How To Wear Skirts

Tina, here.

I stopped wearing shorts years ago. Not for any particular reason except that I didn't like my skinny legs. I'm over that now, because who cares and it really doesn't matter. But I got hooked on skirts and dresses for summertime casual wear. I pretty much only wear shorts now to ride my bike at the beach or around my neighborhood.

Sometimes I can get away with riding my beach cruiser in a knit skirt, if done with dexterity.

I really want you to start wearing skirts instead of gym shorts, cut-offs and the dreaded short-shorts, ok? We've talked about this. I'm still bringing it up because the shops are filling up with shorts and I don't want you to be tempted. Ok, ok you can wear your cute shorts at the lake and on the playground. But not your old, tired shorts to the grocery or running errands (I'm a broken record).

There are some pitfalls to be aware of when wearing skirts.

Skirts can be too short and too boxy.

Look left. Too short and boxy. Look right. Good length for an average size person. (I found this great skirt on the right at Gus Mayer.) If you are quite petite, you can go above the knee. I'm 5' 5 1/2" and I probably stay just north of the knee cap with flats, and if I'm in a heel, I'll take it down to the top of the kneecap.

This skirt is too long.

Too long and too much fabric. It gives you that undesired bottom-heavy look.

Inside April's Style Vault I do feature a maxi skirt - I know you're shocked. I happened to find one I think most women can wear. But don't attempt to buy a maxi dress or skirt out there on your own. There are pitfalls at every turn with length, fabric, pattern, shape (seems like the shape would be straightforward, but no, trust me, it's not).

I also like this kind of skirt for those of you who want to go a bit longer than the knees, but not all the way to a maxi:

Our lovely model is wearing a bias-cut linen skirt. Perfect for a hot summer's day. The bias cut is crucial to keep this midi length from appearing frumpy. The skirt is by Nic&Zoe.

Skirts can be casual or dressy, depending on what you pair with them. Here are some casual, followed by business casual, ways to wear skirts in warmer weather.

I've got on a knit skirt I got at Target a few seasons ago with a simple t-shirt and leather flip flops from J. Crew I have had for, get this, 8 years. If you have a comfy skirt that feels like wearing a t-shirt, you'll grab it over your tired shorts, and look a lot more pulled together.

Spring and summer is a great time to wear pattern, if the pattern is done well. I like the abstract floral print on this full skirt from Loft (again, bought years ago) paired with my favorite white t-shirt, You can purchase my new favorite full skirt similar to this one, and my new favorite white t-shirt in April's Style Vault.

For business casual, grab a knit skirt and even a tank as long as you wear a blazer or a cardigan over it. Then add heels or pointy-toe flats and you're ready for casual Friday.

And here's a date-night or GNO look using the same knit skirt I've already put with a t-shirt, an office-ready cardigan, and now take a look. This would be a great jeans alternatives, too!

I swapped out the t-shirts and cardi for a paillette-covered tank (bought from a consignment sale). And I switched to a peep-toe wedge. Voila. That's how it's done, folks. Multi-tasking your clothes.

And guess who tracked down the perfect skirt for you to kick around in all summer long? Moi, that's who. It's inside the April Style Vault. Comes in tall, too, for you tall dolls who blocked me out when I mentioned skirts because you think you can never find one long enough. Now you have one ready for the taking.

Join the Style Vault Now!

Are you convinced to try a skirt? Please do. Your sons and daughters and friends will think you look so pretty.

Thanks for reading and be sure to check out our personalized Nashville wardrobe consulting services for men and women. Experience the luxury of having us in your home and shopping the stores for you, then putting it all together. We’re in our 8th year of making the world a better place, one good outfit at a time.

Best,

Tina