Denim skirt dilemma - YouLookFab Forum

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Denim skirt dilemma

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Hi all! A couple of weeks ago I was doing a little closet review, and I started considering what to do with this denim skirt. I got it a couple of years ago, and it's by Kut. It is quite simple/classic, and I've only worn it a handful of times. Each time I have felt slightly less than fab. I don't know whether I'm styling it wrong or what.

The pics are odd for some reason, sorry (I'm away from home now so can't re-take). The skirt is straight, dark wash with just a slight bit of whiskering, comes to my knee, and fits me very well. It seems flattering enough, but I think there is an element of edginess that is missing.

What do you think? Should I try picking the hem and leaving it raw (I worry that doing that might make the hem sort of stick out)? Keep it and try some styling suggestions? Try fading or distressing it? Or give it away? I have such a hard time with skirts that I am loathe to get rid of a casual knee-length skirt that fits me so well without giving it a fair chance.

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Mochi

Veteran

It looks nice. I'm sorry I have trouble conceptualizing; I'd really need to see it in you to make any kind of suggestion.

Tanya

Veteran

I have a similar skirt and wear it occasionally in the summer, mostly with studded gladiator sandals and unusual- drapey tops.
It is a classic piece so I would first try styling it with edgier pieces before undertaking any more drastic measures.

Anonymous

Janet -- I think denim skirts are just hard. There is such a thin line between fashionable and frumpy/matronly. I love them in concept, but on me they always look matronly. I think it has something to do with how the front zipper lies against my body. It always draws the eye straight to the zipper (and lower belly). Is it possible that there is something like that affecting your opinion of the skirt?

(I hope I didn't offend you in any way).

Runcarla

Veteran

Oh! What Sterling said. I read a post by ClearlyClaire shortly after joining YLF about the problem with skirts that had zippers across the tummy, and I had an epiphany about why a style of skirt I quite liked never worked IRL. I purged front zip skirts (jean, corduroy, and others) from my closet, and don't miss them.

If the fit is good (as you say), the edginess will come from the way you style it - like with a leather motto or clever top and on trend shoes. I don't think jean skirts are 'edgy' per se, but can be styled that way.

anne

Veteran

I agree with the others about skirt zippers, but admit that I still have a skirt in a very similar style (I wore it a lot though, when I first joined YLF) I just can't get rid of it, because a few times a years it seems to fit the bill.
I agree also that it is about what you wear it with.

celia

Veteran

I would keep it as is. The skirt doesn't seem to be integral part of your style but something you wear from time to time.
I would check Angie's recent posts on how to wear denim skirts in 2016, do a couple of outfits with it and move on.
A couple of wears per year would be enough for an item that you will always be able to incorporate somehow .

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I hear you about the zipper, because I've seen that problem before, but it doesn't seem to be a factor for me. i think it's more the style in general. Pencil skirts, even in denim, tend to skew a bit conservative for my style, unless I have occasion to dress them up -- but that negates the point of a denim skirt for me!

I dunno, I seem to be finding skirts and dresses harder than ever. Which makes summer dressing a big challenge.

Jjsloane

Veteran

I have no luck with zipper denim either, but have a no zipper pencil that works and does not give that bloated matronly look. You have a different body so if this fits I say give it a chance and try to distress. I've got this one in my shopping cart to try because the gap one was too short. I'm not sure about the distressing on this, but am going to try it hoping it's just not a spatter of bleach spots on the bottom only.

WILLIAM RAST Button-Front Denim Pencil Skirt

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Tanya

Veteran

Not to hijack, but if you are considering a button down denim skirt, Jjsloane, I strongly recommend this one. I have it and fits a curvy body really well! I also like the wash better.

High Waisted Button Front Denim Pencil Skirt

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Colette

Veteran

Before I got to the bottom of your post I immediately thought let down the hem. But if you don't think that will work, I've seen some cool patchwork jeans, maybe add some different colored denim patches?

I've all but given up on a denim skirt and am looking for a very casual summer denim dress.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sure. Pick the hem and give it a rough edge. Why not!

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

You could try giving the skirt a rough edge. I have a denim skirt with a front zipper & everything and I wear it quite often in the summer. It's a little too short for me for *all* kinds of occasions, but I think of it as being interchangeable for denim shorts.

How are you styling it? It's hard for me to imagine the problem without a picture of you wearing the skirt. I find that mine looks best with just a tee and sandals/sneakers. The more casual the better.

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rabbit

Veteran

I have a similar skirt and wear it fairly often, although mine is a uniform dark wash. I wear it either as a navy pencil skirt in somewhat feminine outfits, or as interchangable with dark wash navy cut off shorts in more casual outfits. I think if it doesn't slot into your wardrobe as a useful basic/supporting act then maybe try picking the hem to see if that gives it edge.

Joyce B

Veteran

I wear mine as a pencil skirt and I also have it for several years. I like to pair it with a short jacket, leather or otherwise and booties or cute shoes, or knee high boots in the Fall. I wear it with a print top in the Summer.
I hope you will figure out a way to wear yours that makes you happy. I am sure you look fab but you are just not happy with it.

MTBGirl

Veteran

Lots of good suggestions here for you to try. Have you tried your freebird quails with it yet?

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I would add a front vent and maybe increase the size of the vent at the back.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Pick the hem.
I'm going to ponder styling options. It has potential.
With one of your leather moto jackets perhaps

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the ideas! Anna, I'd love to hear more. I have a feeling that it does have potential as you say -- I just haven't gotten creative with it.

Anonymous

If it's long enough, instead of taking the time to pick the hem open (which could take forever depending on how it's done), I'd just cut it right off and let it fray. White drapey t, leather moto, and some of your cool sandals or booties or sneakers

Or you could go more boho with it for summer - still cut the hem off, and wear with flat suede sandals or clogs, a floral-ish or paisley boho/peasant type top, and a bunch of gold jewellery....

I can't deal with denim skirts anymore at all, so I hear ya.

rebekahphoto

Veteran

I have always had the same feelings about denim skirts and have teased my mom for loving them so. But Ive seen some interesting outfits with denim skirts & dresses recently & have been wearing denim almost daily so I thought Id give it a try too. I have a denim skirt I just cut & frayed the hem & it feels much less "safe." It's knee length

I vote take down the hem & fray.! For styling, maybe try wide edgy/strappy sandals, drape top & leather moto,.. or maybe some cool sneakers & an interesting dressier top for a casual/dressy contrast

Style Fan

Veteran

Some great ideas here. I like LisaP's idea.

Nebraskim

Veteran

I used to wear denim skirts a lot, and then suddenly for some reason I cannot articulate, I was over them. I thrifted all but one that I wore a bit last summer but will probably send to thrift store this summer. I'm not sure what the tipping point was. I do actually like the look of this one, though as it looks a bit more RATE than the one I have. Picking the hem is an interesting idea. I still wear a couple of colored denim skirts -- one black, one a cheery yellow and another white. But the blue ones are not my deal any more. I liked the colored ones because they could go to the office. But I'm not working in an office any more, so they may no longer have a purpose in my wardrobe.

Sal

Veteran

I do prefer the 70s a line denim skirts - I will be upfront. But I can see this one styled with flat or heeled sandals- slightly chunkier ones. Or white sneakers. And a great tee - or tank - for a simple casual look. I don't think dressing it up or edging it up is easy. But I think giving fraying a go is worthwhile.

A flattering casual skirt is not always easy to find and the simplicity of this one is appealing.

Aziraphale

Veteran

I don't know what it is about denim skirts, but they aren't the edgiest of garments. I have a denim a-line skirt with a front vent, and while it's a very flattering shape (the zip is in the back), I never feel super-fab wearing it. I always feel a little bit 70s in it (not in a good way), or like I belong to religious group that doesn't allow women to wear pants.

I agree that you should pick out the hem and see how it looks with a raw edge -- especially if you wear it now and don't feel fab. I used to have a denim raw-edge short skirt with holes, and I quite liked it, but only for very, very casual wear -- like the beach.

Momo

Veteran

It seems like it should mix with many of you other items if it fits well.

I think the key is to stay away from anything that reads classic paired with it,

I scrolled through s couple of your posts and amazingly saw the one titled:WIW: keeping it real, tired of hot weather
Does it work with that kind of outfit?

Deborah

Veteran

Janet if you feel less than fab in it, then I'm inclined to pass on it. I find it's rare that a bit of DIY saves an item. If it's not making you happy let it go. The denim skirts Angie posted on Bonnie's recent thread would be more your style IMHO xx

Brooklyn

Veteran

I would try unpicking the hem and wearing it with chunky shoes. An asymmetrical top could add some interest.

Beth Ann

Veteran

If the picked hem sticks out, laundering should solve that problem!

Colette

Veteran

I saw this denim skirt when I was running errands and thought about your dilemma. Also, I let down the hem on a pair of old boot cuts because they were too short and I'm happy with the results.

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Vigoss Denim Pencil Skirt

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