Ann Taylor sale led me to try on some pencil skirts.

Skirt #1 (pic 1-3) is a keeper—I think it’s called leopard, but it’s more abstract so to me it evokes a floral pattern. It’s a “happy” skirt. Have some other top options to try.

Skirt #2 (pic 4-6) is the question: I have wanted to try a longer or tube-like length but usually can’t get flattering fit in those. This fabric, a nubby wool-cotton blend, is more forgiving somehow, so I’m getting a better vibe. But, I have length problems and questions.

On one hand, I like the longer length, thinking it’s more current and can look sort of ‘40’s/elegant, and at sale price I can dabble in that. OTOH, it can read as Kennebunkport in a hurry, on me at least, especially with flats. I think it calls for a very short top proportion, and even then, since I am long-waisted, the proportions may be off. I don’t have the right boxy short/cropped sweater—I think I would want short boxy without a welt so it just skims the skirt top. Tucking in thin knits is another solution (as shown with the JC merino sweater) but is more fussy to do the belting.

I also tried on the 6P size—it is the perfect “normal” knee length on me, but is more body con than this one –looks “good” but might be too knit-tight for what I want for work. So if I want this skirt but shorter, I would probably have to hem the size 4 regular.

So, fabbers, here’s what I’m noodling on: try #2 for a “midi” style? (Caution: may lead to buying items just to go with it).Buy #2, but hem to more classic length for my usual "formula" ? Start out midi, and then chop it off when I realize I look like a frump? Or pass because I’ll get frustrated trying to style it. Or, this is not the right tubey/midi yet.