(See what we did there? Like the love child of ‘Got milk’ and ‘You’ve been tangoed’)
Laura Reynolds looks at the hype surrounding the collaboration.
Just a week to go until the man in red arrives...
Not quite Caesar’s famous line, and certainly not as straightforward. The choice between mini, midi and maxi skirts is tricky. Pair a calf-length midi skirt with a pair of flats and you risk looking like a bit of a hobbit, if you don’t have Naomi Campbell’s legs (which, unfortunately, a ridiculously unfair proportion of the female population seem to be blessed with). On the other hand, a mini skirt teemed with heels may elongate your pins, but (if bare legged) will not exactly look classy. Here’s a guide on how to wear these tricky styles of skirts and how to find the style which will suit you best.
The mini:
Since the 1960s, the mini has been a permanent fixture in our lives. What doesn’t bode well for the coming months is that this style is much easier to wear in winter, as opaque tights provide blessed relief from worrying about the state of our legs. Plain denim minis are a wardrobe staple for many, but they’re hardly the most exciting thing in the world. A loosely pleated denim mini on the other hand, is just as easy to wear and offers that ‘something different’ quality. The Gap have a great one on sale at the moment for £19.99. Pair it with some flat sandals and tuck in a fitted top for a simple, relaxed look. Keep an eye out for other pleated minis, there are plenty of great ones out there (such as on ASOS and in River Island), just be careful not to flash on a windy day! A wind-proof option would be a bell-mini. Think tulip skirt but shorter. You can get away with wearing low heels with this style because these skirts look best worn with a loose fitting shirt tucked in. It’s all about balance, so a lack of cleavage on display means your legs can be the star of the show. Think Gwyneth Paltrow, not The Pussycat Dolls.
The midi:
With everyone falling over backwards to copy the glamorous style of Mad Men, it’s little wonder the midi returned to the runways for Autumn/Winter 2010 after a long, long absence. These calf-lengths skirts, if worn properly, really can be flattering and elegant. I’m still kicking myself for not buying Whistles’ Carrie pink midi pleat skirt when I had the chance. It’s now only to be found on ebay, selling well above its original price. These skirts can be hard to wear because of their length. On anyone shorter than 5’9, the hemline will make your legs look half their actual size (in height, not width). The solution for most of us is therefore to wear these skirts with heels. Low heeled booties could work, or ankle strapped sandals. I’m particularly liking the idea of having a bit of sock showing above the shoes at the moment as well (though this should only be done with pleated, fuller, midi skirts, as opposed to with the tight, pencil skirts). Team these skirts with a fitted, tucked in top and a short cardigan or denim jacket. If all you Glee fans are cast adrift now the second series has ended, you have an excuse to re-watch it, as Quinn’s character has pulled off the midi skirt to perfection all series.
The maxi:
Friend of hippies everywhere, the maxi really does associate itself with flowers in one’s hair and music festivals. That isn’t all these full length skirts should be limited to though. The Sartorialist’s blog is full of photos of women pulling off maxi skirts with elegance so there really is no reason to be put off. If you’re going for a fuller, floaty skirt, [1]&noOfRefinements=1 such as this one from Topshop,] then, especially if you’re petite, consider teaming it with a fitted tank top. A tighter maxi skirt, [2]&noOfRefinements=1 such as this one], also from Topshop, would work with a loose cropped t-shirt. I would avoid wearing heeled shoes or boots with these (in summer, just) so that you avoid looking Victorian. Flat or heeled sandals, or wedges, would all look great with a maxi skirt. These really shouldn’t just be limited to festivals and holidays. As The Sartorialist’s blog shows, maxi skirts can be brilliantly worn anytime. There’s not much point highlighting one particular celebrity who pulls off this style well, they’re all at it! Kate Bosworth is one to watch though.
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