Monday 7 July 2008

skirting around the issue.

recently, my boyfriend pointed out that i very rarely wear skirts. i tend to opt for either boring jeans and the same old t-shirts, or a dress if i feel brave enough to show my legs.
the truth is that i've always had a problem with knowing what to put WITH skirts.
everyone else can do it find!
i have an aversion to this seasons ruffle skirt, because i'm convinced it will make my hips look huge, and although i do have THIS and THIS skirt that i wear on and off, they're really my only wearable skirts.

when i got an birthday £10 off email from ASOS.com, i immediately went to dresses. (well, after this jacket, that i love, and will probably get.) however, i will now force myself to look through skirts. i quite like wearing over the knee skirts- they feel light and airy without the fear of exposing my rear with one gust of wind. my hatred of my legs always rears its head more with skirts than with dresses for some reason, which probably explains my dislike of wearing them.

does anyone have any advice for what to wear WITH skirts? that sounds like a stupid question, but it always just flumoxes me!

anyway, here are some inspirational pictures of inspirational girls in lovely skirts.

adri



flying saucer



rumi





(wearing a skirt by childhood flames.)

pandora




the clothes horse




cheapskate chic



i could go on forever...

i should really now go and search Chictopia for people with the same body type as mine (let's face it-my legs are NEVER going to be as thin as i want them) and then put a load in my scrap book for inspiration...





19 comments:

nikky said...

hello!
i just wanted to stop by and say "hello"! i've been reading your blog for a couple of weeks now and love it! you have great ideas and photo skills...! (i wish i had your "diana" camera!)

i just finally got the courage & started my own style blog. it is: http://closetremedy.blogspot.com/
i'd really love to be featured on your blogroll and would also love to put yours on mine as well!

cheers!

Selina (Flying Saucer) said...

wow i never thought i would be inspiration to anyone!

i used to have the same problem, i made a vow to wear my skirts and bought loads of plain vests and tshirts which made me feel boooring. until i discovered round neck, low back tops, a bit like leotards. now i wear the few i got from h&m, or american apparel do great ones, i know me and the clothes horse are wearing one in these pics. a plain top instantly has an elegant low back and flattering longer sleeves than normal tshirts. get an aa u neck dress or leotard and you'll be wearing skirts in no time!

also i almost never wear skirts without tights

Adri said...

Aww, thank you :-)
Apparently, from the 2 pictures of me, the answer is the same green top! But generally, I think the only rule is one of general proportions:
big skirt = fitted top, shortish or tucked in
tighter skirt = looser and longer tops will work (think 80's big shirts & jumpers over short lycra skirts).
Just try things on in front of the mirror and you'll soon see what works and what doesn't. And you show your legs (which are completely fine by the way) when you wear dresses, so skirts are really no different. Just avoid the pieces of ribbon masquerading as skirts this season! Just above the knee is meant to be the most flattering length (so sayeth Gok) and allows you to sit down without flashing your knickers!

And wow that was long! That's the last time anyone will ask for my advice :-)

Human Racing said...

Hmmm...I tend to wear skirts a lot during the summer and I would say what works for me is A-line or at the very least un-tight skirts that hit right above the knee. It's a pretty universally flattering look so I'm sure you'll be able to pull it off.

For tops, more fitted scoop neck or v neck shirts are best. I'm sure once you get started, you'll get the hang of things and will have no problem!

I am the total opposite of you- I only own 3 dresses and 2 of them were for homecoming. haha

Anonymous said...

Don't talk to me about skirts.... it's gotten to 300+ skirts now....

Hanna said...

I think an a-line skirt worn at the natural waist would be best for you. And I would avoid wearing skirt with flats, I rarely do myself. the whole "sneakers with a dress" thing looks cute on other girls, but I've simply had to admit I don't have the body type for it.

Guirec Munier said...

U r a fashion addict ! If u want, I invite u to come to see some of the most beautiful heels, dresses and bags of the Paris fashion week !

See u !

Michelle said...

Thank you so much! and normally I like my skirts high waisted, and either wear them with baggy Ts for a "tight waist/loose top" effect or a shirt for it to look smart. I think you should defo embrace the skirts because once you do you won't go back! ;)

Amber said...

My legs will never be "thin" either so is life and my cruddy genes. Depending on skirt length I try to do something that contrast it, so if the skirt is short try more on top or less if the skirt is longer. I also always try to break up colors cause it can end up looking like you're wearing a dress instead of a skirt.

I love your style inspirations! The Clothes Horse does an amazing job at putting outfits together.

Rebecca, A Clothes Horse said...

Thanks for mentioning me! Personally I find skirts are more likely to fit better than dresses. I think nearly every shirt that you wear with jeans can be worn with skirt. I tend to tuck mine in and add some sort of belt for an easy fix. I really feel a lot of fashion is trial and error though, I'm still figuring things out for myself!

Kimberley said...

I personally think you look adorable in both skirts! I like to wear mine high-waisted as I find it more flattering. You can then wear them with plain tops, shirts and blouses, leotards, printed tees, well pretty much anything!!

I haven't got the figure for a bandage style skirt and find structured styles more flattering. I love the idea of a smart structured skirt worn with socks!

Sorry if I sound like I'm rambling on!!

Paris said...

One word, TIGHTS - I cannot leave the house without them!! And there are so many colours and textures! However, seeing the outfit you wore before with the grey socks, if I had your legs I would be doing skirts and socks, knee high, ankle high etc!

Yay! you tagged me, thank you hun, I will get around to this tomorrow!!xx

kirsty lee said...

i struggle with this too! i really do.

for me it's not a leg issue as i'm cool with those but it's all about the waist area and the bit where the top actually meets the skirt. because i go in and out A LOT at my waist i always think it looks wierd. all these people with straight up and down bodies seem to pull it off so well.

i can completely relate, seriously. if you figure it out let me know.

and a very thick pair of black opaques can work wonders for leg self-conciousness. though perhaps not in july.

AlicePleasance said...

I love skirts as much as I love dresses... Though my favorites are the full ones, I also like pencil and tupi shapes. I usually go this way: fitted top with full skirts and slouchy blouses, tank and tees with high waisted and tight skirts.
Hope this helps, but most of all I think is all about experimentation with your own body and taste :-)

Danz said...

These girls are great inspirations! I don't have thin legs either so I'm always a bit self-conscious when I wear shorter skirts. It's usually too hot to wear tights during the day where I live but I'll wear them at night with a short skirt which is much more comfortable!

Anonymous said...

I have the opposite problem, people always ask me 'do you even own a pair of jeans?!' I'm mostly wearing skirts or dresses, shorts are often worn too but I never wear trousers, I feel like they don't suit me the same way you think skirts don't flatter you.
Well I say go for it, just try different tops with different skirts and see what works, you'll probably find some skirts that you love!

yiqin; said...

My legs are not thin but I wear skirts/dresses/high waisted shorts most of the time! I feel realy insecure in jeans or pants. They make me feel small, big & unhappy. I dontknw why!

Couture Carrie said...

I love all your fellow blogger inspirations; you must start wearing skirts, too!!

HANNAH-ZOË said...

Hey
i agree with Adri about big top=tighter skirt & vice versa, the rule about patterns is similar i think,
patterned skirt=plain top
plain skirt=patterned skirt