I think it's a good idea to try fraying the hem if you are not wearing it. I tried on the Express skirt in sizes 6 and 10 because they didn't have a size 8 in the store, and while comfortable found it a bit snug in the rear even though the waist was big, so it may be a good choice for someone with a rectangle shape. I also tried the J Crew denim skirt in white and liked the fit and length. I ordered the blue because they only had white in the store. I'm hoping I'll have better luck with styling with this slimmer style.

I like the idea of picking out the hem. It's a very current look on jeans (the cropped styles) to show where the "old" hem was. That may give it a bit of the edge you need. With this option, you can always sew the hem back up if you don't like it, or whack it offer further if you want a different cut edge.
I wonder about styling it with leggings and your tough lace-up boots? Also the Freebird sandals mentioned above. Drape-front leather jacket? Sleeveless top and a utility vest? Would it go with your artsy oversized vest with the patina?

Totally agree with many of the posters, denim skirts are hard ! I definitely think it is the , for the most part , stiffer fabric and the front zip that makes this so. I have several and none of them are quite right. I have a COH one that is ok in the top front zipper area but it has quite a high slit in the front which I am not totally comfortable with especially when sitting down.
Try changing the hem line and see if you like yours better , I think mine may be headed on to new pastures.

Can't wait to see what you do with it Janet.
Thanks Tanya I love that one, but they seem sold out (checked my store too) in the larger sizes that I'd need.

I agree with Firecracker - more difficult to do it this way but I also like the idea of showing the old hem along with the frayed edge. I admire your ability to wear a denim skirt. My body is just too soft to read anything but frump/ matronly (I forget which term is ok) - I don't have your great long legs!

I agree with firecracker and actually dont think picking the hem takes that much time. I did mine while i sat on the couch watching Wild Kratts with my kids. I also personally prefer the extra length.

Since the skirt fits well, how about turning it into a work of art? Maybe top dyeing or even tie dyeing or dipping for an ombré effect? Painting on it? Ranchify it?
A denim skirt is ideal for summer heat.

I found this woman today , quite by accident as usually happens on the internet, and am now officially obsessed with her. There are a couple of pages on Pinterest devoted to collectors of her pics, and she did have a blog which I was trying to find, but it seems to be offline right now. Anyways, a former model in her 60's who now lives in Paris and runs a boutique...here she is in a denim skirt! Two completely different looks, and I can't quite get there with the loafers/socks one (just something slightly off that I can't put my finger on ) but look at the second one ! Those boots! The whole look totally works. Thought of you immediately .

p.s. : her name is Linda V. Wright and she wears denim in really interesting ways. .

LisaP, I love those pics, 2 is fab. I really like 1 too, but I think I would prefer a shorter sock, more ankle length. Nevertheless, she looks fab, and shows me how to wear a denim skirt with panache.

I know! Me too - although I doubt I would ever wear it unless I was rail thin, I'm quite obsessed with her style.

Great pics. I think the first pic looks off to me as the socks are black and too high. The shoes would look ok to me minus the socks. Love second pic.

I find my denim skirt hard to wear, too, Janet, but I really love that woman that LisaP posted. Wow! Not that this is any help to you since your skirt is completely different. As for me, I fear if I went to the thrift store and bought exactly the skirt she is wearing I would still not be able to style it to my liking, LOL.

It was just for the idea , Suz I know the skirts are very different . It has more to do with attitude and vibe and showing how a denim skirt can indeed work , than with the actual design details .

Isn't it funny how denim can be easily edgy in jeans but in skirts it somehow feels so classic? The pics lisap posted are fun, but they read boho preppy to me - not edgy.

I would likely try picking out the hem - for therapy if nothing else - but I don't know, I usually won't work that hard to make a piece work for me.

Have to go back and read all these responses when I have more time. Edging up Summer items is a challenge I face and feel like I struggle tremendously. Alas style is a journey and perhaps it's nice to still have this to try to achieve, lol. Great conversation starter, Janet

White sneakers, big sweater. But could also do a wide cropped top
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/.....tp0OGHlpM/

I think these are moccasins. Good for the ranch?
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/434949276489636758/

I like the big distressed belt
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/160440805451964355/

March 7th post
http://stockholm-streetstyle.com/

Oh! That's how they wear the long button up skirts in a fashion forward way, unbuttoned. (lightbulb goes off)

thanks annagybe!

I am really thankful for all of the excellent ideas and feedback in this thread! Thank you, all! I'm only on my phone for Internet access these days while I'm in TX, so it's hard to respond more fully, but you have given me some interesting ideas for playing around with this skirt when I get home. One of the tricky things about it is our season of wear for a lot of the looks that appeal to me the most -- so many of them would work best in a temperate spring climate, and we pass through that so quickly to the heat of summer, I fear I will barely get a chance to try a look with sweaters and boots. So if you see anything a bit more summer-ish, please feel free to pass those along too!

Nonetheless, you've primed the pump for some ideas I will now kick around when I get home next week. Thank you! You all rock!

Taking down the hem or distressing the skirt sound like good strategies to me. I have to admit I have a hard time styling denim skirts and I'm a pretty classic dresser. I think with your edgy style tendencies it would be even more difficult. My sister has several and she does a good job styling hers but I would describe her style as City Boho. I have to remind myself of that every time I see her in a cute denim skirt and think that I should own one as well.

I've been looking for a denim skirt, but have about decided not to because I don't know of a good way to style it.