I’m not sure what it is about a long, flowy skirt that just makes me feel so feminine. It could be that I am an absolutely huge period piece fanatic. I can recite Pride and Prejudice by heart (not the whole amazing book by Jane Austen, but the 2005 film; directed by Joe Wright. He also directed Atonement. Amazingly done, just fantastic). Ok, don’t worry. This is not turning into a film critique Blog (wait, that would be fun…but not now, I promise!).
Back to the femininity I feel when I wear a skirt. I have to admit I used to just collect skirts. I would see a beautiful skirt and I would have to have it. Then it would just sit in my closet because what do I wear with this long, flowy, usually pleated skirt?
Am I right?
Let me take you back to 2017. I spent some time every month for about half the year in New Orleans. This is when I started to really wear these beautiful pieces that I had been collecting. While there, I spent most of my time walking around the quarter or sitting outside and people watching for hours. I lived on Governor Nicholls between Bourbon Street & Royal Street, so I was not missing out on any of the horse drawn carriages with microphones, architectural beauty, fashion, music, food and of course the so-called liveliness of the quarter.
There is so much energy, creativity and laughter in that city, even today. You can see it radiating off some people. I had just lost my brother though, so I might have not truly felt the energy due to my immense grief. It gave me some sense of peace seeing the party play out (because as some of us know “grief is HELL” my friends) even though Bourbon Street is truly festive and chaotic.
Okay, back to the style and the skirts. It was easy to throw on a flowy maxi skirt, a bodysuit and some killer flats (at the time it was a pair of patent leather nude Manolo Blahnik’s with the dainty ankle strap) to walk around in.
It just made sense! If there was a bit of a chill in the air, I might wear one of my more colorful printed patterned pieces with a chunky knit. I would find myself wearing a pair of Stan Smith’s with a black pleated Alice + Olivia maxi skirt and a white tank top tied to the side or at the back with one of my many collected graphic rolled scarves (blog for another time) around my neck and “voilà” I felt amazing. I had so many beautiful skirts that I had been collecting and I hadn’t realized how chic and versatile they could be.
I felt like I was killing it with the new found uniform (aka the “skirts” I had been hoarding for years).
As fall is here and winter is right around the corner, I know that you too might have some fabulous skirts to work with!
Here are some quick fashion tips to help you put together some amazing maxi skirt looks …
- Contrast a flowy skirt with a fitted top - bodysuits and crop tops are my go to's. Skims bodysuits are my favorite and Everlane makes excellent crop top basics.
- Wear a chunky knit sweater - you can find these at any department store or boutique and all resale shops. Check out our site for a chunky knit!
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Wear an amazing Heel - A Manolo Blahnik won’t do you wrong, and if that is a bit too much, a Via Spiga heel won’t break your bank.
- Don’t be afraid to keep your look monotone - classic and chic (Wearing all black is my EVERYTHING!)
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Mix and match the textures - such as rough/smooth, coarse/fine, crisp/clingy, soft/stiff, thin/bulky, opaque/sheer, shiny/dull, heavy/ light - it will help create a distinct look.
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Mix and match prints - an example would be to mix a monochrome pattern, like a blue-and-black
polka-dot, with a multicolor pattern that features the color from the monochrome, like a blue floral print.
- Wear a silk maxi skirt with a matching silk shirt (classy and elevated).
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Don’t be afraid of color or a creative artistic
pattern! I am dying over this one from Emporio Armani (Quick! Someone buy it and resell it - I love it). I am also bigtime into this Ungaro leopard print ruffle skirt and this Vince side slit slip skirt in gold sap.
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Wear Sneakers with your skirt (Golden Goose and
Stan Smith’s are my favorites).
- Wear a knee high boot the same color of your skirt - this will add a fluidity to your look.
- Don’t be afraid to wear an off the shoulder top or sweater (you’re covered everywhere but your ankles if you’re wearing heels or sneakers so show a bit of skin!)
So now that you might be feeling a bit more comfortable with styling that flowy feminine piece that is still in your closet or if you are going to chase the romantic flowy skirt online…
Be prepared that this look might become your new versatile, chic, classic and creative new uniform.