WIW: Terribly dated or back in style?

True confession...I can hardly ever tell! I know when things return there is always some little detail that makes the old ones not quite right...I just can never say what it is!

This is a skirt/top "dress" that I've had for ages. 15 years probably. If the pictures aren't clear, it is a long tunic top over a long skirt. I never purged it because it seemed kind of timeless and also very comfortable. But I stopped wearing it because of the whole shoe issue. Now I've found sandals I can tolerate if I'm not really walking, and with the whole sneakers with a dress trend I want to see if I can wear it again.

If not, tell me...I want to know! Only saw two people today so no big embarrassment. My gut feeling is that the skirt is too long, even with the side slit. The front view looks dumpy to me. It isn't close enough to today's maxi dresses to pass. But hemmed a bit, maybe. So the vote is:

a) Expired, let it go
b) Hem the skirt
c) Fab as is

Semi-related, wow knit skirts are comfy! Is there a VC ruched tube skirt lemming coming on?

This post has 3 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.

11 years ago

carter

Veteran

I can't tell either, but you look comfy and put together to me. Looking forward to what the experts have to say...

Anonymous

Hmmm, I'm going with B. It does look a little late 90's to me. Maybe you could hem the front part of the skirt to the knee and leave the back long. That might give it a modern, high-low look (and perhaps alter the tunic top similarly, if that's possible). What do you think?

Alana in Canada

(website)

Hmmm, I have no idea about the fashion issue, but you look great! Looking forward to what those in the know have to say.

Suz

I think the skirt part is dated but the top looks amazing on you! Can you wear the top with cropped pants or long shorts? Also, it wouldn't hurt to try hemming the skirt as Claire suggests -- a sort of hi-low effect. Or even just a straight across midi to just below the knee.

Plus, you are right. Knit skirts are super comfortable! Like PJs!!

And, I am really, really happy that you have found some sandals that work for you! And look forward to the sneakers and dress look on you!

rachylou

Back in style

MsMaven

I agree that B is the right answer. It looks late 90s to me too, but do try pinning the skirt up and try to find a legnth that looks more modern. Do you ever wear the top with pants or a shorter skirt?

rabbit

my vote is in style as separates with a shorter top with the skirt, and the top with a shorter bottom. Or, with the top tucked in and bloused a little to echo that maxi dress look.

deb

I vote, keep the top!

Sal

With the skirt that length I think you would need quite high heeled sandals or possibly quite "fierce' lower heeled ones....if that is not an option then I think the skirt part may be past it's best..I can't imagine it shorter with the long top part to be honest.
It is flattering and elegant and if you love it I would keep it and wear it. If you are only so so I think it might be time to pass ways.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I'm with your gut feelings. I vote pass on. But it's REALLY fun to see you post more often, Peri.

Peri

Interesting! Lots of ideas. But Angie has spoken...I think I will not hem. I'm not sure how high-low would work with that side split anyway.

But those are cool ideas to see what I can do with just the top, or to try something with just the skirt. I will do some thinking and trying...maybe more pictures coming.

Thanks for the replies everyone!

abc

Did you read my mind? I was just reminiscing of the exact same skirt I had in the late 90s. For no reason I was thinking about it then this post pops up. Spooky! Fwiw I say A or B - in my opinion that exact style has run it's course and has even replaced by a slightly different silhouette and fabrication. But for loungewear or days you only see 2 people it's not THAT bad. If you know what I mean!

Oh, is it actually two pieces? I thought it was a dress. Full disclosure: my DD bought a similar looking black dress at Goodwill to use as part of a costume for school last year, and just the other day put it into the donate bag. I actually rescued it, thinking I might like it to wear around the house!

Glory

I really am not sure but am wondering if the top might work with a knit tube skirt.

Gigi

Hmm, I have very limited memories of nineties fashion (I was in college at the time and had no concept of what was going on outside campus!), so I would have said the dress was timeless too. You do look great!

Adelfa

I think for anyone who's not into fashion this is a timeless look. You look gorgeous. I say keep it and wear it!

also the nineties were long enough ago that it's not like it's last year's tired look. More intentional.

catgirl

I think the skirt is too long and the side slit is not current. But who knows that really except us? Sometimes I can think myself tired with these details.

Deborah

Well Peri I think it looks great on you. The top works to my eye and I would be inclined to shorten the skirt to a midi length and and sew up the split (if you feel like going to all that trouble) then I think you are good to go.

Thanks for all the great and varied opinions! I think the concensus is middle of the road...not terrible but not as good as something else could be. And I do think it is true that it would be okay by most people I would encounter.

Since this is a option for me, and not a wardrobe essential, I think I will wear it a little...just now and then. If I end up enjoying wearing something of this type I will start to look for a more Fab replacement.

Meanwhile I'm going to be searching for mentions of those VC tube skirts and see how they are worn!

Beth Ann

What about hemming the top into an assymetrical tunic, kind of like in Angie's post today? Just a thought. And I think you should definitely consider a tube skirt!

retailgirl

You look cool and put together but I think the outfit is dated...probably only because I clearly remember when such ensembles were in style. Pass, make room in your wardrobe for something new.

Category