HZ review pt 2: Bottoms - YouLookFab Forum

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HZ review pt 2: Bottoms

nemosmom

Veteran

Today, I made it halfway through the bottoms in my holding zone. 2 pairs of chinos, 10 skirts, and more jeans than I want to admit. I put a plum colored pair of jeans, a wool midi and a corduroy midi back into the drawer to evaluate in the Fall and passed on a handful of skinnies. I swapped out a couple pairs of jeans that I was feeling tired of.

I have a handful of pieces that I am unsure how to style (I will circle back on those) but for these below, the fit is a big question. I don't want to try to come up with outfits for pieces that don't fit. Could I get your opinion? Apologies for the horrible lighting and ill-fitting tee...

1. Boden teal and navy dot skirt: I like this in theory, but it does not sit on my waist. It falls to my hip and makes the length look too long. It is lined, with a chiffon (georgette?) fabric on top, which makes it heavy (sticky) for Chicago summer, but too delicate for winter.

2. H&M pleated snake skirt: Unlined, but feels 'off'... maybe with a looser plain tee and sneakers? Maybe I am just not a print person...

3-4: denim midi: the zipper pooches out and the side seams look weird from the front. My knees are not bent, they sure look like it, though.

5-6: high-rise wide crops: #5 are different than #6. I only want to keep one (if any) of these. Would either work with boots? Is there one that fits ok enough in the hip to wear as cut-off shorts?

Serena Midi Skirt

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23 replies

Latest reply was from

Anonymous

I'd keep the H&M skirt and the last pair of crops. The denim skirt isn't doing you any favours, period, and you have such a terrific figure.

SarahD8

Veteran

Boden skirt: I think you should pass this along. It doesn't suit your climate very well, and it's been your "nemesis" for a while. (I actually think the print might be not quite right for you -- too regular and ladylike, not enough edge?) I vote let it go and stop torturing yourself!

Snake skirt: this seems more your speed, print-wise. I like the idea of a slouchy graphic tee and sneakers with this. Could be a good WFH outfit for transitional weather? Worth a try...

Denim skirt: Pass. You can do better.

Wide crops: To my eye 6 fit better than 5, or maybe it's just that the cut is a little more elegant. I think they'd work with boots. Try it! Outfit lab! And you could cut off #5, why not? Nothing ventured nothing gained.

Anonymous

I would suggest purging everything except number 6. I base this on your descriptions which explain why these items were in the holding zone in the first place.

You are doing a great job of working your way through your holding zone. Bottoms can be a really challenging category to evaluate.

Elle

Veteran

Pass on the Boden and denim skirts. The fit on the denim seems off in the photo and the Boden skirt (which I actually like) doesn't suit your climate so won't get worn.

I like the H&M skirt. Try it with your tees and see if it works with something that you already own.

If possible, try pinning or folding up the pants to see if you'd like them as shorts or long bermudas. I can't wear denim shorts (too hot for me) so find it hard to envision.

slim cat

Veteran

The crops in the pic #6 are the best item from the bunch - cute outfit with a lot of possibilities ( booties, sneaks, high boots, espadrilles..).
I like Boden skirt better than the other skirts but mostly because the color appeals to me ( and I have the skirt with low fitting waist that doesn't bother me much in summer ).
I think you can make cut off shorts from the cropped jeans in #5 - the fit in the hips is alright.

Tina

Veteran

The denim skirt has too much fabric in the waist to hip area, the fabric also looks a bit heavy and stiff? I doubt you will make this work to your satisfaction.

I think the other 2 skirts would be better if the length were shorter. IMO you would find both a lot more wearable but only you know if it’s worth the work and/or cost to do it.

Of the crops I like the 2nd pair better, no contest. They are fabulous just as they are. Great look!

LaPed

Veteran

I like the jeans in #6; they are miles better than #5, night and day! I'd keep those for sure. The pair in #5 look like they might be a size too large; but the roominess through the hip might actually make them a better candidate for chopping into shorts.

It sounds like all three skirts can go, but if you want to keep one, I'd go with the snake print, as the colours/print seem the most "you".

Sal

Veteran

I agree with Lisa - keep the crops in 6 (they look fantastic) and the snakeskin skirt. I say make yourself wear it twice in different combinations and see how you go. I could see it with sneakers or ankle boots or the right sandals.

I would experiment with 5 and try cutting them off - why not?

The first skirt looks good but I don't think it works for your life and climate and the denim skirt is ill fitting and you can do so much better.

Nice work!!

Runcarla

Veteran

Keep #6. Pass on the rest. They all look too big. From your descriptions, you don’t love any of them enough to have them tailored.

In my first year on YLF, I had an epiphany after a post from Clearly Claire about jean skirts with zips or button flys. A jean skirt seems like something we should all have in our closet - but in reality, that zipper (or button fly) with all that thick fabric, just accentuates a tummy, or creates one where none exists! Jean skirts (and corduroy, and chino) are on my ‘no buy’ list.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

The jeans in #6 look great and I am swimming upstream to say I like the first skirt, but if you don't and don't wear it say goodbye!

Star

Veteran

I echo Shevia exactly. I would toughen up the Boden skirt with combats or boots (maybe an early fall outfit?)

Brooklyn

Veteran

I like the second pair of crops best.

I like the first skirt and would experiment with it for transitional weather. You could have the waist taken in - but I understand not being keen if you don’t wear it.

I like the snake print skirt too. (Yes I am a skirt gal.) I’d wear it with a tee.

I think you should pass on the denim skirt.

RobinF

Veteran

I agree that the second pair of cropped jeans are best, cute and look great on you. I quite like the Boden skirt and don't mind the length but if you don't wear it then you should get rid of it. It would be worth trying to make work though. I also like the snakeskin skirt but I think it would be better with a plainer top, there is a lot going on with it.

Helena

Veteran

I actually like everything except the denim skirt, which theoretically should also look great, but you are right, something about the cut is wonkifying your fab figure.

Teal looks absolutely gorgeously stunning on you!!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Nemosmom, the Boden skirt looks great! It's not too long, and I have skirts that sit on my hips. They work, as long they don't shift around too much as you stride.

Pleated snakeskin skirt is fab! I see it with a relaxed sweatshirt and your tall boots in cold weather. Or a graphic tee/sneakers/denim jacket.

Pass on the denim skirt.

Keep #6! Better than #5. KILLER fit. And your hair is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

nemosmom

Veteran

Thank you everyone SO MUCH for weighing in! I kept the crops in 6 and put the denim skirt in the donate bag this morning.

I may pass on the snake print, too - it feels "too much" for me - too much of what, I do not know, I put it on again this morning and my first reaction to it was "whoa, that's a lot of skirt"... the first crops have seen better days (bought them secondhand) so maybe they can be cut up and used for my tote project...

I'll try to make some outfits out of my nemesis (Ha, SarahD8!) teal skirt when I go through the others. My gut tells me that it's too sweet a print for me right now, and I don't think I can make it work comfortably for my day-to-day casual life or climate... BUT I will see if it fills any hole in my special occasion capsule before I let it go.

I really appreciate everyone's feedback!

Anonymous

Could 1 be cool weather party wear?

Although not in the same way, skirts 2 and 3 seem like they would just dominate more than flatter any outfit.

Much prefer 6 to 5 although the photo angle in 6 is better too haha. Nice outfit in 6, beautiful hair!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I am weighing in late to agree essentially with everyone else -- crops in 6 are awesome, denim skirt is a no, and the other skirts look really nice but have to fit into your life to be worth keeping! I understand absolutely about the fabrication issue. It sounds like that first skirt would work well in the Pacific Northwest and be virtually useless in your climate.

nemosmom

Veteran

Thank you, Phoebe and Suz!

I have decided to part ways with the dot skirt. I thought maybe it would work for an indoor dressy event (if we ever get to attend one), but decided I have a couple of other options I would reach for before the skirt. Heavy sigh. Letting go of brand new pieces is a major punch to the gut!

rachylou

Veteran

1, 2 and 6 seem like nice fits to me

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I sympathise about new items being a punch to the gut. I finally gave too-high shoes to Dress for Success on Monday- had tried for 10 and 6 years respectively to wear them, the first had 4 wears the second 2 wears. Decided I spent the money a very long time ago. Pristine condition.
I liked the patterned olive snakeskin skirt ( of course!- I have pants and boots of the same) and the crops in 6 the best of this lot. I didn’t like the denim skirt. I feel sorry for you about the Boden green one

MsMaven

Veteran

I like the first two skirts, but I can see why #1 doesn’t get worn much. Sometimes items that seem like a great idea just don’t work out.

Anonymous

Late to this so not seeing your pics but I like the first 2 skirts too!