Styling a velvet skirt - Help! - YouLookFab Forum

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Styling a velvet skirt - Help!

lozz_oz

Veteran

It probably goes without saying that I found this skirt in a thrift store! It's a vintage Australian label - nice feel quality cotton velvet.
Shape is a-line: tick
Length below knee: tricky as I'm petite at 157cm (5'2)

Not wishing to venture into an Alice in Wonderland or goth territory, I've seen something that I could use as inspiration, however the boots appear much higher than my black 5cm heel Chelsea style boots. Feel that the ankle strap shoe will send me into little girl party look.
Doable or not?
All suggestions or other directions welcome!

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Dressing

15 replies

Latest reply was from lozz_oz

Anonymous

This I will be a great skirt to have for occasions that may require something like it and for more casual variety. I like your inspiration picture very much and think your boots will work well since you are shorter and your boots will show more leg. Experiment and see what you like. You could have the skirt shortened or try dark tights.

lozz_oz

Veteran

Thanks Joy - shortening the skirt is within my realm of possibilities!

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I'm with Joy Lozz, consider shortening it. I'm now 155 cm, was 156, so guess I'm 5 foot 1 not the 5 foot 2 I always said I was. I reckon the proportions may look better with it shorter. It's a beautiful colour and great black boots.

Brooklyn

Veteran

For me A-line skirts look best just above the knee, but just below the knee is also a classic and flattering look. Where does the hem hit on you? I think mid calf gets tricky with boots. And I'd love to see it with boots.

harmonica

Veteran

I echo Joy. My height is also 157 and skirts *just* below my knees are fine, especially if I wear heels like your booties.

L'Abeille

Veteran

What a lovely skirt! I think it would look fine with your booties, with either a slim fitting jumper like in the photo, or a chunky one for a more casual look.

I also think your ankle strap shoes would look fantastic with it. What you need is some juxtaposition. Worn with a pussy-bow blouse and an Alice band it would look little-girl, but try it with a faux fur vest instead.

Also, don't you dare chop the hem until you've showed us a picture of the skirt on you, with the footwear you'd wear it with. In my opinion, A-line skirts like this above the knee can look juvenile, but just below the knee as in the picture gives presence and elegance.

lozz_oz

Veteran

Thanks for the ideas so far....I'll get a photo (with the hem untouched L'Abeille!!) soon

lozz_oz

Veteran

Sorry but these are the best of a bad bunch of photos - dull weather today and I've realised just how inadequate the full length mirrors are in my house + how difficult it is to get the correct perspective
Photo #1 is the length as is; #2+3 is a crudely pinned up hem (about 5cm/2')

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Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Great skirt! The length in 2 and 3 above looks just right to me - I am a midi fan. I think it looks great with the boots too.

tulle

Veteran

I like the length a lot. I think you would lose some of the retro elegance and volume of the velvet if you shortened it. A beautiful skirt. That said, I, too, am 5'2", and probably would only wear it with tall boots or opaque black tights and black footwear. But that's probably just me being old-fashioned. I can't get used to seeing several inches of exposed leg between hem & boot top--on myself. I actually like the look on you, especially in the first picture.

Dianna

Veteran

Like Shevia, I prefer the length in 2 and 3.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I am actually totally on the fence. I expected to prefer it shorter, but leaning towards tulle's view to leave it longer and wear black tights or black long boots. Sorry to change my mind

krishnidoux

Veteran

I was going to suggest something but seeing your pics I change my mind. You look lovely like this! It suits your frame and your cute pixie cut. I think I prefer the longer version. The skirt requires some length in order to balance its gorgeous fullness, and this length lets you explore more footwear options. Here are styling ideas:

Formula Chic Slouchy: Knee high boots (heeled or not; experiment with gathered/slouch suede) + long slouchy chunky knit (possibly high-low) + soft scarf (fashionably wraped).
Formula Bad Ass: Oxfords or Converse or any bad ass flats (IMO to be bad ass must have high vamp. Beat up tennis shoes or platform maryjanes would also work) + tucked black rock fitted tee + fedora hat + leather moto OR bomber jacket.
Formula Vintage: Belted with knee high or mid calf leather boots + cream color buttoned up silk shirt, tucked (Chinese inspiration or with lace or detail even better) OR thin knit short sleeves jersey, tucked+ cute necklace worn over the buttoned up blouse (disappearing under the collar if with blouse, espousing the crew neck if with knit) + short cardi.

Formula Hipster: Platform, thick heeled maryjanes worn with ankle socks + pattern long bell sleeves silky blouse + sweater vest + thin belt worn over the vest if vest not tucked.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Like Jenni, I expected to prefer it shorter, but in this case I think I like it longer. It's so elegant.

And I love krishnidoux's suggestions.

lozz_oz

Veteran

Thank you all for all your suggestions. I'm going to play around with a variety of looks and see what I like - sometimes its good to go out of my 'normal' look or comfort zone.