Closet purge: is this skirt dated? - YouLookFab Forum

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Closet purge: is this skirt dated?

Marillen

I have some formal and semi-formal stuff bought by The Mom from the early 2000s, back in middle school. Most of it is going out but this navy print skirt might be salvageable. (the matching top is beyond all hope :\)

I like the color and the length, although I could hem it to a shorter midi. I'm not good at determining this stuff, but does it scream 'matronly circa 2000 churchwear'?

(regardless of orphan status, I just want to know if I should keep it based on how it looks by itself)

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Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from citygirldc

Alassë

Veteran

I like it! Hem to knee-ish length?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I ditched 2 similar looking skirts a couple years ago. But mine might have been more that they weren't in line with my personal style more than datedness. It does bring to mind early 2000's to me, I must admit.

Aida

Veteran

Hmm I see what Mo does. Even if you were to hem it, the floral and I'm guessing the fabrication as well (it looks like that springy material so many skirts had back then) brings to mind early 2000s to me. I just purged a skirt in that fabrication that didn't look dated, but felt dated because of that material.

Thistle

Veteran

Hmmm, I think the material is a bit dated, though I remember it fondly. Wore like iron and you could wash and dry it!!

Still, the pattern doesn't scream dated to me and the length is more on trend.

Do you wear it now? If not, that alone would make me donate it.

deb

Veteran

I just purged one similar to this. It was just not 'me' anymore. It this skirt still feels like the 'you' you want to be, then I say shorten it and give it a go.

Liz

Veteran

I was about to ask, "If you saw it in a store today, would you buy it?" and then I realized that only places I've seen similar skirts these days are in stores that target women far older than you are (I've been trolling those stores hoping to find longer-length skirts that also look somewhat modern; so far, it hasn't worked.) So, based on that, I'd vote to let it go.

April

Veteran

Hmm. I'm trying to look at this with a fashion eye, and not with the eye of a daughter who knows that her Church Lady mom (in her 70s) wears skirts like this a lot.

But the daughter eye is winning. I vote pass.

Beth Ann

Veteran

I understand the "would you buy it today" test, but I think it actually depends on your wardrobe right now. Where do you want to spend your budget and how do you want to allocate your closet space? Sometimes I keep a "fine for now" item so I can address another part of my wardrobe.

viva

Veteran

Like Beth Ann, I think it depends on your wardrobe status. If you have a minimal wardrobe and could really use another skirt, this might work for a while as a placeholder until you find just the right one, or have the budget for just the right one. I actually like it with your white denim jacket, which makes it much more modern. So much has to do with the styling. If it makes sense to keep for budgetary reasons, hem to a more modern length and modernize with styling. If budget is not an issue, let it go and pick up something more modern in the same tones.

Kristin L

Veteran

I'm with Beth Ann and Viva. If you like it and it's a workhorse, then keep it. But if you're ready for a change, but a few other things need to be done first, keep until you can replace it.

cciele

Veteran

I agree with Viva! It does look a bit dated, but much depends on how much you want to work on styling it.

Marillen

Thank you everybody! I think the skirt is not worth the effort to work into a modern outfit and would be orphaned anyway. Out it goes!

Mia

Veteran

The Net a Porter site has many skirts in this length and silhouette (which I like on you) but the fabrication and print on yours might read a little dated. I would style it in a modem way and if I liked wearing the look I would get a more current version when I could afford it.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

I say toss or repurpose. I had 3 skirts like that I repurposed them into head scarfs.

Deborah

Veteran

It's a beautiful skirt however to my eye it is a little dated BUT you know I would really like rabbit to chime in here. This looks like something she could style to perfection and make very 2014... so I guess I am saying there is hope.

Sal

Veteran

If I was to style it today I would wear knee high boots (probably black) and a jacket, maybe denim. I would wear a black tee underneath. This is not a super modern combo but I think it would work.

fuzzylogic

Veteran

Perhaps it is too 'mature' for you? Or perhaps you are tired of it?
Personally, I love it!!! Oh, yes, I do!!!
The floral print may be slightly dated compared to the more abstract prints happening at the moment, but I don't see that as a big issue. Also, midi skirts are on trend!
I would pair this feminine skirt with a black leather peplum, patent leather pumps and dangly earrings with olive green accents! Hair up and a slick of lipstick!
Alternatively, add some tough boots, a singlet top and a black leather moto!
Ultimately, you have to feel like 'yourself' when wearing it! Play around adding some current pieces! Have fun!

MuseumGal

Veteran

Actually, I would keep and wear it. Maybe not for work, but throw on a tank top and you have an easy breezy summer outfit. But then, I don't worry overmuch if something is fashionable or not, just if I like it and if it looks reasonably flattering on me. I even like the length - longer skirts are definitely making a come back.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I got rid of my skirts like this a few years ago -- they didn't feel fresh to me then, and they don't really now, either, despite my desire for some skirts with this kind of length. I think the fabrication and pattern are making it look a little like those "sad dresses" that Stacy and Clinton used to throw out on What Not To Wear.

However, I could see keeping it if you don't have other skirts that serve the purpose this one does, and styling it carefully with other modern elements to push it more into this decade.

rachylou

Veteran

With a dark, fluid top, and different shoes, is how I'd do it. Maybe a floral top if you enjoy fashion forward looks. If you want to do a white top, I'd look for another skirt

Diana

Veteran

I'd style it with combat boots and a moto. Tough elements. It *is* a 90s throwback look (although motos seem more modern to me, I don't think we really wore them in the 90s) so you have to be ok with that.

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Purge: not a fun of the print and you can find a better updated one.