Help with casual skirts and dresses

I've started sorting through my summer wardrobe and I'm realizing that I have no idea whether many of my clothes are in style or look completely dated. Sometimes I feel like I've just gotten so used to my clothes that I've lost the ability to tell whether they are stylish or not - haha!

I will probably have many more posts coming with questions about this, but my first question is about dresses and skirts. What is in style for casual/everyday skirts and dresses right now? What is NOT in style for for those (so that I know what to avoid or to give away)?

I've got a few beachy type knit dresses from Ann Taylor Loft from a few years ago. They are above the knee and have spaghetti straps with a ruffle along the top. But I feel like they are either out of style or are just way too young of a look for me. But again, I really don't know.

My style is very casual and comfortable, sometimes sporty, so if you have any suggestions for current dresses or skirts, I'd love some direction on this!

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I suspect the ruffle might be dating... I think minimalist silhouettes are probably the most au courant for dresses and skirts these days. Silky, flowy things.

unfrumped

I know what you mean! And with the long cold winter, I have not been reviewing my spring and summer items, so I'm not sure what ill find when I get them back in play.

Ruffles and spaghetti straps do sound iffy, but posting a pic can help.
The other thing that can help is browse some magazines and department store websites for summer dresses and see if you can discern a big difference from your items ( like when I was about a decade behind!) or if its just some minor tweaks or styling changes.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

As far as skirts, the reign of the pencil skirt is waning and there are other options: flared, trumpet, longer full ones. I think maxi skirts and maxi dresses will still be around for summer.

You might want to do a photo line up of the items in question and do a K/P (keep or purge) thread. A lot of us have done so, especially when first getting started with getting the closet whipped into shape. It's so much easier to talk about specific items than vague descriptions of 'in' or 'out'.

Kristin L

I think I'd have to see them to figure out if they're dated. And depending on which part looks dated, maybe you could later them a bit yourself or wear a shrug over the straps.

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