WIW: Statement Skirt & Black - or Navy? Support Act

I actually don't have many statement skirts. But I love Angie's ensemble for wearing them in winter, so I played around with it a few times in January.

#1-3: January 11. Vintage 1950s true circle skirt. "Atomic" print in coral pink, lime green, and lavender, on a white or very light gray background, with black fine lines, and squiggles that were originally gold metallic. Quilted. With lightweight black sweater, black belt, black opaque tights, and black lace-up tall boots (Miz Mooz). Not seen: two small vintage petticoats. I couldn't stand the open neckline and added a chartreuse scarf in #3; I didn't have a black sweater turtleneck at the time. (I do now.) This is so much fun to wear! There is nothing like swanning around in a full circle skirt. I'm eyeing another on ebay right now...

#4-5: January 20. Navy & white "bubble" knit checked skirt. Paired with navy fine-weight sweater (my first-ever purchase at H&M), navy suede belt, navy hose, and navy suede booties. It felt a bit subdued for me, but I really liked the extreme color coordination.

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8 years ago

Ginger

Veteran

This is the skirt I'm considering. I love the print; it's red, green, navy, and gray. The waist is slightly too small, but I'm willing to take a chance on extending it somehow. Worst case, I piece in plain material and just wear a belt.

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

#1 is killer.

Anonymous

I love these skirts, and this silhouette.
I have 1 midi skirt that is flared (though not to the same extent).
I would love to get another because it makes me feel slim and feminine.

Diana

This is a great silhouette on you. LOVE the skirt in #1.

Alassë

I can tell you're enjoying the circle skirt! It sounds like lots of fun. The scarf colour is flattering on you. Yes, the 2nd outfit does read as rather subdued for you.

Thanks, everyone! Smittie, I think part of the fun is that it's flared. Flared skirts have a "swing" to them that gathered skirts can't match. And as a friend of mine in living history said, "Everything below the waist is Officially Petticoat." Hips? Thighs? Can't see 'em!

Thank you, Diana! I'm still amazed I ended up with it, and for a reasonable price. Circle skirts are pretty popular on ebay and Etsy, and usually the affordable ones have ridiculous 24" waists. (Or 22". Tiny 1950s pre-teens...)

Thanks, Alassë! It's nice to have that confirmation. So many YLF-ers rock the black and neutral looks, but they don't feel quite right. The navy helps on this one - I would be not happy in the black equivalent - but it's not a WHEE outfit like the first.

shedev

You totally rock this look.

catgirl

What a perfect skirt shape for you. I love the first one!

Aida

Ooh #1 is brilliant! You look super in a full skirt. The second matchy look is cute too. LOVE the print on the skirt you're considering.

Jaime

Perfect formula for you in winter. Great looks!

Beth Ann

Ginger, you have refined your own "personal" style and look smashing. You've managed to stay true to your vintage inspiration, without appearing in the least "costumey" -- and that takes real skill.

Love the skirt your considering for Spring, although letting out a waistband is not my favorite tailoring project!

You look so good in full skirts! Both outfits are lovely, though I do think I have a preference for the bolder version in 1-3. The chartreuse scarf really pick up nicely on the skirt colours. Love your boots too.

Thank you, shedev and alaskagirl and shevia! It's so much fun to wear BIG skirts.

Aida, the opinion much appreciated! I go back and forth... I've been stalking this one for about a month. I do wonder if there's an easy statement skirt formula for hot weather like there is for cool weather. A peasant top is a bit too costume-y for me.

Beth Ann, you probably have no idea how much that means to me! It was an eye-opener when I started playing with non-vintage shoe shapes. A circle skirt looks SO different with heeled boots than it does with ballet flats. Oh, and I loathe alterations! But making a circle skirt bigger isn't too bad. Involves a fun little bit of math to make the hole bigger, and the seam-ripping and re-sewing is pretty straightforward. Nothing like darts, ugh. This won't be much of a change, either, only about 1.5".

Diane, thank you! I'm surprised and pleased by the YLF preference for the brighter one. It does make me happier! The scarf is slightly more yellow, but it's really hard to tell unless they're right up against each other. The boots were the result of a long hunt for lace-up boots with a nice heel that wasn't crazy high. Well worth it.

olga

Active Member

Ginger, i remembered seeing a lot of full skirts on Jessica from "what i wore", she has more modern take on these skirts i think you will enjoy. See link, if it does not work then go to her blog and put "skirt" in search, there is a huge gallery there, very nice
http://whatiwore.tumblr.com/tagged/skirt/page/5

Hi olga, those are nice! It looks like she found that amazing creature, a white t-shirt that is opaque. WOW. I really really want one of those. Apparently it's from Target?? Maybe she's just got a magic invisible bra... I like the striped shirts, too.

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