Shortie's midi attempt - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

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

Shortie's midi attempt

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I picked up a gorgeous vintage silk polka dot midi. I knew this would be difficult for me to style but I am a sucker for vintage and I thought if there ever is going to be a midi for me, this would be it.

I've just spent the last 45 minutes attempting to style it. The results were so sad and frumpy! The best I could do was high heels, a tucked tank and a wide elastic belt. Nothing even worth taking a picture of! I can't figure out where I would wear an outfit like this. I can't wear just a tank to work, it's comical for MOTG and it's silly for date night. I keep thinking that I'd really love it if it was about 19" long.

Any suggestions for defrumping a midi on a petite or is it a lost cause?

Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from Aida

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Lets see the photo!

We will help you find your midi soft spot.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

This is attempt #62.5 at styling the midi. Sorry about the preponderance of photos. I really tried to capture the midi in all of it's glory. The skirt is truly amazing and I still feel like I am not doing it justice. Note the pattern mixing with the animal belt. You can bet this is an outfit that never would have happened pre-YLF, between the color, midi, and pattern mixing. Please give your honest opinion and suggestions. Could I wear this out of the house as is? Any other top suggestions would be very welcome in particular. I can't seem to tuck into this skirt though, it's just not working with any top I own.

This post has 6 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.

Alecia

Veteran

I like it. I have no styling suggestions so sorry I can't be helpful there.

MsMary

Veteran

I think it looks great the way you've styled it!

kellygirl

Veteran

Love this! I can't believe this was a frumptastic skirt! It looks sassy and fun with the cardi and belt. Wear and enjoy that midi!

yellowgirl

I think it looks great. Pearls would be the perfect finishing touch!

AJ

Veteran

Luv the color of that cardi and the belt and shoes go fabulously with it. I'm just curious what a cropped cardi would look like with the skirt?

The skirt is a wonderful find! Wear this out soon!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You did a fabulous job! Crop the top even further and you'll see even better proportions.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I'm having trouble loading YLF pictures but I can see #2-3-4 and from these, I like this look. I especially like the pattern mixing with the belt. Very chic! What about a delicate short sleeved fitted blouse or knit top? In any range of colors, with any range of necklines. The top just can't be too long, it needs to be cropped if you want to avoid tucking.

Scarlet

Veteran

Wow, that is a great skirt. This is just my humble non-stylist opinion, you can wear this as is, but I think adding more modern elements would take you safely away from a fab but mature look. The belt you chose is a great example of making this look modern. I think adding either a more funky top (maybe tucked in?) or more funky shoes would be good--unless your personal style is very classic in which case this looks great. I would still think be curious to see how a more cropped top looks.

Fruitful

Veteran

I think you look pretty darn cute in this actually. I like the styling of the belt over the cardi, the skirt has a beautiful drape & breeziness, the wedges flow with that line, and it brings out the retro flair of your hairdo.

I think there is a risk of matronliness with this shape which is why the belt is an ace move. Any accessories with edge would work too, like a cuff, or statement shoes. Of course, that would shift away a bit from the retro charm - there's something young "old lady" here, in a cool way, if you get me, and that's a look I find paradoxically fresh.

Jjsloane

Veteran

I think it looks cute the way you styled it - perfect for work. I'd also think it would work with a fitted button down blouse - untucked and slightly shorter than the cardi. Maybe with a belt or not. I also think modern elements are key to not looking too vintagey. If you wanted to make it casual MOTG I think it might look cute with a fitted tee and cropped denim and flats (or if you want to keep height maybe espadrilles?)

krishnidoux

Veteran

I like it a lot. The polka dots and the fabric is fantastic. Very European ("Bal Musette")

Styling ideas:
try with ballet flats. Yes, ballet flats. Or flat pointy pumps, or kitten heel sandals. It's actually a very "French" look.
(shape seen here:
http://www.chictopia.com/photo.....-max-flats)

For this day to day look, the waist must be seen, belted or not, and a loose fitting tank or feminine tee, or a loose sleeveless shirt must be tucked.

Bal Musette with twirling midi worn with flats illustrated here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related

Fruitful

Veteran

Krishnidoux, thanks for the schooling re Bal Musette! Great videos. I love the idea of a street ball!

MsMary

Veteran

Okay, now I totally need to go to Paris!

Jonesy

Veteran

This looks like a beautiful skirt! Love!

Louise

Veteran

I love it with the cardi and belt it has a 1940's vibe. I definately think midi's need a bit of a heel, my midi skirt never looks right with flats and I'm 5ft 7 x

Lynne

Veteran

I love it! It looks so soft and twirly.....do you have a shorter cardi, as per Angie's suggestion?

rute

Veteran

Lovely! Love the way the skirt moves!

ButterflyLady

(website)

Veteran

I love the way you've styled it - maybe try a shorter top, if you don't want to tuck. But it looks lovely like that, and as you are so young-looking, it doesn't look matronly at all.

Kari

Veteran

I think the skirt looks great! I love the floaty way that the fabric moves. Another option is to unbutton just *one* more button at the bottom of the cardigan, which visually raises your waist a bit and lengthens your leg line.

Aida

Veteran

Great skirt, and especially love that it's vintage! I would suggest something with more structure on top, like a cropped blazer. Or something tougher on top, like a short leather jacket. To me, the cardigan over this looks too sweet on you