On my back, like a cape. Here I come, Batman!

More seriously, looking at this and looking at the pix of some of the similar Rick Owens skirts, I know why I think they're not office appropriate. They suggest being able to tug on some of that draped hanging fabric or having it catch on something and the whole thing being pulled off.

Since you are considering it, let me just add that the long side was almost to the floor on me and catching on my boot buckles, while the short side was well above the knee even on me and not wearable for work. That was the FP skirt.

I am going to wear the AW skirt to work Friday and hope my styling works. Starting with oversized sweater and boots.

I want to thank everyone for their feedback and comments - it had been a fascinating discussion. And if you're wondering, I will not be trying on the skirt.

I do have to say (playing devils advocate here) that if we never try things that are "not me", then how is our style supposed to move forward?

Shannon, I agree with your last point. I think it's important to at least try things on that others might consider "not us."

I even got a comment the other day when I wore a dress that it was not a "Suz" look. Totally fine of course -- it is how the responder viewed me (can't remember who it was) -- but it made me think, wait a minute: I can't wear a dress any more or it's not a "me" look? (The dress was classic, BTW. I think the viewer just saw me more as a "prince in pants" -- understandable given that is my uniform for work-at-home, but I have to insist, dresses ARE part of my style, too!)

I think it's one thing to say: Would this work for your lifestyle? or Would this work on your body type or is there a version that would? But to say it's not a "you" look sort of misses the point. If you're interested in it, maybe it IS a "you" look -- or part of your aspirational style, anyway. You've been showing interest in avant guard pieces for a while now. Maybe it's a direction you'd like to go.

I would like to incorporate more into my own style, too, as you know. But I haven't yet found the right pieces in the right colours. I just don't want to go all black. And I've learned that lots of draping does not feel like me; nor does it look good on me. I need to have certain specific kinds of draping and angles. So...

I wonder if you are losing some of the country/ retro/ ruggedness (it was the way you used to get your edge) and aiming more towards that urban sleek edge that would come with the addition of a few avant guard pieces to your classics. I think it's a totally do-able look -- see Amy's outfit yesterday (Anna's skirt, black t-neck, jacket, hose, booties.) I can see you or myself in a look like that in a heartbeat. It's just a question of finding the right statement pieces.

It's nice to try a different style from our own. I would not know how to style that skirt. Maybe with a flowy top with a nice print, or maybe with the right bodycon top...
I think it is an extreme type of skirt, if you pull it off the right way if will be a total success, but you have to figure out what matches it. It could be very nice for the holidays.
Let me know if you figure it out, I would love to know.

Suz - that's it exactly! I'm enjoying my style "movement" (for lack of a better word) even though at times it causes me angst. I don't wish to become stagnate in my choices or completely predictable. I also find my eye is constantly adjusting to new silhouettes and styles which gets my creative juices going and I want to try these things.

Obviously not everything is going to work and I have no desire to wear something that is completely unflattering. But I think to dismiss something because it's different is doing ourselves a disservice - I mean who knows, that item could be absolutely fab on you and suddenly open up another style avenue, you know?

And I do definitely feel myself shifting to a more sleek urban look. Where that takes me, I'll just have to wait and see

I like the look of the skirt on the model, but it looks completely unworkable in real life. One of those things you buy because it seems SO cool...but sits in the closet for seasons and seasons because you can't get it to work. It would look awesome with your lace up Doc's...but as for a top? Who knows. Is the model wearing a cropped sweater?

I'm learning that it's best to leave puzzling pieces where they are.

I'd wear the skirt with boots, or sandals in warm weather. A corset top and jacket if going out, cropped sweater maybe for normal wear.

Here's a skirt that I think is more reasonable length wise. Might be a fun piece, and is cut more elegantly than the Free People one, IMO:
http://www.revolveclothing.com.....oordinates

Una, can't wait to see the T by A. Wang skirt on you! I also got it but it's on the return pile since it is too bootylicious on me for work.

H***, I'd try on the skirt if I was in the store for exactly the reasons you mention above, Shannon. If nothing else, you get to have a good snicker in the dressing room and learn something about your own limits. At best, you think "who would have ever guessed that I could wear something like that..." which can be the starting point for a whole new direction.

If you are looking for something different but haven't yet been able to articulate your new direction, you can't always play it safe. And maybe something that doesn't look like Shannon 2013 might be just right for Shannon 2014.

I'm with you, Gaylene & others. I try lots of things that don't work but when they do boy am I happy. My harem pants fall into this category & they are my new favourite pants. They also bring a freshness to some of my older pieces

Shannon I applaud you for trying new things and I get your curiosity about this skirt. Once upon a time I would have NEVER tried slouchy pants or light coloured footwear... the horror.

What Gaylene said. Please try it on, Shannon!

I feel like I have tried EVERYTHING especially when I first joined here. I am on the opposite track of trying to settle down to what really works for me. But I am all for YOU experimenting to your heart's content. My only caution is to dip not jump (she said ruefully)... Until you have a better idea of where you are going and how.

So re the skirt, it's not the style but the fact that you are my height that was my "warning"!