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Need help choosing skirt size

Ket

Veteran

Soooo… the larger size skirt arrived. I would love some help choosing <3 The larger XXL skirt rests right above my hip bones, it’s supposed to be high waisted. The shirt is waist length (basically slightly cropped) so moving arms will definitely expose my long line Spanx. (Though thankfully tummy will be under wraps.)

XL skirt rests high waist, where it should. Yet, even with spanx, I’ve got thigh and hip bumps showing. (I don’t have a slip at the moment, that could help?) it’s obviously really glam and well, kind of sexy with that much shape showing. So not sure how appropriate it is for church?? (Where I would likely wear most,) But I do love how it looks at least in the outfit selfie photos.

I think the XXL *top* is just far too large on me. So I’ll likely return or heavily take it in (by hand) to wear daily.

Photo 1: XXL top and bottom

Photo 2: XL top and bottom

Photo 3: XL top and XXL bottom.

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Dressing

24 replies

Latest reply was from Ket

kellygirl

Veteran

Definitely the smaller size. You are swimming in the XXL. The XL is perfect in fit and length! I don't see anything inappropriate here--you just look fab!

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Actually I prefer pic 3, I think the skirt glides over your curves better in the larger size. I agree the larger top is too large.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I think it depends how comfortable you feel.The smaller size is definitely a sexier look if that’s what you are after and you could wear a long jacket or topper over it for church to make it more church friendly but if it’s only going to be worn to church maybe you would want a less revealing look?Depends on the vibe of your church l guess!

Sal

Veteran

I prefer the smaller size - but if it’s not the vibe you want I do understand. You can definitely carry it off.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Hmm. Just by the photos I would say XL. I like how the hem tapers in opposed to the straight line of the XXL. But I hear you about comfort in various settings. Tricky call!

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Hmm I can see how you may be persuaded in either direction with some of these sizes, so the first thing I'd check is comfort - not how comfortable the sizing feels, but rather ease of movement etc. Are you able to do your everyday stuff easily (like bending over, reaching for things) without exposing yourself or feeling anything digging in?

Sometimes seeing things in the mirror can confuse things further because we get caught up in how they look *before* how they feel on our bodies. So try them on without a mirror first when assessing these things.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I prefer the way the hem tapers in the XL so I would go with that unless you want to alter for a taper on the bottom with the larger size --which is I guess another option, giving you the best of both worlds -- gliding over your curves but also emphasizing them in a pleasing way with the taper towards the bottom.

It's very personal. On myself, I always like a tube skirt (that tapers a bit toward the bottom) as opposed to a pencil skirt (which is more straight at the bottom) and for my own shape, an exaggerated A line always works better than a slight A-line. It seems to be one of those really weird things -- so individual!

Liz

Veteran

I echo Suz. I buy skirts to fit the way the larger skirt fits you in the hips/thighs, and then taper them from lower thigh to the hem so they have a better silhouette. That's usually a really easy alteration.

Roberta

Veteran

They could be two entirely different skirts! I agree with what everyone else has said, that I prefer the fit of the larger size, but encourage you to have it tapered at the bottom and possibly hemmed as well. That silhouette is more interesting and in my opinion more attractive.

lyn67

Veteran

Ha, a very personal prefference, indeed. I would keep the smaller size of the skirt if wearing with a sweater of hip length, a body con/tailored top like yours here&a blazert/cardi over it. But I would keep the bigger size & alter it as others already said it so keeping the hip ease but taking in the sides lower for more of a tapper to the hem) if wearing it with a more fitted top and/or sans layering. That been sad I think bias cut skirts always needs laser cut briefs& a slip underneath if possible. But sometimes one size up but firming hosiery can help, too. I hate ordinary shapewear per se ---(unless premium quality and really hitting the absolute right size it feels a pain to wear and always seems just making everything worse:-(().

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I would have the larger one tailored. I would have the tailor take in the waist with pins so the waist was where it was intended, and then see how it looks and if other alterations are needed. I think one problem in deciding is the difference in the lengths due to where the waist hits.

I don’t know if you previously posted about this outfit (I haven’t been on the forum much lately) but maybe a different outfit would be the answer?

Val

Alter the larger size, or return both. Neither is quite right as-is. They probably just aren’t cut with enough waist-to-hip curve for your figure.

Ket

Veteran

Thank you all for such thoughtful and helpful replies!

Unfortunately, I do not have a tailor at this moment. So I would need to hunt down a good tailor in the big city. Not my favorite task, tbh. But maybe it's time. I don't personally feel comfortable taking in the larger size myself. It has an elastic casing for the waistband. I've never done anything with a casing before. My feeling is it could be a heckuva pain to alter with my lack of skills, though I am usually ambitious and curious in nature enough to tackle it.

I adore the color and fabric so much that I don't really think I could return the skirts. Though I've considered keeping both for future sewing fabric.

I've gotten quite mixed reviews on which size to keep and let go. Two friends with excellent taste and style have given me opposing views: one said XXL, one said XL. My husband liked the XL; he is one who will say something if something isn't good on me. When I tried on the XXL, he said he had no idea and I should ask a girlfriend (LOL). I feel if he had liked the XXL he would have said something?

It is an interesting dilemma for sure.

Ket

Veteran

Zaeobi, surprisingly, the XL is far more comfortable. The XXL is so large, the waistband rests on my hipbones. I move my arms, my Spanx-clad stomach shows. (Thankfully, it's not actual skin.) I could see shifting weight and the skirt following off. I think the comfort level is more about confidence.

Suz, so funny you mention skirt shapes! I've actually noticed the same. I like a more exaggerated A-line or tapered/pegged at the hemline. The exception is a wrap dress; that seems to be a good shape. Circle skirts have also been good, though haven't worn one for a good 7-8 years.

I think the only reason I hesitate about the XL is I just don't want to seem chubby, for lack of better phrasing. I'm not being harsh or mean to myself. Just being honest. On the one hand, people can get over themselves. On the other hand, I live in a maaaasive tourist area. Every summer I see hundreds of women walking around wearing compression lycra leggings as pants. (Some women wear such sheer leggings or tights, I've seen their underwear and every thing else in full view.) I can only imagine what people would see or think if I step out in a body con tube skirt. I suppose it is a confidence issue and some self doubt showing up.

BrieN

Veteran

IMHO the XXL bottom is just too much fabric and too long. It overwhelms the XL top and throws off the proportions. The smaller skirt looks more proportionate to my eye. As for feeling comfortable in something more body-con that's up to you. Very personal. I have a couple of body con type dresses that I have to be in just the right frame of mind to wear. A beautiful kimono or long vest or something in your fabulous closet may make it "easier" to wear.

Ket

Veteran

BrieN, thank you so much <3 I really appreciate your points! I very much see what you're saying about proportions. I do love the fit of the XL much better. It's not utterly perfect. Tailoring the XXL could be better. I don't know if I feel like finding a tailor or the commute to one. I may very well end up with XL and let it be what it is on the days I am ready for that skirt.

Lee

I actually don’t mind the volume or hem on the xxl, it’s simply a different vibe to my eye. I think the XL is really flattering in a more body con way and the larger size could be more boho or artful. (cozy, even). I may be biased. I just wore a pleated black maxi skirt with volume and length and that type hem.
I say you’re good however you choose, although a different top from the xl with the bigger skirt.

Joy

Veteran

I like the outfit best in photo three if it does not feel too big. I would add a festive scarf or jewelry.

Ginger

Veteran

I think you're getting really good feedback. TBH I've had this same exact dilemma myself - the double curves of both hip and thigh being outlined, I both like it at times and don't like it at others. It's tough! But the XL being so much more comfortable is a significant plus.

L'Abeille

Veteran

You need a slip! That will help you with this decision.

I can't believe how much difference a half slip makes, in helping a skirt glide over bumps and divots below the waist, and swirl around the legs.

I use one always, even with lined skirts. My issue is the snugging in under the tummy, which is not a vavavoom look the way outlining the hip curve can be. But still. You owe it to yours:elf to try it. (And WAY more comfortable than shapewear!)

Bijou

Veteran

This is tricky because I can see the merits of both skirts and think you look lovely in the smaller size. Slips are great because they help smooth things out without being constricting, whereas I hate the feel of Spanx and will not buy anything that requires Spanx to be worn.

notsaf

Veteran

Agreeing you look great in the smaller size! I'm a 6-8 and also have "violin hips." Embrace it!?!?!

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Photo 3 looks great. I also struggle with hip bumps, etc. The thing to do would be to have the larger skirt tailored to the waist. I do that sometimes.

Ket

Veteran

Lee, thank you! I still have the larger skirt, though placed it in a returns bag. We will see what happens

Joy, thank you! It actually does feel too big. In the hips, it's okay. But the waist is swimming. It goes from being a high-waist skirt to barely staying up on my hip bones. So still debating.

Ginger, thank you!!! <3 I know exactly what you mean about the dilemma. That's where I'm stuck too. The double curve both intrigued and delights me, and also just kind of makes me feel uncomfortable. I suppose it depends on the day and how I'm feeling.

L'Abeille and Bijou, a slip is forthcoming!! I have committed to buying basics in 2024, that means slips and tights for this winter! I dont' know if a slip on its own is enough for my hips or this fabric? But I do hope combined with the Spanx it will work some extra magic.

Notsaf, thank you for lovely compliments! I think embracing is the easier path -- the path of least resistance and work. SO "playing" my cello with your violin

Carol, always such wise words! I would get it tailored. But it means finding a tailor. Somehow that just feels kind of exhausting. I was spoiled with an incredible European tailor with 30-40 years experience--until she retired a few years ago. She never had recommendations for someone else, as she lived in a small, isolated town, far from the metro hub. But I do agree: tailoring is the best option actually. I just have to see how I feel. I may end up holding onto both skirts for fabric, weird as that sounds.

Lovely to comeback and see more comments about the skirt