I may have cracked it

Following on from my blog the other day about feeling meh about all my clothes and thinking about small things that you can just add in to make everything that little more interesting.

Today - it's the turn of the midi skirt.  Now I have covered this in numerous guises over the years and I've never quite managed to make them work.  Until now.  I think I've hit paydirt.

Which is handy as pleated midi skirts are everywhere.  And I've decided they are super easy to wear.  Ideal teamed with a slim fit jumper (I got an amazing one from Topshop which is on yesterday's post).   And as you'll see from the styling on the pics below - they are immensely versatile too.  Fabulous in the evening with heels - I have gladiator sandals from years ago (three pairs which are simply the gifts that keep on giving) which will look amazing with them. 

But I'm going to give them a go during the day too....I'm thinking sneakers or flat mules, tee or even a cropped jumper and either a bomber (clearly not me) or biker jacket (*hand up in air*) would be perfect.  

These are what I saw at my trip to Gucci earlier in the week which made me think - oh hello... I need me one of these bad boys (ok so in reality it was more like "nice - wonder if Topshop or Asos do a knock off?")

Gucci Pleated silk blend midi skirt £1220

Or the pleated lame one... £1110 (bargain, no?)   This is the one that would win my vote... ADORE it with the breton. 



So clearly I will not be purchasing a Gucci skirt anytime this century, but that doesn't mean I can't channel the look and find one that serves the same purpose at a fraction of the cost.  And that's exactly what I did find at Topshop, which I showed you the other day.

This is the one that I got. 

I bought the ankle grazer khaki skirt at £49 which on me, is what I think a midi should look like.  And I am going to be pushing the boat out and wearing it next with my trainers (she says optimistically...) 



Now this may well be too long for most people and you would prefer a normal midi length.  They do the same satin skirt on Topshop in Petite, Regular and Tall. 

But I have had so many people expressing an interest in all things pleated that I thought I'd have a look and bring you the best of the rest (that aren't at Gucci prices.. although if someone could buy that lame one - or the green one, I'm not fussy - I would adore to live variously through you).  One thing people have said though, is that these only work if you are tall and willowy.  I beg to differ.  Yes I think it's difficult to get the length right (an issue us tall people also have and I do think one of the reasons these haven't worked for me before), but if you get a petite size - I don't think there's any reason why you couldn't wear it if you're more diminutive. 

I am also very taken with the pink at Topshop which alas for me, they don't do in an ankle grazer length but they do in a regular, tall and petite....

Pink Satin Pleated Skirt £45  Amazing bubble gum shade which would look fabulous with black, navy, grey or khaki.





And in the navy £45 (only regular length).



If you asked me, I would say that the ones above have a metallic sheen to them.  But if you want silver then I love this metallic one from Mango.

Metallic pleated skirt from Mango £29.99



Or if you're looking for something for a special occasion, then I adore this one from Maje at Selfridges.

Maje Jaures Metallic Skirt £199




Striped now at Dorothy Perkins and I don't think this is a full skirt but I have to say I quite like this (well - I LOVE the colours for a start). 

In the midi version £38.  Ok so they're not exactly selling it to you with this pic but I promise you, this would look so so much better styled differently.  For a start, a shorter/more fitted short sleeved (or long for that matter) super fine knit in black with some flat gladiator style sandals, just off the top of my head.  And for now - with a black (or white or khaki or blush) thin knit jumper, biker jacket and white sneakers.



And they do it in a yellow colourway as well, again £38 (the vest and necklace I fear don't do this any favours).




But they also do a maxi version - which, for those super tall amongst us - will be a proper midi length.  Or for those of you who love a maxi in the Summer, this is lovely.  I do want to explore shortly "what do you wear in the Summer if you don't do boho", as this year, it does seem to be boho crazy.  Well for a start, this would be top of my list.  Clean lines, a crisp look yet still light, summer and relaxed. 

Khaki Stripe Pleated Maxi Skirt £40