How To Wear: Skirts, aka the "New Dresses"

Skirts, skirts, skirts! And more skirts! Keeping with the theme that's been going for a couple of years, separates are so comme il faut and it's only natural that skirts are having a moment. Skirts can be challenging to wear - What to pair with them? What length? What's age-appropriate? What'll last til next spring? But I'm here to help! Even the NYT got in on the skirt show - read about it here and below for my take on skirts. 

TRENDS TO STEER CLEAR OF:

Ditzy Prints: 

These liberty-like prints are too juvenile and can be overwhelming in a silhouette like a maxi skirt.

SOLID TO SHEER SKIRTS:


Maybe, if you're an artsy NYU student. Otherwise, just please don't! It looks weird!

Mullet Skirts: 

Ugh, I just hate. I really, really, do. They remind me of an LA fashion student's final project...that got an F.

Linen Prarie Skirts: 

2000, back to haunt us.

Denim Skirts: 

Mini, maxi, midi - true denim skirts are difficult. Try going for a chambray which is much softer and lighter but still gives the denim effect.

BOO!

YAY! 

{chambray skirt, J.Crew, $55}

TRENDS TO EMBRACE:

Neon:
 love it or hate it, neons are here to stay. Make it hot in a mini.

{Carven mini skirt, $304}

Pleated:

Knife pleats, accordion pleats, pleats please! I love them in knee-length or longer - anything shorter will look like it belongs in Abercrombie kids. Also, just a word of note - make sure the pleats are vertical, not accordion and horizontal.

{knife pleated skirt, Reiss, $210}

{watercolor maxi pleated skirt, F21, $29.90}

Maxi:

Maxi skirts are the jam, mostly because that means I don't have to shave my legs. (Boyfriend, hope you're not reading!) Try wearing it with a blazer and cropped top for the right balance in proportion.

{full skirt, Asos, $81.81}

Midi:

Somewhere between knee-length and tea length falls the midi. If you're petite, I'd avoid this style all together - the more leg you show, the taller you look (within reason). I'd keep the patterns to a minimum here and use a pencil silhouette for the most universally flattering look.

{metallic pencil skirt, French Connection, $168}

High Side Slit:

Angie did it, and the good news is you can, too! Pair it formally with a slinky top or casually with a racerback tank. And keep it to one slit, please! Double slits is double the trouble.

{high slit chiffon skirt, Rachel Zoe, $294}

Hope my skirt guide helped you guide the skirt space for the summer!

xo