lot, so longer, fuller skirts are de rigueur, and b.) you can only wear things that are washable. Preferably washable one million times.) Hence, the ubiquity of the longish, fullish denim skirt among preschool teachers. Even better (worse) -- the denim jumper ("jumper" in the American sense: http://www.vermontcountrystore....._a_7c4822_... )

So, I agree 100% with Viva. Like many trends, I believe the longish, fullish denim skirt cannot be worn past a certain age without looking frumpy and dated, no matter how trendy it might be at a given moment.

If you're past that age -- I leave it to you to decide what that age is for yourself -- a denim skirt probably has to be of the pencil variety to look current.

Some trends just allow for too much confusion about whether you're wearing them purposefully (because you're hip to what's in style) or cluelessly (because you haven't paid attention to fashion in decades.)

Maybe you're okay with that kind of confusion. For myself, I'm not. When all the hipsters in our NYC neighborhood starting wearing mom jeans, I realized there were certain trends I could never again wear without looking out of it instead of with it.

*** This the part where one of our fabulous forum members in my age bracket (over 50) posts a photo of herself wearing a non-pencil denim skirt and looking completely hip and smashing. I look forward to eating my words. ***