Where are the full skirts hiding?

I'm quite excited about full and pleated skirts coming back in style, per Angie's post a couple weeks ago. http://youlookfab.com/2013/02/.....-are-back/ I really hope to get one for spring.

However, I find it really challenging to find one! I tried the BR skirt, which is gorgeous but felt just a tad "too full", or rather, I didn't find it as flattering as I hoped on my body.

I'd like to try others but haven't really found a lot of options in stores or even online. The Kate Spade ones are beautiful, and I really dig the DVF one (though it's a bit short), but both are out of my price range.

Has anyone been looking and finding some nice full skirts?

My criteria:
- Knee length - can be a tad above, though prefer at or just below knee.
- If pleated (which I like), the pleats have to be sewn flat at the top, to not accentuate the belly.
- Wide waistband preferred (again, it's the belly issue - wider waist bands tend to make me feel more tucked in)
- Ideally <$100 or not much above.
- Open to various colors, from black & white to bright solids to a print (floral, abstract etc. - I'm not timid :-))

Am I asking for too much? I was so hoping to see loads of options but have been disappointed so far. Any pointers appreciated!

13 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I have struggled finding them. I will be watching your post to see what others come up with.

I have found they run too short for me. Like you, I also prefer them at the knee. Not hallway up my thigh..

Here is one I have my eye on, but I am not sold on the pattern for my personal style. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ad.....n=wishlist

deb

How about these?

http://www.talbots.com/online/.....e=cat70008

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

There are many full skirts in stores! Just ALL SO SHORT.

Aida

I have only seen very short full skirts Antje. If I see any while shopping this weekend I'll report back, though!

they are all in lyn*'s closet

rosee

is sewing an option? skirts are usually fairly easy to sew.

EmilyC15

Active Member

Yes, I just stitched up a full skirt (with pleats) at home, so I could get that little bit of extra added length. Butterick has some good patterns.

Antje

Thanks all!

Thistle - I have been looking at that skirt as well! But just like you, I'm just not sold on the pattern, so I'm holding out.

Deb - thanks for the Talbot links. Really like the cuts/shapes, esp. the first two. However, the patterns/styles are just a little too "sweet" (first and third) or classic (second) for me. I like bold and wouldn't mind a more dramatic print (or a bright solid).

I used to sew, but based on several abandoned sewing (and knitting, and crocheting) projects over the last decade I know that I cannot trust myself to finish a piece, no matter how easy! Sad but true.

sarah

Antje, can you tell me how you would style a full skirt? Because I'm always afraid that I'll be too "sweet" in them, but I adore your style and would never describe it as "sweet". Sorry to not really be helping you answer your question.

tayleigh

I've been wondering that too. In fact I have almost exactly the same criteria I hope there are more this season!

Sarah, love your question. You're totally right, I don't want to look sweet. Not that there's anything wrong with it, it's just not my personal style. So here is what I'm thinking:

- cropped jacket, especially my lovely new bomber jacket - I'm very excited about this combination of full skirt and bomber jacket in theory but of course haven't seen this in the mirror yet as I'm missing the core piece on the bottom I also think it should work well with my cropped denim jacket, as well as other short jackets I have (I have a few).

- tucked in button down; this would be especially for work and I can see this working quite well with my white and black solid button downs.

- cropped knit top. I don't have a lot of those, but I have at least one to try. The length will be tricky - but if the skirt has a good waist band and stuff, I hope this won't be too voluminous looking.

In terms of shoes, I can see anything work, really: flats, pumps (mine are chunky heeled and not very high), booties, knee high boots... If I didn't have such large feet I'd totally own flat oxfords and would pair those with a full skirt, I bet that looks awesome.

I think the pictures in Angie's full skirt post are also pretty good - I wouldn't pick all of those combos myself, but many appeal to me and are not sweet.

Beth Ann

What about a seamstress? You could have fun picking out the fabric, and he/she could complete the work?

lyn*

They are all in my closet.

Thanks, Antje, if you find what you're looking for (fingers crossed), please post some outfits!

Inge

Moderator

Antje, I'm looking for this too, but unfortunately all the lengths are still so short, curse it-((
How long would the skirt need to be to be knee-length on you? (handy to know, so I can check for you if I come across something online).

Jules

I ordered one from Land's End that just grazes my knees at 5"6. I have never before in my life purchased spring clothing in February and sat on it in my shopping basket for a few days. I am really glad I did order because they are already almost out of sizes. Looks like the other fuller spring skirts are also going fast. Maybe retailers will take note of demand and produce more in time for summer?
http://www.landsend.com/pp/wom.....85_59.html

Thanks all! Inge, I don't know my detailed measurements, but I'm 5'4", does that help re: assessing skirt lengths? I definitely try skirts that I see online when they end plenty above the knee on the model, figuring most models are several inches taller than me
Jules, that's a very pretty skirt. I myself have not had good luck with Lands End at all, I find their sizing all over the place (mostly runs a full size large, but not in every case) and have pretty much given up on them, just not worth the hassles of returning. I hope you have better luck and that the skirt works for you!
Well, I guess for now all I can do is sit tight and hope for a better selection in March!

Jyoti

Not that it really helps right now, but I have some great full midi skirts that I picked up at H&M, so it might be helpful to just check in there every once in a while and see what you can find.

I found some fun full skirts on ASOS today! Ended up ordering this one; I like the bold b&w stripes and it looks like it would be easy to hem, since I assume it will be too long on me (the model is several inches taller than me). Will see how I like it on me. http://us.asos.com/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2716870
There were a couple other nice ones on the ASOS site, including an off-white one, very pretty. http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Midi-S.....5lL1Byb2Qv

Once I get my jeans capsule sorted, I need to check out ASOS. I have been kind of nervous to order from them, but other fabbers have had good results.

Thistle - ASOS offers free shipping both ways, so no need to be nervous I've ordered from them before and have been pleased overall.

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