It's now or never
This is the year I shall be doing the mini. Yes I am 43. I am only 43. I do not want to get to 73 and think, you stupid woman, why wouldn't you get your legs out at when you were still a spring chicken?
Opaque lycra is my friend here. It's not just my friend, it's my lifeboat. Without it, there are no legs on show. Winter legs are definitely for encasing in tights. But once we've mastered those (and I shall be doing hosiery research shortly), we're off.
I'm planning on wearing mine with big chunky knits and flat ankle boots. Maybe a long swingy cardigan... (adds to list of things I need to look for). Polo necks and pea coats?
Oh and did I mention leather? Clearly I'm having some sort of midlife crisis. Leopard yesterday, leather today *sees husband running for the hills*. But hell, age is just a number no? (Shall I break it to him that I'm pondering leather wearing with a leopard coat..)
Let's start with way out there. Leather and studs (bear with me...). Ok so yes, this may scream "someone get her some HRT" but I think with an oversized cashmere jumper, black longline cardigan and black flat boots, this could work no? Admittedly there are more versatile ones out there.
Stud fron leather skirt from Topshop £95
Speaking of versatile, this one has a lot more mileage in it. If the leather leggings aren't for you, how about a leather mini. I'm rather liking the look of that fur scarf whilst we're at it.
Stretch Leather mini skirt from hush £240
Softening the look with navy instead of black is definitely an option.
Midnight faux leather from Self Portrait was £190 now £114 (gutted that this one is sold out in my size).
A-line is perhaps a better option and being completely honest, faux leather these days is so good you don't always need to pay full on leather prices. I have a faux leather one from Zara (well remembered - hurrah!) that is amazing and gets dragged out every year. Although it wasn't as cheap as this. A more reasonably priced faux skirt is also a good idea if it's a look you're not entirely sure of and aren't convinced as to how much wear you'll get out of it. And if you love it - invest in a leather one.
Vihowever faux leather skirt from La Redoute £35 in brown with 40% off using the code BIG40.
Or in the black.. again £35 pre the discount.
Pannala Leather Mini Skirt was £256.50 now £128.25
Absolutely kicking myself that I didn't get the hush version of this last year. Therefore seriously contemplating the faux leather La Redoute version which, with 40% off, is pretty much peanuts. A more flattering option perhaps than a tighter version.
Faux leather mini skirt in black £17 pre discount
Raisin now at Iris & Ink. Have to say this is definitely my favourite and whilst I love the raisin, I know (boring and predictable hound that I am) I'd prefer it in black. Or navy.
Noa pleated stretch leather skirt from Irish & Ink at The Outnet £298
So many people have said they can't do a midi pleated skirt but would love to.., maybe consider a mini version?
Jalila pleated skirt in black faux leather £55 from La Redoute
However I do have a couple of safer options. If rock chick isn't your thing, then how about channelling your inner Ali McGraw with a suede button front number. With a suede skirt I think you can be a bit edgier with the rest of your outfit.
Seventies Suede Mini Skirt from Boden £199
Or similar at La Redoute (especially attractive with 40% off).
Lined suede skirt £119
And finally a longer one. It doesn't have to be short short, this is simply the most stunning skirt.
Leather Wrap Skirt from Me+Em £329
Break it to me gently - too old at 43 for a mini? Or will you be joining me in my revolt against what we're expected to wear?
Seeing as it's still warm, I'm making the most of being able to have bare legs. Which = definitely a midi...
Out for dinner last night.
Dress - H&M
Carmel Velvet Boots - Penelope Chilvers
Thurlaston leopard clutch - Village England
And today.
Black pleat skirt - hush
Leopard jumper - H&M
Black Flame slip ons - Seven Boot Lane
Black Onyx jacket - hush
Red Soho Disco bag - Gucci
We have had a lovely day with friends, long dog walk and then drinks. Home now, feet up, Strictly on, red wine on the go and the husband is making my favourite pasta (broccoli, chilli and anchovy). And then X Factor. Is it really wrong to say I adore Saturday nights in during the Autumn?
Go for it. If I had long slim legs I would too ��
ReplyDeleteThank you! Although I have to say, I think you can wear if you have short legs too! x
DeleteGo for it! I am 43 and I have just bought a brown leather mini from Hobbs.
ReplyDeleteFab! I haven't been into Hobbs forever - should remedy that, thank you!
DeleteI absolutely love the wrap skirt from me+em but alas well over budget for me!
ReplyDeleteI'm consoling myself with the fact that it's too long for what I want it for....!
DeleteI am 42 and applaud your choices. My burgundy leather wrap skirt is quite similar to the Me & Em one,which I also love, and it's definitely in my top five wardrobe favourites. I also have a whole wardrobe shelf dedicated to leopard footwear, plus the lush M&S trainers in the post... so it's all good.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely think minis are far more wearable in the colder season as opaque tights hide a multitude of sins and make them far less challenging.
Opaque tights are veritable miracle workers aren't they?! And I am ALL over the leopard. Mostly of the coat variety at the moment... Not to mention scarves. I must look at scarves!
DeleteAt 46 I still occasionally wear a mini skirt with thick rights and boots - haven't been apprehended by the fashion police yet or heard any visible tutting.. some of the skirts above are gorgeous, I'd wear them!
ReplyDeleteTights! Not rights...
DeleteAnd I loved the thought of thick rights!! Sounds like a great outfit. x
DeleteYOLO....feeling inspired.
ReplyDeleteMy work here is done!
DeleteLove the Boden suede ones. They're all really cute actually and probably really wearable post 40 if styled the right way.
ReplyDeleteYou look great in the leopard jumper and midi by the way. I'm blatantly going to copy that outfit!
Copy away - that's what I'm here for!
DeleteI'm 43 and will be reviving my minis this season, def acceptable with tights and flats, in fact I'd go as far as saying that I often feel a bit French when I wear mine! It's a simple yet chic outfit - enjoy!
ReplyDeleteWell now you've mentioned the feeling French thing - oh my lord, that's me SOLD!!
DeleteI have a fantastic a-line pleather one from Next. I can't stop wearing it.
ReplyDelete59 and giving it a punt - not great legs but in black tights think it will look OK and mini is a good length on me as I'm short. Just ordered that cheapy wrap one with La R - tenner with the discount! Ordered it in a larger size as it looks like it will come up small. Apparently their deliveries are being held up at the moment - with that discount they've probably got shedloads of orders to clear - do you think they're closing down?
ReplyDeleteHmm haven't heard anything about them closing down at all. I do know that lots of retailers are discounting more this season as this year, the weather has been completely deplorable for their sales. Wrong weather, wrong seasons!
DeleteI'm 47 and wear a short leather skirt with opaques and flat ankle boots and long chunky cardi! Often wear short dresses with otk boots. Age is just a number, it's how you put the outfit together that matters.
ReplyDeleteGreat minds xxxx
DeleteI've also been on the hunt for a leather mini, preferably a wrap one, which I find easier to wear (and yes, kicking myself too for not getting the Hush one last year!). I did buy the Me+Em one and it was gorgeous and well-made, but I found the leather too heavy for me and it was quite big (definitely size down if you buy) so ended up returning it. Toying with the idea of getting this season's Hush one but it seems a bit short and I may just try to live with the pleather Zara one I got last year.
ReplyDeleteI agree - I'm going to see how I get on with my old Zara one and buy the tobacco midi from M&S instead!
DeleteGo for it Kat, you've got the figure for a mini. It's not like you're going to wear it with bare legs and white stilettos is it!
ReplyDeleteI do like the Noa one, it's a bit kilt like. I'm not so good at doing skirts, they do get an airing in the winter with opaque tights though. But definately not on a work day, as my hospital uniform is with trousers and it's too much of a faff to be taking tights on and off twice a day!
Danish Pastry
I shall shelve the white stilettos and bare legs then...!!!
DeleteYes to minis! I'm 45 and as a mini person (5' 2) the mini skirt is my friend. I always wear mine with a flattish boot and something slouchier on top or a polo neck and peacoat exactly as you suggest, and of course opaques. I've just bought a Whistles leather a-line skirt which isn't all that short even on me and am looking forward to wearing it (it's the one without the pockets as I preferred the sleeker look). Not sure about the Topshop studs (!) but love the Hush one...
ReplyDeletePERFECT!!
DeleteI used to be such a fan of a mini but I'm now not sure it's a good look as I have no waist and I'm all leg! So I will be watching with interest to see how you style yours ;-) Also curious on the tights blog. I can never see past Wolford but considering buying some of these new Heist ones. That waistband could be my new BFF and save me having to cut a slash in the waistband of every pair of tights and hope not to unravel :D xx
ReplyDeleteI think it's ok with no waist so long as you wear a chunky jumper over the top - as in you can't see your waist anyway!! I need to know more about these Heist tights...
DeleteAbsolutely go for it, definitely best to have no regrets when you're 73, and if you want to wear one at that age I'd say go for it then too! 😀👍🏻
ReplyDeleteExactly!
DeleteDefinitely definately. Husbh all the way just the right styling
ReplyDeleteWhoop!
DeleteI agree .... mini and tights at 43 and 73! Cannot wait to see you style it!
ReplyDeleteAs soon as it gets slightly chillier x
DeletePleated mini is screaming school netball a bit too loudly at me.
ReplyDeleteSnort!
DeleteReady for your tights research, Primark do an amazing pair of 200 denier tights with a cotton foot. I hate the feel of tights on my toes so these are fantastic and are thick enough t hide all sins. I've never seen them anywhere else. x
ReplyDeleteI honestly read that quickly and thought you said "cotton foof"!!! Interesting point - I will have a look at them. I personally don't mind tights on my toes - my issue is length as there's nothing worse than a saggy crotch x
DeleteHaha now that would have been something! My legs aren't too much shorter than yours and these are a pretty good for x
DeleteGo for it you will look amazing. I don't wear minis at 63 and 5.2 I can't carry off the skirt. However, I do have a loose fitting shirt dress which is a little too short that I can get away with, with opaque tights and OTK boots or ankle boots. It's all about balance and bugger the age.
ReplyDelete*fist bump*
DeleteJust catching up on your blog. I've done a fair bit of shopping these last few weeks and seem to have landed between 2 trends but inline with your thinking. I bought the black mini skirt with sparkle from Mint Velvet. Love it! I've also bought a black faux leather pencil skirt from Linea. It falls to below the knee though. I'm short with an hourglass shape and really fancy wearing it with heels and a blouse. I'm aiming for feminine with an edge so we'll see! I thought a black leather mini with heels would look wrong so loving the sound of the flat boots with it but know I couldn't pull it off!
ReplyDeleteHi Kat I'm 44 and bought the Top shop leather studded skirt. I'm not sure what top to put with it for a night out. Any suggestions? I'm a 5 2" size 10. Thanks
ReplyDelete