High waisted skirts?? Yes, No, Never! - YouLookFab Forum

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High waisted skirts?? Yes, No, Never!

Bijou

Veteran

I have noticed high waisted skirts are appearing in some of the more fashion forward stores locally. At first I was yikes not them again! But now I am warming to them and have been thinking that adding one into my wardrobe may be my current season wildcard.

Number 4 - in the photos below is the one that appeals most. This is a very intentional high waisted skirt and that is the reason I like it. It will be something that I wear to work and I have been wanting to get more lighter colours in my wardrobe as I finish off my spring / summer purchases.

Is this too much of a throw-back look to the early 2000's? That was the last time I wore a high waisted skirt.... I don't want to look like I am trying to relive my glory days. I do think unlike high waisted pants and jeans, these skirts are likely to be a fringe trend.

So what's the verdict?? Should I give the skirt a try?

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Dressing

29 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

rachylou

Veteran

I have always liked a high waisted skirt, even tho I’m short waisted. I say yes!

SarahD8

Veteran

I really like #4. It looks the most deliberate, as you say, and seems like it would fit with your style.

This look is not for me -- I'd look like a neck on a pair of hips -- but I will enjoy seeing others rock it! It seems to me that this look has come around several times so I don't necessarily associate it with the early 2000s.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I think it looks really easy to style- anything can be tucked in on top, and it’s long enough for work. Try it!

Gigi

Veteran

I'm with Rachy. I've been looking for high-waisted skirts for a few years. I think they are very elegant. I'd buy one for sure.

Bijou

Veteran

I am genuinely surprised that the high waisted skirt is getting some love. It is interesting, because after so many years of low waisted pants and skirts, they are looking fresh again.

I will try #4 and keep you posted on its success or otherwise.

Echo

Veteran

I'm a big fan of high-waisted styles, but that could be either because I am long waisted or because I grew up in the '80s! If you can pull off the look, I am 100% for it. I was never a big fan of low-waisted styles in jeans or anything else, and I did not purchase pants for the longest time because they were the only thing available. I think a variety of waist heights (low to mid to high) ought to be available, much like I think styles of legs on pants or jeans ought to be available (skinny, straight, boot, bell).

Sal

Veteran

I had one (about six years ago) and I did like it. On me I liked it best with a low contrast blouse tucked in, and I sometimes wore it with a sweater on top untucked.

They can be flattering to curves but are not very forgiving on a hearty lunch

I can see this on you with a blush or cream or gold top tucked in.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I love them. I do remember having something similar to 3/4 in the early 2000s in brown - which was so in then. I think if you wear it differently from how you would have worn it then, you’ll be right. Eg Skirt 4 would be great for pattern mixing - which I don’t think we were doing in the 2000s.

Where is skirt 2 from? I am interested....

Bijou

Veteran

Brooklyn - these are all from Cue. Skirt 2 is stunning, a friend of mine has it and it has a number of colours in it, so she wears it with all sorts of tops and it looks beautiful.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Thanks Bijou. I thought it might be Cue! Off to check it out

anne

Veteran

At first I though - I've never stop wearing high waisted skirts - most of my skirts come up to my natural waist. Then I realised that these skirts are even higher, with the tie or self belt being on the natural waist.

I do like them. With my long torso they are a great proportion fixer. and better than pants because you can't see where my (short) legs start. A few years ago there were some dresses which were made to look like a highwaisted skirt with a blouse top and they looked great.

My only concerns are that 1) I'm much more desperately in need of tops than skirts and 2) weight gain means my waist isn't as small as it was and I worry about drawing attention to it (though ironically, like Janet, I'm finding some things fitting better).

jussie

Veteran

I have two high waisted skirts. I really like wearing them... I’m not sure why exactly but they are a bit easier to style than high waisted pants. I say go for it!

Jane

Veteran

I love 4 especially. I think they make waists look intentional and give it definition.

Anonymous

With the right top, ADORE. Definitely give it a try.

krishnidoux

Veteran

I have never stopped wearing high wasisted smart skirts, and wasn't aware it was a dated thing. I kept buying mine at higher end stores (on sale, when possible!) because these need to be very well cut and in a material of reasonable quality for it to look right.

Problems you might encounter with high waist skirts that are not well cut:
- Bunching at the waist, in the back
- Bulging tummy
- Heartburns from too much constriction
- Yawning fly
- Unintentional zigzagging hemline from hasty sewing
- Not enough room to walk
- Diagonal folds at the hip level (skirt not wide enough)
- Floatting waistband
- Material that has no stretch whatsoever and then is cut too close to the body, making you feel like a saucisson.
- Too much material, like a puffy midi: you will look like you are wearing a pageant fairy or princess skirt. Not good.

How a well cut high skirt should feel and look:
- Delicately cinched waist that sits slightly above the rounder part of the lower tummy, but not constricting your ribcage.
- Waistband is on the wide side.
- You know you've hit the kackpot when tucked anything on top looks good instantly.
- It's normal to see a little bump where the lower tummy is, highlited in the most discrete way, in harmony with the rest of your shape. Women are supposed to have a tummy! But what is not good is when the skirt actually bunches up right there showcasing something you don't really have. (Unless you strive for that).
- The slit will show a little bit of leg in an elegant way. If you feel any little discomfort and if the slit is too high, then don't buy it, or consider having it taken in a little. I did that and it did change the feel of the skirt slightly.
- With a quality high waist pencil, flats are very flattering, even on short legs like me.
- You will find wearing coats of all kinds look immediately good.
- Boots and heavier footwear instantly look much more wearable and even cool, because the elongated proportion from the higher waist allows for more footwear options.

Your choices above all took terrific!

Bijou

Veteran

Wow Krish, thank you for this most thorough analysis of what to look out for when buying a high waisted skirt. I do think high waisted skirts have an elegance about them, so I can see these working beautifully on you. But most things work beautifully on you!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I like the look, but it is pretty unflattering on my body, so I'll enjoy it on others!

kkards

Veteran

if i was going to wear a pencil skirt again, this is the waist i'd want....please do give it a try

unfrumped

Veteran

What Anne and Krish said.
I love them!
I tend to think there is a “ right” waist for every “ body. Or a range at least. And skirt style. So when it works, it works.
I think Krishna is right, it needs good fabric, drape and fit, like all more tailored items.
I also live the dressy skirt in your photos, except for the staggered lining. Not for work but for dressy separates.

krishnidoux

Veteran

Bijou, thank you for your compliment!

Runcarla

Veteran

I have been wearing a high waisted (paper bag waist) chino skirt all summer!

karen13

Veteran

I think they look very fresh. I adore 2 and hope It finds a home in Brooklyn’s closet. I am too short waisted and I don’t wear skirts, but A low contrast body con tucked top would be how I would try this. You have to tuck, or what is the point.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What a great analysis, Krish!

I love them and think you could wear one very well, Bijou!

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Very elegant Biyou! BTW you are still in your "glory days"! The one I especially like of these is 2. But I am sworn off skirts as I hardly ever put them on. I need to try mine and post for the forum.

Anonymous

I love these high-waisted skirts. They'll never go out of style for me.

Anonymous

As Janet said, I like these and will enjoy them on others. For me, this train has left the station. I seem to have a large ribcage that will not accommodate a high waist like these. For you, Bijou, a big Yay.

Bijou

Veteran

I will give the high waisted skirt a try. I love #2 and #4, but for me, #4 is office appropriate and will get more wear. In addition, I have bought most of my spring / summer refresh and I would like my final purchases to be light coloured items.

I will keep you posted on how the skirt works out. Making sure that the fit is right is the next step.

Minah Lynn

Yes to high-waist skirts! Been a fan of it since it became popular. It is good for working and any events! Very flexible attire. As for your choice, Skirt 4 is so simple yet attractively alluring!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

If you have a long/regular waist or torso, why the heck not. Thumbs up.