Style Notes: Bringing Back The Skirt

There was a time when all I could dream about were mid-length skirts with full twirls; think Dirty Dancing meets Swan Lake. Like a tutu but not any tutu – a skirt with a twirl to swirl and a shape to flatter. I had one of these.

Some will recognise this skirt crush from my portrait in My French Life. It was a well-worn outfit; the tulle skirt, polo sweater and ballet flats. I dressed in this whenever I could and all it took was a change of top – in summer, I added long necklaces with the tee and in winter a cropped jacket went over the turtleneck.

I’m bringing the skirt back.

And at the same time, I wanted to share my crush on Farfetch. This is an online site I had my friends running all over recently when we were together on holiday. It’s a different concept to most online shopping sites – which is why I love it – and it’s the destination to find the piece you can’t find anywhere else or to discover new brands. Farfetch sells products from over 700 boutiques and brands from around the world. If they don’t have it, then forget it.

They have more fabulous skirts than even I can dream of and they have exactly what I am looking for.

The longer length, the more than A-line generosity is simple and elegant. As long as it’s not too full, or too lengthy and my girth doesn’t expand any further, it’s a very workable outfit. The fuller skirt in lace and silk satin is also a good one to have in the wardrobe.

Another way to wear the midi length, slightly generous skirt is to pair it with a man-style shirt. Wear it over the top but make sure it’s soft and can be bunched and scrunched about the middle, through the line of the pockets. This one means the skirt – whether lace, tulle or silk – can be worn in the day and with sneakers if you wish.

When it comes to the style of sweaters/tees worn with a fuller skirt I opt for a more fitted style. I think the oversized everything can look smart but I am too short and not slim enough. If I miraculously grew five inches one way and disappeared five inches the other, I would be in.  Sneakers and all.

Fitted sweaters.

Turtlenecks, buttoned cardigans and simple round or V-necks work beautifully. I would prefer a round neck sweater, the same for the tee, simply because a higher neckline adds length to the body.  Contrast shades – especially black and cream – are winners.

The man style shirt à la Carolina Herrera.

Herrera’s signature look, the long skirt and man-style shirt, are the ones she bowed out to during New York’s fashion week. The full-length skirts swayed down the runway in a rainbow of colours accompanied by a tailored white shirt and thick waist-cinching belt. They were feminine and superb in every way. Herrera often wears this look in a shorter version, it’s stunning on her and I’m sure she would be flattered if we steal her style.

The other style version of the fuller skirt is to combine with a fitted blazer – this reminds me a little of Jill Sander and the Prada way of doing things. If the idea of fullness around the hips is not for you, this is one way to fight it.

Sometimes there is no such thing as new and fashion is no exception.

Skirts are back or were they never really out? I’m very sorry I forgot about them. xv