My favorite maxi skirts/dresses (I own these):
Splendid skirt/dress | $88 at Shopbop – straight
Rachel Pally maxi dress | $233 at Shopbop – this is similar to a style I have, I stalk Hautelook, Rue La La & Gilt for Rachel Pally at around $100…
James Perse | $59 at Last Call, fitted but flowy
Lanston racer-back maxi dress | $138 at Shopbop
I tend to collect mostly James Perse maxi skirts/dresses and they all generally fit the same: fitted at the top and flared at the bottom. I like this style a lot, but I have other styles in my maxi dress/skirt wardrobe: straight (Splendid), flowy (Etoile Isabel Marant), and dresses that are cinched at the waist and float nicely over the hips (Ella Moss, Joie…). I wear maxi skirts/dresses mostly in warm weather, because I generally feel like I need to show some skin, or at least that I have a shape, when I wear long skirts. Otherwise, I can look swallowed up by fabric. That’s the trick, I think, for us shorties to wearing long lengths: balancing top & bottom. Sometimes I do it well, sometimes not! (and sometimes I just don’t care…)
One of my very favorite skirts is by Etoile Isabel Marant from last year (sold out). I love it because it’s different from everything else I have; it’s gauzy, layered (seen here), and so, so easy. I love ALL things Rachel Pally – the fabric is wonderful and it drapes beautifully (perfect to skim over imperfections – my latest dress here), Ella Moss (last seen here), and Joie (dress last seen here).
Just for fun, I put together a retrospective of my favorite maxi skirt/dress looks spanning the last couple of years. I’ve been wearing them for many more years than that, if you’re adventurous, look through the Outfits archive for lots more!
My faves are definitely my James Perse (the one with the side slit, ooh la la) and a Rachel Pally one. Unfortunately I have not worn the Rachel Pally in a long time because it is SO long and requires big heels. Should I just get over it and have it hemmed or does it really ruin them?
i wouldn’t hem your rachel pally, just get it cut. DO NOT TRY AND DO IT YOURSELF – i ruined one of mine trying to do that…i took another one to the tailor and had him measure and cut it for me…
I had never even considered cutting it! So the jersey won’t run? Would love to be able to wear it more- it is a cool high waisted, tulip shape and is dresser than the JP.
No, it won’t run at all. Just don’t dry it 😉
I love all of your outfits! Even though you’ve lost a lot of weight recently, I still think that over the past 2 years, there’s a definite change in the way you carry yourself. It’s just a subtle “happiness shift.” (If that makes sense). And your haircut now is SOOOO perfect on you! I like it the best, I think. As for your skirts/dresses, I’d take the grey JP in a heartbeat, and I caved and bought the T by AW in navy and I love it! (VERY fun, retrospective, btw!)