How Do I Wear This ? Keep or Donate? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Urgent

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

How Do I Wear This ? Keep or Donate?

Deborah

Veteran

Hi Ladies:)

As per earlier post I have some time on my hands today so with Spring (kind of) upon us I am doing some wardrobe editing.

I have had this skirt for a few years but have never known how to wear it in a way that looks (and feels) like me.

IMO its a beautiful skirt. It falls beautifully, has an interesting stitch effect that creates a puckered (from a distance quilted) look and the fabric is soft and lovely to wear. But, it's a longer length than I normally wear, and the shape is not my norm either.

So my question is, can you tell me how to style this skirt in a manner in keeping with my general look or style? I feel clueless!

Or, is it just not me and should I pass it on?

Thank you
xxxDeborah

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Urgent

19 replies

Latest reply was from shiny

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Hmmm. What immediately comes to mind is a trim, drapey knit top, maybe one that's hip length to make the proportions work. Maybe a jacket or structured sweater? I like the texture but it seems a little squidgy compared to your usual style - not exactly formless, but not as simple in lines? I wonder how it would look like with a striped top, or something that has some geometry to it.

kellygirl

Veteran

It looks kind of bohemian to me. It doesn't have the clean lines that I'm used to seeing you in. I hope someone can chime in with some suggestions because it looks like an interesting piece!

sinead

Deborah, could you try styling it up with boots or booties? It's hard to tell how it looks without it actually being on- you are just holding it against your waist, right? I try to stay away from anything puckered or quilted on my bottom half, but I don't think you have my body and could probably make it work. Boots are my only style suggestion- I'll let others who are better at this chime in.

Oh, sorry somehow I missed the bit about 'spring'. Now putting boots back in the closet.

Anonymous

My thoughts were to use it as part of an all black outfit with a mix of textures since it has great texture. Would it work for cool/cold weather with black tights and your tall black boots? If all black is too much, a black and white scarf or simple white top under a black cropped jacket?

cloud9

Veteran

to build on top of Joy's idea.. how about a black or gray metallic turtleneck (if too warm, then just a fitted knit top), similar to what Angie just posted? Add a colorful scarf, maybe belt, and boots/booties. You can also try adding a denim jacket as a topper?

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Oh I love the skirt & think it could work really well for you.

I think it would need to be paired with something structured/crisp for you or it may feel too boho (tell me if I'm wrong).

What is the fabric Deborah? Is it light enough to wear with sandals & a crisp white shirt & patent belt? Or for winter/spring boots & a moto jacket?

ramya

Veteran

Deb can you try out a topper and blazer on this?
I would wear a tank with it but then I love such skirts and that may not be you....

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I would wear it with a semi-fitted red striped top, one with short sleeves probably. For the casual direction. Then with nude glads or strappy sandals. I also love Caro's suggestion of the crisp white shirt for a dressier look. Try wearing the skirt with some of these styling suggestions and if you feel fab, keep it. If not, you will have your answer what to do with it.

I have some midi skirts and dresses and I find this length tricky. I am so drawn to midis, but I have decided to get my two newer midis (a J Crew skirt and a Black Halo dress) shortened to the bottom of my knee cap. (My third midi is flowy and not adjustable.) I feel it's a more proportionate length on me since I am so short waisted. Ladies with long torso (or pretty pears) look so fantastic in this silhouette. Or ladies with really slim torsos like Angie.

Deborah

Veteran

Ladies thank you! I have some homework and some great ideas. I was drawing a blank.

Caro I need to check the fabric tag but it's soft and more a spring / summer weight.

Denise thanks for such a detailed response.
And you have hit on my biggest concern which is figure flattery.

The denim jacket idea is good and also booties. In fact all great thoughts thank you!

I think it's a matter of putting modern elements with the skirt. Im going to have a play tomorrow xxx

krishnidoux

Veteran

Lots of very good advice here already. I just wanted to see it on you, because I wonder if the fact that you haven't worn it could be a fitting issue. It could be too large.

I second the idea of wearing it with boots, but any footwear you do must be flat or small heel and not too pointy - you want to avoid the witch look (especially at this time of the year!). I say this because I too have a bohemian skirt and found that when worn with pointy shoes it just looks like a disguise.

Deborah

Veteran

Krish thanks:). I am wearing it in the first pic and am holding up my top so the skirt can be seen clearly:). Will steer clear of pointy shoes:)

Lyrebirdgully

Hi Deborah. I have a lot of skirts in this general style and length. I find that the way to avoid this length looking frumpy or unbalanced is to wear boots - either heeled or flat - that rise higher than the hem of the skirt. The boot ankle needs to be close fitting and to zip up; I would avoid the wide pull-on "cowboy" style of boot shaft. And whatevertop/jacket you wear, whether fitted or drapey, needs to have the hem - or part of the hem - finishing below your waist. I am thinking of a jacket in a lightish fabric that will drape well.
The following pics are not quite what I had in mind, but are a starting point for ideas. http://www.madebylex.com/wp-co.....353640.jpg
http://xf6.xanga.com/e82e14150.....042449.jpg
http://media1.fashionfreax.net.....fbca0cb8d6
http://images0.chictopia.com/p.....ck_400.jpg
For summer coming up, I would aim for the black summer beach dress formula that Angie posted about fairly recently. I would recreate a "boot" look by choosing gladiator sandals. The tops of the strappy sandals preferably need to come up right above the ankle itself. They could be flat, wedged or heeled. My preference would be a light colour e.g nude or white/cream/ or gold(metallic), bookended with a white/cream tank or loose top. Ideally the sandals should show a fair bit of skin. Black gladdies are a possibility, but you would have to be careful to avoid a heavy look when adding more black.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com.....5dea_o.jpg
http://images.esellerpro.com/2.....2/lrg6.jpg

christy

Veteran

I find voluminous skirts tricky, especially those where the volume starts immediately at the waistline. If it had a bit of a drop waist, I think it would be easier to style because you don't have so much volume right around the middle. My first thought was to keep the top relatively slim fitting and tucked. Maybe with a wide belt? I'd also steer clear of pointy toe shoes! LOL!

Lyn D.

Veteran

I think it could work with a slim cut longish untucked top Deb.
This way there will be less skirt showing and your torso will be lengthened.
A casual shoe with some substance will balance the dark colour too.
A light/ bright jacket would make the outfit more Springy.

JR

Veteran

A crisp white shell (if you know what I mean) and appropriate jewelry to dress up. With ballet flats or boots.

A black tank and flat sandals to dress it down for summer. With a bright red big bead necklace.

CK

Lots of good ideas already. Since your style is usually more tailored, I would go with a simple white tee or tank and a denim jacket. You could add a necklace or scarf since you do those so well.

Sharon

Veteran

I have a similar skirt with sun ray pleats, and have struggled to style it. As you say, figure flattery is the issue as it tends to make the hips look broad and wearing a close-fitting top is difficult with a big bust. The things that I have found helpful are wearing heels, belting at the waist and wearing a black top to lengthen the line.

However, I saw this the other day and fell in love with the look http://www.veronikamaine.com.a.....Details/19 so I am going to try and recreate it using the black skirt. I could see that working for you, too, if you like the look.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Would it work with a crisp white button front and booties. I too see it as bohemian but your style is a bit more tailored so it might marry the two. I also thought booties for it.

shiny

Veteran

Call me crazy, but can you try pulling it all the way up over your chest? I have this suspicion this skirt could be worn as a strapless dress. Belted or loose and waist surrendering.

Otherwise I vote donate, as the skirt is not doing you any favors and that's likely why you haven't been wearing it. I think it is just too big, too long, too much skirt. Black is supposed to be slenderizing yet this skirt is adding pounds to you.