James Perse casual t-shirt
Madewell denim skirt | few years old
Rag & Bone Quinn sandals | on sale for $203 at Shopbop – true to size
Admonish custom leather tote
This skirt is another piece I’m thinking of getting rid of. I love it, and it was a gift from a friend after we’d been searching for it in a medium FOREVER, but I think now, it’s just too big. And even though I’ve had it hemmed, it’s too long, I think. I have considered hemming it again, but overall, it’s the shape that doesn’t work for me.
As much as “they” always say that the pear-shaped girl’s best skirt is a-line, I completely disagree. I’ve never been able to find one I love on my body; I always gravitate towards pencil or more fitted skirts. I’ve never loved any skirt that widens out and hits me knee-length. I understand the idea is that the a-line shape skims gently over the hips to widen out at the knee and thereby minimize the hips, but I have never liked them on me. Maybe it’s because my legs are so “sturdy?”
I could also be delusional, and the a-line skirt is THE BEST SHAPE SKIRT FOR ME EVER, but I don’t think so, and generally I don’t like them much on me. I do love this skirt though, and the idea of just being able to throw it on (sans shapewear) is appealing. It’s comfortable, and looks chic, but I feel like it overwhelms me. I’d love to hear our thoughts on hemming it again though – do you think it’s worth a try?
Oh, and this is yet another reason why I can’t be one of those bloggers who talks about body shape and what you should wear if you’re whatever shape/size you are. Those rules are complete BS. Wear what you want.
I have to agree that skirt is not my favorite on you. I personally wear A-line quite a bit, but in a soft knit, NOT a structured fabric like a denim. (I’m hourglass not pear, but the hips & thighs are ample so I’d think some of the shape recommendations remain the same 😉
While I also agree it’s a bit too long, I don’t think hemming it will make YOU happy, so why bother? 😉
Love the skirt/sandal combo!
I agree with you and Kelly, but I also like that look. Recently, I’ve become obsessed with denim again. I’m searching for a skirt, too. BTW: Sorry, for hijacking the comments yesterday. I knew that you’d appreciate my Prada score, so I wanted to share it. I don’t usually go off topic, but there are always exceptions!
ha! no problem…that’s why i love the comment so much, you can never tell where they’re going to lead!
yes, maybe it’s the denim – more structure – that’s the problem for me? but even so, any skirt that’s not tapered into my knees i find less attractive on me overall…and not as versatile i guess.
Truthfully, I think A-line skirts work better on those of us who are more top-heavy, because it balances things out. For me, I’m broad-shouldered and carry weight in my stomach–the right A-line skirt that is smoothing at the waist and has a slight flare is flattering, but anything that adds bulk in the waist or is TOO wide looks awful. There is a big difference between an A-line like the one you have, and a more slim-cut A-line, like this one:
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306418060&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446647597&R=885572302680&P_name=Saks+Fifth+Avenue+Collection&N=306418060+1553+4294929607&bmUID=kpb89hf
I don’t think the “rules” are as clean-cut as some would think–there are details in the garment’s cut and fabric that make a bigger difference sometimes than the overall style. So basically, wear what you want and what you like.
you’re right jen; and i like that ponte one you linked to.
and since you mentioned it, i think this skirt might be perfect for my sister 😉 she is much more busty than i am, and carries weight around her waist. problem solved !!
I definitely think the skirt is too long and just generally too voluminous. Shortening it would help, but I think the patch pockets are also problematic (they are HUGE and the bottom seam is too far down the leg), and a shorter hem won’t solve that problem.
It is a cute skirt in theory though, and seems like it would be a handy piece to have on hand, if you can be satisfied with how it looks. Good luck!
When I first saw this OOTD, I thought something wasn’t quite right. Kelly nailed it, though–the fabric is too stiff and it seems to overwhelm your petite frame. How great to figure out to give it to your sister! That will help lessen the sting of giving it up. I always love getting pointers here for what works and what doesn’t in a garment.
As for the “rules” you speak of, I must respectfully disagree. I think that there are reasons why certain shapes and fabrics etc. work with certain body types. The human eye is pretty constant. Think of the recommendations for what glasses frames work with facial shapes. They help trick the eye. If a gal is big-busted, wearing a top with a frill across the bust is not going to be flattering. I think some of these things are just a fact of nature and how the eye works. What you may be rebelling against is the notion that they are rules that must be obeyed. I agree that some “rules,” like not wearing miniskirts after 35 or not wearing white after Labour Day, are silly, However, I find that there’s a certain wisdom in thinking of certain things as guidelines to help choose shapes, fabrics, colours, etc. that work well for certain figures. Definitely, yes, one should wear what they like, but I do think there’s a wisdom in paying attention to what the human eye perceives and is the most flattering.
I like you in pencil or tulip skirts more too. I don’t know the geometry of it all, just the look. I feel like the wide hem takes away from your pretty face? Does that make sense?
If we think for a moment about our discussion of how to decide what to keep vs. purge, isn’t fit one of the main criteria? You’re right. This skirt swallows you right up! Not only would you have to hem it, but take it in, too. Is it worth it, or is it the memory of the wonderful day spent with a friend that causes you to think about keeping it?
And you’re SO right about knowing what looks good on your own body…It’s that which makes you feel like a million bucks! That’s why I wear horizontal stripes – they’re my signature item in the way that James Perse is yours!
And RJS, I loved the comments!
Good points, Laurel! I think I’ve been taking a-line too literally without considering fabric, length, and drape. Something learned today!????
yes, that makes sense – and thanks, lisa 🙂
of course you’re right laurel! i do think that there are absolutely some things that work and don’t work on certain shapes, what i think i rebel against are “experts” telling me what does or doesn’t work. I generally feel like most of us DO know what looks good on us and what doesn’t, precisely because we can all sort of tell already what shapes are flattering or not on our own bodies…
and i always want to try other things anyway, just to make sure. and i feel like “experts” don’t allow for much of that, and treat getting dressed like a life or death situation that you MUST GET RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. or else. LOL – i have a problem with authority 😉
thanks jennipher! it’s going in the box to bring to my sister. i think she’ll appreciate it more 😉
yes! you passed! 🙂
fit is so important, but i tend to ignore it sometimes, more often than i should!
Oh, I see what you mean about rebelling against experts telling us what to wear. But I’m still trying to figure out what looks good on me, so I, for one, appreciate “guidelines” about that. 🙂
What I hate is “experts” telling us “here are 7 things every woman must own” or 20-year-old bloggers dispensing their opinions as gospel. Please tell me I wasn’t that cocky at 20!
Agree with all of the above! 🙂
I think a-line skirts are most flattering when they are in a softer, lighter fabric. Denim is simply too structured, and I guess it would look best if you filled it out more (we’ve all agreed it’s too big).
It’s great that you can pass it on to your sister–so nice to know it will have a happy home. Your closet cleansing process sounds refreshing!
I’m trying to think of how you might make it work, since you love it. What if you wore it with something that contrasted less, like a navy or charcoal tank? Then it might have more the effect of a full-skirted summer dress.
Thanks, Val! I hope that the epidural brings you back relief.
that’s probably a good idea charlotte – but i think my sister will appreciate it more. and if she doesn’t, i may try to make it work. or not….i haven’t worn it very often, so it’s probably better going to a better home!
i’m sure you weren’t that cocky at 20. i definitely wasn’t. haha….;)
i shuffle between what looks “good” on me and what i think looks “cool” or chic on me. a lot of the time, they’re completely different!!
Thx, RJS! Only after they peeled me off of the ceiling when he hit the nerve with the needle! He says by Sunday it should be a lot better!
Maybe if it was taken in at the waist? But then, why not just get a whole new skirt? I know what you mean about certain shapes not fitting you, but for some reason with the A-Line, it would be great on you. Maybe if the waist was more fitted, the skirt had more movement, or drape, and hit your calf in the right place. It’s so hard to say, “X” style doesn’t work, because clothing is so much more complex than that. I HATE cap sleeves, but there is this ONE dress that has cap sleeves that doesn’t make my arms look fat. I don’t know how it happens, it just does.