K/R The Skirt! - YouLookFab Forum

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K/R The Skirt!

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Hello fabbers!

I think I am returning the skirt. I know. Crazy way to start a K/R, right?

#1. I can use the money to better build my wardrobe in the tunic/legging/drapey thingy direction.
#2. After having absorbed the info and advice in this thread, I think it will be altogether too tricky to get the proportions right on this length (and flouncy skirt) style. However. I may be wrong.
#3. The skirt sits verrrrry close to the skin. Slip shorts would show, I think. Anything constricting is out of the question. (This is my casual capsule, after all--the stuff I change into when I get home from work)
#4. The shoe situation is a nightmare.
#5. I like it--but it feels a bit corporate. Dressed down, I am not sure it doesn't do anything more for me than the tunics do (and maybe less?)

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBut!

I want to talk about my favourite subject, of course--proportion!

I present three different tops with it--all recent purchases.

The red is tucked in. sigh, yes, I tried it. How is it working on me?
I don't think there's much of a 1/3's 2/3ds thing going on here at all--it looks more like 1/2 and 1/2. What do you think?

(Incidentally, something about the shoulders seems "off" to me with this shirt/blouse. Am I imagining it? What do you think?)

Is it just me--or are the lengths of the to grey sweaters different--or the same?
Is the colour throwing me?

Which do you prefer--light grey or the dark? Why? Are they long enough to do the 2/3rds proportion thing? Or are they a titch too short?

FYI--the light grey sweater is too big. Look at those sleeves! I cannot abide long floppy sleeves.

Bonus question: which of the two greys looks better on me, do you think?

And finally--the new Land's end sweater came! A wonderful Inge pick. This is probably the most likely top length I would try to wear with it--or not? Let me know.

I am sorry I had to all but blow out these pictures in order for details and silhouette to show. I really need better lighting for these.

Thanks ladies!

Oh--and you can help me decide whether to keep the first red shirt and the light grey sweater. I am keeping the LE plum and the dark grey jersey knit (#3.)--UNLESS of course, you think they look awful on me. I trust you'll tell me, if they do.

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Shopping

30 replies

Latest reply was from CocoLion

E

Veteran

Hmmm: lots of stuff to comment on! As always, this is just my opinion, to be ignored at will.

I prefer the darker grey top, because of the neckline, fit in the upper bust/shoulder, length, and more finished looking hem. I also strongly prefer the colour on you, even though I know you want to lighten up your winter wardrobe. I would keep it & return the light grey top in #4.

My favourite top with the skirt is the LE sweater in 5 (and yes it's gorgeous on you!). I think that's the length you should be aiming for untucked, although of course I'm far from an expert. Putting my fingers up on the screen, it looks like the shirt is twice the length of the (visible) skirt, so that makes it the thirds proportion, right? (I confess to being slightly mystified by that, because I'm never sure how the legs are supposed to count. lol)

I think the tucked shirt looks better than the extra long grey ones (especially in 4: that looks way too long to me). However, I don't like it as much as the look in 5: I think your waist is quite high up, so leaving the sweater untucked in 5 allows you to highlight your higher waist, while the tucked look in 1 draws the eye further down. And the woven blouse (vs knit sweater) doesn't do the same gentle waist emphasis.

In summary, I really like the outfit in #5 (and am envisioning it with tights, since it's for cold weather), but it sounds like the skirt doesn't hit the arty/drapey look you now know you prefer.

I'd want to see the red top with trousers or leggings (however you'd intend to wear it) before offering final advice on that one! Or maybe I've just advice-d out for now. hehe

greycat6

Veteran

Hi Alana,

You are getting a really good eye for proportions!

I like the proportions in # 5. #3 isn't bad but would be better if the skirt did not have a ruffle or tapered slightly at the bottom. In #4 the top looks too long. I do like the color of #4 better than #3. #1/2 shows of your waist and gives you a long leg line.

#5 looks fab! Love the color and the neckline on you. A real winner!

If styling the skirt is giving you this much heart burn you should return it!

Diana

Veteran

I like the skirt, but I'm wondering what you'd look like in a longer length (like a just-below-the-knee midi). I know the trumpet midi is still kind of a fringe trend (but I loooove it), but I've linked to the new VC one at Nordstrom in finds below to give you an idea of what I mean.

With this skirt, I think the top in #5 is best, length and proportion wise.

Re: the tops. I like the Inge top the best by far. The fit is fantastic and it's very flattering. I think you are right that the shoulders on the red top don't sit quite right - oddly I can't tell if they are sliding forward or backward, but in either case they are not staying put. It's possible that not tucking it would allow it to sit better though. Can we see it untucked? Of the grey tops, I prefer the darker one as I think the light is too big.

ETA: adding a picture for you. The skirt I am wearing here is a jersey trumpet midi, and the top is tunic-length and flowy/asymmetric. This is kind of a lagenlook-type of outfit, which if I recall is what you are aiming for... The skirt needs to be a longer length for this to work.

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Vince Camuto Trumpet Skirt (Regular & Petite)

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5

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

E--Ok, I will style that sweater with some pants for you--but geez louise, the humidity we're having has to go away first! It is so bizarre. Thanks for the detailed feedback. Always good. Will let it sink in.

Greycat6--thank you! Yes, if I wore black tights, the leg line would just go on and on, wouldn't it? Thanks for your feedback, too.

Unfortunately, I need to shut down and try to sleep. I will catch up in the morning.

RB

I'm not loving the skirt compared to the tunics and totally agree with your points one and two. I also agree that the vibe of the skirt is more corporate than casual and going by my own experience, based on your third comment, I don't think that you would wear the skirt. Although it doesn't look clingy and really close fitting in the photos I know that I bypass clothes in my wardrobe that I feel are clingy and close fitting. Personally I'd give it a miss.

You are right there is something off in the shoulders of the red top. Whereas the plum LE top is fab, the next line flatters you and the colour makes you look radiant.

I'm with E on the greys. In these top the dark grey cut and colour looks better on you. I wonder whether warmer tones work better for you? I found this on grey tones and skin tone which articulates it better.
http://http//www.sheknows.com/.....-skin-tone

My picks for keepers are the same as yours

Marley

Veteran

Is that a ruffle that I see on the bottom of that skirt????? If so, then I 'Say No To The Skirt!' Just not your style - and too short to boot. I'd look for a longer length A-line or trumpet, etc. Something that is still roomy and can easily fit in with your casual capsule.
I like the plum-colored top the best. I also think that the dark gray color looks better on you, than the light gray - but I'm not crazy about that neckline. I love a V-neckline on you!

ETA: Oh, I should have read the other comments first - I see that Diana has you all sorted with regards to the skirt. Yes - the one that she shows in her pics and "Finds" is the kind of skirt that I was trying to describe! I think it would look really great on you!

Zibbets

Veteran

I agree with Marley that a longer, non-ruffled skirt would be more flattering.
The lighter gray reads very casual to my eye, and the darker one is much more flattering with your skintone.
The neckline on the sweater in #5 is also very flattering, as is the color. Keep that one for sure!

columbine(erin)

Veteran

The plum top is beautiful on you. I agree the skirt should go back. I liked the lighter grey top with your hair but the sleeves look too big. I'm not sure about the red top, how does it look untucked with pants. If you do want to wear this short of a skirt, the plum top seems the best length proportionally. I'm curious if the plum top looks good with other bottoms such as pants and if so, if that one comes in other colors you like; I'm just a fan of that top for you.

abc

Veteran

Looks like you're all sorted. If you try the type of skirt mentioned would you mind to keep us posted? I've been eyeing them lately but am not sure either. Could be helpful to see how it works (or doesn't) for you. And don't think I have forgotten you're about to try the pikolinos we are both obsessed with!!

Neel

Veteran

OK .... First things first. I think the skirt here is a difficult one to style. I tried a similar one in white (about the same length) and I wasn't pleased at all with it. I cannot see the fit that well because of the color and lighting. But I am with Diana here .. I would like to see something a little longer and without ruffles. Have you tried the VC skirts yet? The fabbers rave about it. So, I think I am saying return this skirt.

Now the tops - The first and last blouses are beautiful on you! I love the color and fit of both. I have slight preference for the dark gray sweater. The fit is definitely better and I wonder how the light gray looks in a smaller size. I like the color on you too.

unfrumped

Veteran

You are right to return skirt and maybe have skirts on back burner for now, but the right skirt would definitely be fab.
I am the short skirt police so this one is too short, though maybe the ruffle style is more the problem. For a regular skirt I'd go somewhere mid- knee or bottom of knee. Your legs look great even so! But, adding opaque tights " fixes" small issues with length.
Then as suggested , another length option is going even longer, possibly asymmetrical hem or like Disna's post with asymmetrical hem top.
I have shoe nightmares with skirts to some extent as well, so they can be trickier for casual capsule which needs to be uber- comfortable. Meaning, is it bare legs for warm weather, or for cold weather, are tights comfy or do they feel constricting.

The new shawl collar top is fab! So glad you persevered with that one.

lyn67

Veteran

But yes, a skirt outfit does better to my eyes (and completely other vibe) than a tunic look, even for casuals-so, I really like you in a skirt, Alana! BUT for the most flatering silouette (which we always aim for, even if for casual:-)) skirts will have to finish at the slimmest point of your legs, which is not the case here. Opaques can help but generally a few inches longer will do all the difference. Please keep on searching for the great one!

Now, about the top part of the outfit! I much preffer the last (purple) one's length for your skirts. The color is also fab, pls. keep, not corporate, at al!(but would work for that, too:-)) Some assimetric(Diana's lagenlook is a great option) banded or curved and split to sides hemed tops, or layering a fitted tank with a kind of a casual topper (for ex. an assimetric, cascade cardi, or a mesh sweater) will also work great for casual or even for some nonrestrictive dressier looks! Don't give up this formula, as it will work great for you with the right pieces!

Momo

Veteran

Hi Alana - love what you are doing!
I think a slightly longer skirt would be more flattering and more comfortable.
Love the lands end sweater on you! And I prefer the darker gray on you.
Looking great!

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Diana--that is a gorgeous top! And you have paired it beautifully with that skirt. I see what you mean--long over long looks good.

Thanks RB__It is good to know we are on the same track.

Marley, (I'm laughing.) not liking the ruffle are we? I loved it in the store! I am so afraid of a longer skirt and looking frumpy.

Zibbets--I am glad the darker grey is a good colour on me.

Columbine--yes, I should try both of the red tops with pants andsee how they look.

abc--fingers crossed those pikolinos come in soon! I was at the store checking a couple of days ago. So sweet of you to remember.

Thank you Neel! I like the reds on me to, colourwise. The light grey sweater was the only one I found (at H&M). I don't mind a roomy sweater, but thought I could just scrunch up the sleeves.

unfrumped--I have a black pencil skirt about the same length and I like it--so I think the flounce is the culprit here. I never did subject my pencil skirt to the critical eyes of the form, though. Perhaps I should.

lyn67! Ah, so that's the trick--ending at the thinnest point of the legs. Yes, I have always had big knees--even when I was slim--something about the muscle on the side of the kneecap--so lengths just below the knee have always been preferred. (But I had forgotten why and they are hard to find). I am glad you like this option! I love your suggestons for more casal tops. Thank you!

Momo--that's a great succinct summing up!

Thanks for you input everyone. Great things to think about as I move forward.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I love the idea of a skirt for you Alana, for some variety from the tunic/legging combination. But this isn't the skirt. I find the length to be too short, which adds to the difficulty in styling. I do however like the idea of a trumpet skirt - much like the one Diana has shown you. The trumpet/flounce portion of a skirt at a longer length can help in balancing the hip area IMHO.

I really like the dark plum top in pic #5 - very flattering neckline, length and color. I also like the darker grey top in pic #3 and think it will be a versatile top for layering as well as wearing on its own.

I'm not crazy about the other tops to be honest - they aren't fab enough for you

Anonymous

Alana - I like the direction this is taking, and like most others here, just want to yank the skirt down another 4 inches (!) . And right away, my eye went to the top in the last picture. Perfect colour, fit and neckline on you. Very flattering.

Emily

Veteran

Alana, I think you're right about the skirt. Glad you tried it, though

I really like the plum sweater with drapey neckline, it looks gorgeous on you, both colour and fit.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Transcona Shannon--thank you! I appreciate your opinion re:the tops. There are always T-shirts at Wally's to tide me over 'til I find the ones I want.
Lisap--four inches, eh? I'm glad you like the idea.
Emily--thanks. I am glad I tried it, too. How else am I going to learn?

This buying and returning thing gets old fast, though, doesn't it? You know, I don't think I ever returned any clothing pre-YLF. (Of course, I rarely bought anything, either.)

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Buying and returning is at its highest point when you first join YLF. It's how we figure out what works and what doesn't. And we become much pickier as we learn. But it does start to slow down, trust me.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good job trying a skirt, Alana.

*applause*

I vote return the skirt because it's a few inches short, and the line created by the seam of the ruffle is a little too horizontally cutting. Try a knee length pencil skirt that tapers at the side seams. xo

jackiec

Veteran

Sounds like you are sorted, and the others have given some great advice. I just wanted to chime in about that LE sweater - it looks gorgeous on you. As soon as I opened the photo it just lit up your face. Fantastic.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Shannon--yes, that makes perfect sense! Somehow, I can just see this happening all winter! Back and forth and back and forth. Glad to know it slows down!

Yes, Angie! A "cocoon" skirt. How interesting. (lightbulb moment!) Mom and I have been working on tunics for me to wear to work and this last one I had her do has a much bigger skirt--and it did not look as good as the original, narrow skirt. We could not figure out why. Someone also in the tunic thread that the hemline of the tunics was tapered as well--and that seems to be a key for a dress or skirt looking good on me. I think that with my chest a flared skirt must be too much volume over volume.

Thank you jackiec! So nice to hear--especially as the lighting was so bad in these pictures. You are right, I am now sorted, fully and completely.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Alana, I'm late here and I see they have you all sorted. But I was going to suggest a TAPERED pencil skirt, too.

You might want to check out Day Vies threads. Her figure is not identical to yours but she does have a large bust along with a short waist, and she is past -mistress at figuring out the silhouettes that flatter her most and look fantastic. And one of her favourites is a tapered skirt (or narrow pants) with a longer top or topper. Either a tunic or some kind of jacket that makes a vertical line.

Tapered skirts are by far the most flattering to me, too. Like by a 100 fold margin. A regular pencil skirt and a tapered one -- put side by side -- and you would not believe the difference in flattery!!!! I haven't completely figured out why that is for me, but there's no denying the evidence.

A bonus -- if you go for a tapered skirt there is a chance that some of the tunic type sweaters might work with it.

Love the top that Inge chose by the way. She's brilliant!!

Nicole D

Veteran

What about a lantern skirt? Eileen FIsher has some...here is a dress.

Eileen Fisher V-Neck Jersey Lantern Dress

$218.00 $108.98

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5

shedev

Veteran

Your cons list tells me this skirt is going to be really hard for you to style in a way likely to make you happy. There is a much more fab skirt out there for you. I like the colors of 1, 3, and 5. 4 seems to have too little contrast with your skin and hair. Disregard that if you are seeking low contrast. I like the neckline on 4 a little less also. The vees are a great neckline on you. I like the plum top best.

missvee

Veteran

Yes, good idea to return the skirt, for all the reasons listed above. If you want another option, I noticed an interesting one in the window of AdditionElle the other day. It was black, knee length and had a zipper diagonally across the front. The hemline might have been asymmetrical but I can't remember. Sorry I can't see a link on their site.
I think the right skirt will look great on you btw.

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

What about the ever popular midi tube skirt?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vi.....-personali

I am not at all a skirt/dress wearer but I have been reaching for this a lot this summer. I like the fitted look with a nice drapey top. In some ways the slim fit of the skirt gives me a similar feel to a tunic and leggings/skinnies. Don't be scared of the body-con fit.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Late to the thread, but I wanted to applaud (clapclapclapclapclap). This isn't the skirt, but I do agree that there is a skirt for you. I think your skirt is longer, and either a tapered pencil, or a gentle draped A-line or less body con flare or trumpet. LOVE the purple and dark grey tops.

P.S. I love my tapered pencils! (evidence below. Notice that I have no shame. I will wear horizontal stripes, big 'ole flowers and bright colors. I'll even pair my skirts with Cons. The one drawback? Can't sit cross legged on the sofa. A flared skirt will let you do that. I have 2 for casual wear that I could play cello in. (If I could actually play cello).

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Marley

Veteran

Alana - I'm glad that you took my comments in the spirit intended. Sometimes my humor gets lost somewhere between the thoughts in my head and the words I put down on "paper" (or, in this case - "thread.")
Also, I loved seeing Beth Ann's pics of her skirts! In fact, I have 2 of those skirts as well! #3 and #5 - both from Target - which makes me think that maybe you could check out Target (or a store like Target) because the skirts are not very expensive and it would give you an opportunity to experiment without laying out a bunch of cash.
Just a thought!

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