Have I maybe sussed it?

The Big Skirt Debate that is.

So we saw how much of a success the full midi skirt on me was - in for a penny, in for a pound, I thought I'd give it one last shot with a skirt from Whistles that I saw and loved. 

Sadly it didn't love me back.  Unless of course, I was going for "Suffragette Chic"

I so wanted to love this.  But alas it does me no favours.

Firstly we have it on the hips where it's supposed to sit.  Look marvellous, no?

However, I think I may have finally found something that works skirtwise.  And it's one that I already have (don't you love it when that happens?)   The answer for me is A Line.  And sizing up so that it does sit on my hips and not on my (non existent) waist.  

I'm fully aware that I am slim, however I am straight up and down and anything that purports to sit at my waist, actually results in me looking very "thick".  Whereas a skirt that sits on my hips and flares gently out, gives the illusion of shape, plus it's so much easier to have a top that then rests at the waistband of the skirt.  Of which I have a fair amount, which is again a huge plus in making this sort of skirt work in my wardrobe. 

It appears though, that these are not entirely the height of fashion, judging by the lack of them that are out there.  Pencil skirt, check, full midi skirt, check, maxi skirt, check, micro mini A Line, check.  But something to preserve one's modesty, hovering above or below the knee line?  Yeah, not so much.  But research I have as this is something I am determined will work for the coming months - when we're not basking in high twenties temps and I can hoik out the shorts. 

Of course the place to start is the Empire of the A Line skirt and that is Boden.  Whilst there are a couple, it does seem that they've moved away from them into lots of different skirt styles - like I say, they're not exactly super on trend but hey, I honestly think they work.  In fact, I'm going to stick my neck out and say they're one of the most flattering styles to wear for a casual dress down skirt - and that's hard to find.

G845 will get you 20% discount until the 21st!  After then it goes down to 15% and more importantly, things will start selling out (if not already sold out - grrrr)

Fancy Embroidered A Line Mini Skirt £89



In Pearl & Navy Flowers £89






Navy Aldwych Skirt £69



Also love the stone with a navy waistband £69



Denim A Line at BHS (why pay more?!) £18  Love the idea of this with a box tee or little crew jumper - even a sweatshirt and trainers, flat sandals or skater shoes.  In my head, it's more Stella McCartney and less BHS.... (I may have had a small spritzer this evening....) 



Indigo A Line £15 also from BHS  I'm not going to lie - I'm not sure I'd tuck a tee in like this....  And yes, yawn yawn, I would like it to sit lower on the hips.



Box Pleat ones are flat over the stomach and also are less fabric whilst giving a flattering shape over the hips. 

This is the look I was trying to achieve with the Whistles one.  

Kaliko Stripe Monochrome Skirt £89 but now £71.20



Leather works so so well in this shape (she says super biased as she already has one) 

Baukjen Aldridge Leather Skirt in Bronze now £157 was £225  I LOVE the idea of wearing this during the day with white or navy - definitely not just for night.  Again, lower on the waist for me please.







Or in slate - also now only £157


However the leather skirt of choice is this from Wallis.  White leather.  No I haven't lost my marbles totally, I saw it first on Alex at The Frugality and whilst she is infinitely cooler and less middle aged and a different league of on trend to me, I don't care - I LOVE IT. 

White leather A line skirt was £95 now £66.50




Slightly longer A line now and I still have this fabulous skirt from Wishbone on my wishlist, if you'll pardon the pun. 

Wishbone Lauren £160 leather skirt in black 



And in tan also £160



Continuing the slightly longer below the knee length with more leather.  I love this look for year round wear.  Now this has a touch more fabric but still a flat waistband - ideally for me, like I've said already, this worn on the hips would work much better and negate the need for a cropped top of any description. 

Warehouse Full leather midi skirt in mint £120



Staying with longer but moving away from leather.

New Look Crepe Midi A Line skirt in black £17.99



ASOS midi skirt in Painted Floral print £35




And now much shorter.  To be fair there are lots of super short A line skirts around but for me - I do think that at my age (and actually my height) this is too short.  Somehow shorts are ok but a skirt... I'm essentially terrified of flashing my pants.  Wrong on every level for someone at the age of 41.  (not entirely sure if it's any better at the age of 31 or below but mentally, well, yes, it is) 

However I love this in the lilac and actually, if you're shorter this wouldn't be too cheek skimming.

Florence & Fred A line detail pocket skirt £16



And a total ringer now - too full, would probably make me look super hippy but I love it.  I love it with the top (there are also trousers as well.. actually I adore the top on its own to be honest).  It doesn't look to be quite as voluminous as the Whistles stripe one. 
Baum Und Pferdgarten Saeko Full Skirt in Stripe £169



Now before my new skirt arrives, I am getting my legs used to daylight with shorts.  Yes, you read that right, shorts.  Only because it's been so deliciously warm.  

Yesterday - huge, old basket full of swimming stuff for the kids.  An afternoon outdoors with friends watching the kids swim drinking Pimms.  Not too shabby.



Snakeprint swing top - All Saints
Faded denim shorts - Warehouse 
Tan gladiator sandals - Aldo
Straw cowboy hat - FatFace

And today - very fond of this outfit, even thought I NEED NEW SANDALS.