Yes it's been the bugbear of all bugbears in my wardrobe. And I know for sure, I'm not the only one. They are hard to wear as it's so difficult to get the right length, the right shape, the right fabric and we haven't even started on a top to wear with them.
Well the latter, I'm saving for tomorrow (ridiculously excited, you have been warned....) but today I can bring to you my revelation of the day. Me having (hopefully...) mastered the skirt.
Now, this is the skirt of the dressier variety. I'll be frank, I will not be tottering off on the school run in this. But I do think this is perhaps the ideal option for party wear. Even for dinner. And I'm pondering what footwear you could team with it to casual it down and make it work for a lunch..
But in the meantime - full on party = full on skirt and I've found it.
At LK Bennett of all places. So shopping today and yes, looking for dresses with the best friend, when we spied some Roksanda style beauties in LK Bennett. Which weren't particularly right But then... oh hello, we spied the skirts. To scratch the itch once and for all and to get them out of my system, I had to try them on.
I have always struggled with skirts on a waistband as I'm thick of middle. I don't have a waist as such and these either haven't fitted or make me look like a weeble.
Could the god of skirts finally be smiling down on me?
Monique Full Spotted Skirt from LK Bennett was £250 now £175
So here I am. Looking exceptionally serious. In red shoes which were officially to die for.
And I liked it. I more than liked it - I absolutely loved it.
It's a real toss up between the one above and this - it's fuller, it's slightly longer and the pic here doesn't do it justice at all.
Sage Printed Full Midi Skirt from LK Bennett £250
Earlier on, this was definitely my top choice. But now I'm not so sure... I think the spot one could be more versatile. I got home and suddenly thought - LEOPARD PRINT SHOES.. which wouldn't work, I don't think, with the Sage skirt below but would look just sublime with the (sale) Monique one above.
But this ones so bouffy. It's a Gone With the Wind outfit in the 21st Century (Gone With the Wind is my favourite film and my favourite book by the way..)
And finally full on colour. Now I have to say, on reflection, this does look great in the pic but it's the most fluid of all the skirts and out of the three, it was my least favourite. It just doesn't look as Party in the flesh. (this was no Scarlett O'Hara skirt...)
Anima Printed Midi Skirt from LK Bennett £250
But I'm really rather liking it here...
More party tastic to be found at Ted Baker. Now, this really isn't somewhere I spend a lot of time - they're all about colour and print and, as you may have noticed, aren't generally high on my list of preferences. But when you're talking statement, it should definitely be your first port of call. Not to mention girly. If there's one thing that TB do well, it's girly and this skirt has to be the girliest thing I've ever blogged about.
I didn't have time to check these out today but this one definitely needs to be looked at. Personally I wouldn't team it with the matching top but it's lovely to have the option of a "dress".
Patreis Ethereal Posie print full skirt from Ted Baker £199
Embellished Tulle Skirt from Ted Baker in navy was £279 now £98 (yes - that much of a reduction)
Odella Embellished tutu skirt was £249 now £125 Slightly shorter...
Now others I've found aren't quite as long or as voluminous which, if you're not an Avatar like me, will probably be much better. Plus the lack of volume does make them much more wearable on an every day basis.
Oh Boden - you do different lengths in most of your dresses, ditto your trews, so why not this skirt? Sigh.
Love love love the stripe.
Maggie Ottoman Midi Skirt in black/ivory stripe £69.50 pre 20% discount - use code A2Y9
Coast was the other place I had a hunch would do some great ones and yes they do. They didn't have many in store at all but the ones they did definitely aren't as bouffant as the LK Bennett ones and aren't as long either. Ideal for the majority. (although perhaps as not wearable on a daily basis as some.. but who am I to say if you want to wear metallic during the day. Go for it.)
Melanie Metallic Skirt was £89 now £69
And another slightly shorter tulle version at Coast.
Selbessa Tulle Skirt £139
Meslita Skirt from Coast £129 This is much better than it looks in this pic. It really is gorgeous and I would say comparable in fact, to an LK Bennett skirt. Although I didn't try it on as I wasn't looking for plain black.
Slightly shorter again and a bargain to boot now. Navy and black together - just gorgeous.
Fenn Wright Manson Una Skirt was £89 now £55
But the bargain of the day was found at John Lewis. Darn having the long legs, she says.
So give it to me - full skirts? Instead of dresses. Instead of jumpsuits? Will I be the only one embracing them this season? Don't forget, if you've struggled with the tops, I have cracked them too. Be back tomorrow with the solution (and you call all guffaw as we guffawed earlier).
Finishing with outfit from today. This is post dog walk in the park when I did just throw on the obligatory jeans, jumper, raincoat, woolly hat and and huge scarf as it was freezing.
Grey and berry. Possibly my fave colour combo at the moment (although it's a close call between this and camel and red...)
Grey Cashmere jumper - Me+Em
Berry leather leggings - hush
Grey reversible coat - Whistles
Superstar sneakers - Golden Goose
Quilted black handbag - Zara
Thank you so much to all your comments on the new blog layout. There will be some teething problems and we are still tweaking it but personally I prefer it and it seems that most of you do too. Here's to the New Year and not a huge change in content but some other exciting ideas which I have up my sleeve.....
Love the skirts on you. my favourites are the first 2 but liked all 3 of them. Must admit i am tempted by the fenn wright and mason una one in navy and black. some really lovely choices on there tonight. x
ReplyDeleteIf you're not stupidly tall, that would be amazing - and a great price. Love navy and black together. xx
DeleteSkirts look amazing on you -second is my favourite.
ReplyDeleteThat was my fave when I was trying them on... It's the most statement. Go big or go home, no?!
DeleteLove the spot skirt, work with long black suede boots and a skinny black top ?
ReplyDeleteOooh I don't have any suede long boots, but I do have mid calf boots which I think could work.. And yes, I have a skinny black top!
DeleteLove the 1st one from LK Bennet ... Amazing!
ReplyDeleteThe spot one? It would be the most versatile for sure. I was so surprised how lovely they were!
DeleteWas so tempted to buy the spot skirt for my Graduation back in November but as it would have covered in a 'gawgus' gown, I resisted. You have however, with this posting, stopped me from lobbing a not inconsiderable amount of length from a full-ish skirt I bought on a whim from a local boutique!
ReplyDeleteSo pleased to be helpful! I honestly think it's about getting the right top to go with them. The spot skirt is gorgeous isn't it? Just a shame they don't do better discounts!
Delete❤ a full skirt. I first discovered them Christmas 2014. I pop on a grey fine knit, goes with everything! And perfect for hiding a little tum after over indulging! I think the Monique is my fave on you, the Anima a close second x
ReplyDeleteDo you tuck your grey fine knit in?? Hmmm I do have the perfect grey Boden jumper actually that I can only wear with high waisted jeans as it's too short on me otherwise. This may be perfect! The Monique I have managed to track down and have being delivered... I fear I may have started an obsession!
DeleteYes, I normally tuck the knit in if it's too long. I'm shorter than you and I find the waistband needs to be seen (even just a peek) to create some shape. But your Boden jumper that's on the short side sounds perfect? Yay! Glad you tracked down the Monique, looks amazing on you x
DeleteThe spot skirt is gorgeous on you.... You could always dress it down with a grey cashmere knit or sweatshirt and pointy flats for lunch. I am very tempted...although already own two full midi-skirts; one tulle and one silk so probably shouldn't ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd I've just found some perfect sweatshirts which I think might work really well... Coming up tomorrow! And yes pointy flats - but I also think pointy chelsea boots... which is handy... even though I haven't decided which ones I'm keeping! On the upside, I have loads of heels that will work with them. (not sure if that's a good thing or not!) I'm just so surprised I managed to find ones that are long enough. I have to say, being tall, the LK Bennett ones really were a cut above for someone of my height (just gutted they don't do better sale prices!)
DeleteLove, love, love a midi. My favourite skirt style by far. Remember the yellow one I bought with you in M&S? Just perfect.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite is the last LKB one, colours are wonderful.
Oh and the boden one? Was disappointed with the lack of pockets!
And how ridiculous did that skirt look on me?? It's a MIRACLE that I've found ones that are long enough. I fear I may have started an obsession I can't afford to keep up, the only ones that fit me being the LK Bennett ones. I didn't even look to see if you can handwash them (ha ha ha ha, knowing no!)
DeleteOh and they HAVE to have pockets. There was a metallic LK Bennet one that was gorgeous but no pockets = no no. I didn't realise the Boden one is pocketless - really???
It does have pockets!!!!
DeleteOh YAY!! I only saw it in the catalogue and there was no mention of pockets anywhere.
DeleteIn that case then......
Oh and I'm actually morphing into a grown up and starting to go to the dry cleaner - it's a very achievable New Years resolution!!
They look fabulous on you You really have cracked it. What are LAB sizes like these days please and yes real shame their discounts aren'tgreat
ReplyDeleteRight - so the top spotty one is a 10 but I've ordered it in both a 10/12 (rang and ordered it from the store, they deliver for free. FAB service). The second two are both size 12s and are honestly only v marginally bigger than the 10.. but maybe they're new season and the sizing's slightly different? I'd say true to size (after all that!) I guess they don't need to have better discounts as they're sold out in the sale pretty much! However, I'm off to Bicester for my birthday and there is a great LK Bennett there (and I thought I didn't need anything from Bicester - *punches air*!)
DeleteSorry rambling now...what about the spotty skirt with your new Bella Freud jumper? Although you would look gorgeous in any of the skirts featured. I am a similar height/ shape to you so when I wear a jumper with full skirts, I don't tuck them in because then I don't feel so dressed up ( if that makes sense).
ReplyDeleteLOVE the idea!!!! Hopefully it won't be too long.. I think if it's slightly too long it can hit on the wrong point and make you look really hippy? But I can but try - thanks for the idea!
DeleteIf you're looking for longer midi lengths MaxMara are good too. I'm 5 10, but really short waisted / long legged so most skirts are totally indecent. But I bagged a silk navy / silver print one in the Matches sale (£60, result) a couple of years ago which comes out way more often than even I thought it would when I was justifying it to myself.
ReplyDeleteForgot to say, the first one is fabulous!
DeleteI'm hoping I'll wonder how I lived without them!! Maxmara one sounds gorgeous. And thank you xxx
DeleteForgot to say, the first one is fabulous!
DeleteThank you! Have ordered in both the 10 and the 12 as I think the 10 was a tad snug.. Fingers crossed they're winners x
DeleteSpotty skirt, red shoes - stunning! A real 'wow' look. It really works and something about it just looks refreshing.
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous isn't it? I also think it would look great with the leopard print x
DeleteOh Kat, I like to read all your posts on the same page, and not have to click on them to read them. Boo! :(
ReplyDeleteOh gosh I\m so so sorry. I hope it's a small price to pay for the sleeker look?!
DeleteYou look gorgeous in all of them! The spots one is probably my favorite on you, especially with the red shoes. I think midi skirts definitely work better on tall ladies (sadly not my case). I have a beautiful Gerard Darel black midi skirt but I have not mastered the whole look yet, it makes me look slightly Amish or matronly... And there's the question of the top, the shoes, what colors to match it with. Maybe a print skirt is definitely the way to go.
ReplyDeleteI think they can look gorgeous on more petite people so long as you get the proportions right (and I would probably add heels too!!) I definitely think it's getting the top and the shoes right.. in my experience, trial and error. I have tops coming up and then of course, a shoe post will be in the offing shortly as well xxx
DeleteI'm a big fan of the full skirt and one of my favourite outfits from last summer involves an LK Bennett full skirt in pink and turquoise. Sounds foul, looks lovely very Jsp but at £275 was big wonga and a pressie from the BF! ( I can't afford that) Definately would purchase again. Look lovely and really liking your new website xx
ReplyDeleteOh no, that sounds GORGEOUS!! And thank you xxx
DeleteAnother vote for the first (spotted) one, it looks amazing on you! Also loving the black top you were trying on with the skirt. Is it also from LK Bennett - the Alea textured crop top? I'm really tempted but it's not on sale and I'm worried it'll be bulky in person. How did you find it??
ReplyDeleteYes, absolutely from LK Bennett - yes it is the Alea top and yes, it is bulkier than you'd think. I'm doing a blog on them later... I have some other ideas too. xxx
DeleteLove the look but would it work on a 5 ft 3 didder..... sadly i think not
ReplyDeleteI honestly think if you had a skirt the right length and the right heels, it would be absolutely gorgeous! However I can tell you now, the LK Bennett ones would be way way too long! xx
DeleteLove the new blog layout! That first skirt looks lovely on you, I wouldn't have looked twice at their picture but it looks really gorgeous on. The navy tulle skirt looks lovely too, really versatile.
ReplyDeleteI really love greys and berry shades too. Soft and cosy colours.
Thank you! And yes, the grey and berry is actually so cosy for this weather xx
DeleteI love the first one hard. Also, GWTW is my fave book and film too!
ReplyDeleteThat's the one I've ordered. And WHOOOP for another GWTW fan. I can watch it over and over and over and over!
DeleteThe LKB skirts are gorgeous, especially the first and third. Might have to give these a try. I got an email with the bright one being advertised in the dress version. That's lovely too.
ReplyDeleteDon't now if you have seen them but Whistles have a pointed Chelsea just in online called the Belmont. They are leather but are really great-might be worth having a look.
It was the dress version of the Amina that we first went to have a loo at. The dress is lovely but for me, the skirt is much more versatile. Although I was rather attracted by some other dresses... I think I need to go back and try the dresses on actually!
DeleteYEs, have seen the Whistles boots but am definitely after suede. Just waiting for the & Other Stories delivery which is taking SO long.... GAH x
Thank you xx
ReplyDeleteSpot one! And yes to wearing with a jumper and chelsea boots! I was thinking about your Boden leopard boots but maybe too much (would Scarlett ever had said that I wonder?)
ReplyDeleteNo, I think you're absolutely right, the grey, black and off white leopard one would definitely go with a plain black top I reckon. Fab call!
DeleteThey are all gorgeous on you, you are such a fab fashion hanger! Love the Monique and the Alinma.. and I really like the black top with them too. Oh, the new site is lovely as well, great job, Audrey x
ReplyDeleteYou are very kind. But to be honest, there is plenty that looks crap! I just don't post it (well I do sometimes, I just don't tend to try on things I know will look rubbish...!) And thank you re the site - we're getting there.. I am over the moon with it, it has to be said x
DeleteReally love the new blog and absolutely love those skirts on you!! When you've found your thing, just buy them all! :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is what I think! But I need to hold back... One at a time. And I need to get the top and shoes right too as well!
DeleteThank you for your lovely comments xxxx
Ooh you're a star! I bought the black coast one on a whim before Christmas with a february wedding in mind. I spent all of yesterday wondering how on earth to style it *down*. Thinking navy silk blouse and high heels BUT then the issue of coat reared its head! What on earth do you wear over a massive flouncy skirt like that to a wedding in February to stop yourself turning blue!! It seems such a shame to cover it up with a coat. Any ideas gratefully received....
ReplyDeleteLove the new blog look btw x
Now... I reckon you can go one of two ways. I think a long flowing coat - like a wrap coat worn open would work.. It has to be something long and fluid not anything too structured for me. Or how about a big fur shrug for a wedding? (I'm not saying this would work every day as you'd look a tad OTT but for a wedding....) For every day, I'd wear a shrunken biker jacket (perhaps not wedding appropriate!)
DeleteThe idea of sneaking in my battered leather biker jacket did cross my mind! I think you're right re. something long and flowy. Perhaps one of those loose duster style trench coats. The idea of a big faux fur shrug, especially because it's for a wedding, did cross my mind but without a bit of leather or denim to offset the fur, I'd feel like a total twit in one! In a bid to go to a wedding in an anti-ted-baker-girly-girly theme I think the long, flowy option is the best. Ta v. muchly for the advice and I look forward to the top related segment to this post!
DeleteLOVE the second 2 LKB skirts. Reminds me of Oscar de la Renta! Oh how I would love an occasion to wear one of those skirts. Taking my husband bowling on Friday for his birthday I don't think would cut it! Loving the look of the new blog layout Kat. Very clean and crisp
ReplyDeleteI'm going no for bowling in.. But could you not find another occasion?! And thank you - I'm over the moon with the new layout. Exactly what I had inmind xx
DeleteI adore that style skirt! I have several plain ones that I wear to work, generally with a thin knit sweater (or nice t shirt type top in summer). I tuck but I am hourglass shape so like to play it up. We are similar heights but mine is all in my torso so I prefer knee length (and I skew towards frump!).
ReplyDeleteThe spot skirt with the red shoes is just divine. Just stunning. Please buy it and wear it and look fabuluos.
Love the new blog - I always had problems with the shopping bags on the old one going over the top of the post when I read on the tablet, could only see 3 lines at a time at the bottom of the screen. New one is good!
Thin knit is definitely an option too. And yes I've ordered the skirt (in two sizes!) and will no doubt go back for the top as well. So pleased you like the new layout!
DeleteHi Kat, loving the spotty one- you could dress it down - à la Roman Holiday I think??
ReplyDeleteI am going to give it a go.... !
DeleteLove all the skirts on here - I totally agree with you that they are such a great alternative to a dress. I bought a similar one to the LK Bennett Monique one from Coast for a wedding in the autumn and loved wearing it so much (it has hidden pockets as well which are great. I have seen the LK Bennett one in the flesh as well & it is lovely.
ReplyDeleteIt HAS to have pockets. That is the law. The LKB ones are amazing, aren't they?!
DeletePressed publish too soon! Meant to add that I really struggle with what to wear on top - any ideas?
ReplyDeleteAha - bear with me.. coming up later! x
DeleteHa ha ha! Honestly these are a complete revelation to me. And I'm definitely going to explore flats with them. My concern is looking like an extra from Grease - the Sandy frumpsville years.... Hoping if we avoid bobby socks we should be fine..? Leave it with me for the tops...
ReplyDeleteSuch a different look for you Kat and you suit them so much! I love this style of skirt but struggle to make them wearable... looking forward to your tops post! Think footwear is key too. Love your new site, yay! xx
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much love. And yes - it's such a different look which i've tried so often but just couldn't crack. You've hit the nail on the head - it's all about the shoes and the top. I have ideas for both coming up! xxxx
DeleteAlso wanted to say that you have inspired me! Inherited a fab glitzy maxi skirt that my mum would wear to go to dinner/dances and see Tony Bennet at the Palladium type affairs and I had it altered but thought it was still too long and haven't worn it. Think I would now try it with a cropped jumper - I loved it as a teenager and would mean a lot to me to be able to wear it and glam up like she did - thanks xx
ReplyDeleteLove the spotty one, but it's those red shoes (and you enviable height) that make it knockout. Are they LKB too? Also I liked the swirly wallpaper background on the new blog, is it gone for good?
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and the new look! I would so love to master skirts. I just can't get to grips with how not to look big and shapeless because I have curves and am very tummy conscious and so like to keep it covered!! Anyway, that wasn't what I meant to comment on (for my very first blog comment!!) What I was going to say is there is an LKB full skirt on House of Fraser -Bianco its called and its mainly gold and v. pretty and in sizes 6-14 and reduced from £250 to £95. Thought that might help some folk!!
ReplyDelete