It’s one of summer’s many style perils (along with pasty legs, toenails between pedicures and visible bra straps) – the skirt that’s just too short.
You know the one – you can wear it no problem with black opaques, but sans tights you feel exposed. The biggest culprits are the flippy, skater styles that give the illusion of length with lots of fabric. They’re fine when you’re standing perfectly still in a sheltered area with zero breeze, but move a muscle and suddenly you’ve shown the entire crew and passengers of a Chicago boat tour at least half an ass cheek, possibly more. Ahem.
So, can you get away with it? Are short skirts ever chic? Let’s see, shall we?
Topshop skirt and denim shirt, Zara belt, loafers c/o Very.co.uk, J.Crew necklace, Cambridge Satchel
HELLO LEGS! I must admit, I did feel a little self-conscious walking down the breezy streets of Leeds in this skirt. It is extremely short and rather impractical, but I just adore it. The cute polka dot print, the flattering flared cut, those buttons… sigh!
However, I think the shortness of the skirt is easily balanced with more coverage elsewhere. By wearing a lightweight denim shirt rather than a vest, the skirt looks more like a legitimate item of clothing and not something you’d throw on over your bikini on the way to the bar for more Sangria. The loafers also add a conservative edge, whereas sandals could’ve looked too ‘holiday’. I finished the outfit with a detailed necklace and structured bag so the overall effect is (hopefully) more polished, less laidback.
I think I just about get away with it. But what about you? How would you wear a seriously short skirt?
great post! your satchel is so pretty!
Tina @ http://www.tinacious.me
love this look Jen – and check out your lovely tanned legs! very jealous right now.
definitely agree – wearing more on the top half and teaming with loafers rather than sandals definitely makes this more UK appropriate!
Yes, a top that covers rather than exposes. NO hooker heels. Tanned legs. That’s 3 out of 3. 100% right!
Personally I just wear shorts. They are rarely indecent. Can be worn with tights and without. My favourites.
Gorgeous outfit!
I’m always far too weary of the old ‘marilyn’ taking place, so for this summer I’ve cut a pair of leggings in to something that resembles cycle shorts so I can still wear mini minis, but if the worst does happen at least my exposed bum will be slightly less exposed! x
Great idea – think I’ll do this to stop any further flashing incidents! Thanks Heather-Louise.
This outfit is definitely a favorite!! The blue is so nice! I like the necklace too!
You live in Leeds!!?? I did not know this! You look fab as always Jen x
I do, yes! Look out for me around town! 🙂
Really enjoyed this blog post, you look absolutely lovely as always. I have a lot of high waisted skirts I wear in the office that are great with tights but I would feel self conscious wearing without in the summer. Consequently I’m about to lose my whole office wardrobe now it’s much too warm for tights! Eek! X
I always have to wear shorts underneath, so paranoid! I’m embracing the maxi skirt more now though, especially for work. I agree with balancing with the top half though so for me – short skirt/ covered top half, maxi skirt/ little on top!
Laila x
thekittenswhiskers
love this look!
from, helen at http://www.thelovecatsinc.com
I always stick a pair of lacy cycling shorts on underneath as I’m terrible for inadvertent flashing! ha! Love how you’ve styled it here. That necklace is gorgeous – you have the nicest collection of necklaces!
x
I love this idea! I really love your outfit too. Good mixture of colors. Lovely post.
Carlee
http://allthingsaveragegirl.blogspot.com/
YEAH you look fab! I love this skirt, only seen it in pink so far, such a lovely shape and you pull it of perfectly, that necklace is also amazing! Where can I get my mitts on it?!
I’m almost 2 stone heavier than I’m used to so not sure about the legs this year, and none of my denim shorts actually fit any more so erm… But yeah, I feel SO exposed these days, might have something to do with the fact i’m 5’9″ as well.. =
http://fridayisforever.blogspot.co.uk xx
Hi Sarah, thanks so much for your kind words! 🙂
The necklace is from a J.Crew outlet in the US. I had a look on the site but it doesn’t appear to be there anymore, although there are some lovely alternatives – http://bit.ly/KPgJPb.
Hope that helps! And yes, I’m 5’7 with 33in legs and can rarely find skirts long enough to be completely comfortable… tights are usually my best friend but it’s just not happening in this weather!
Your legs are looking pretty amazingly brown! I still can’t hack the short skirts just yet, I walk everywhere and the stress of it blowing up is just too much, even with cycling shorts! I have to break myself in gently to summer… !
xxx
Thanks Laura! The legs are thanks to Garnier Summer Body gradual tanning lotion – I’ve been using it for 2 weeks and it’s really paid off!
I love the outfit, still the same problem though if their’s a gust of wind……although I suppose at least with a long top you can use that to hide your dignity. I tend to stick to longer skirts all year around but only because I don’t have your legs xxx
You look great in this skirt. I do like short skirts but the older I get the more self conscious I feel in them…like it’s somehow inappropriate to be 24 and wearing a miniskirt, as if! x
Your legs look amazing!!!!! If only short short skirts had the same effect on me xx
Aw, thanks Aisling. I would highly recommend Garnier Summer Body gradual tanning lotion to add a bit of colour – that’s my only secret! 😉 x
You look lovely!! I always do the same thing, balance out a short skirt withva long sleeved shirt or a conservative top! I absolutely love the denim shirt and necklace combo! And your nail varnish compliments the outfit so well!
Gemma x
http://www.gemmasatire.blogspot.co.uk
You have an amazing style. Love your blog!!!
Would u like to follow each other on GCF and bloglovin?
Lots of love ♥
http://www.nicoleta.me
I usually put mine over a pir of the cycling shorts with lace on the bottom and try to cover up with a blazer, I need to find a denim shirt, pronto!
Maria xxx
I think my bum must go on for miles because I just can’t get away with those skirts without exposing myself. I’m a bit fan of shorts, or at the very least skirts over shorts!
Uh hello brown legs!!
Also LOVE the nail varnish you’ve got on, and the necklace is beautiful!
I’ve flashed my pants many a time in an ill advised too short skirt. Feel much safer in tights, but this weather calls for bare legs…with shorts under that flirty skater skirt.
xx
Denim and leopard print is a great combo. I love that shape of the shirt on you!
I am a bit shy when it comes to short shirts and a bit self conscious. I totally agree with what you say about the whole look changing the minute you take the tights off to let your legs breathe in the summer air. You feel more on display in a way, but there are ways to keep it classy and you’ve done it!
Note to self: Must.Tan.Legs!
You blates pulled it off hun! I was eyeing some very similar shoes in Dotty P’s today so I’m inspired, but I live in Brighton which is perpetually windy so to be on the safe side I’ll wear really cute pants.
Ahhh this is the story of my life, most of my skirts are inappropriate in Summer especially in an office, though this week I have been pushing boundaries. I pretty much always wear shorts underneath now as it’s always me flashing the pants, never anyone else. I’ve even been wearing heels but counteracting the amount of leg by wearing a t-shirt on the top half. It does give me a t-shirt tan line but at least I feel decent.
In todays world where underwear as outerwear is so much in vogue, the haute couture from designers is so often sheer or revealing of the knickers, I think your skirt is quite modest. Contrary to many of the commenters above, I think the idea is to wear lingerie underneath that just begs to be seen. There are many exquisitely designed full cut retro style knickers that would be perfect. If going to the beach there is also designer swim-wear that has a decided lingerie look. Marilyn loved those moments, so did the rest of the world. The fashion world especially loves them now more than ever.
Oh this is a constant problem for me (in Australia!). We can really only wear opaques for about three weeks every year! You look lovely though, and I wouldn’t be shy about wearing short skirts if I had legs like yours! I think the long sleeved shirt with shorter skirt is a gorgeous look!
I think you wear it well – I feel your anxiety though, I never know what is appropriate and hate to feel a bit too bare. i think teaming it with flats and the more covered up shirt is the perfect way to go xxx
You look great with short skirt and it’s a great idea to wear short skirts with flat shoes.
You look great, I think the covered up top half helps. I get so worried about short skirts because I’m so tall they’re always shorter too.
Lucy Loves To Blog
Ah the classic Trinny & Susannah ‘boobs or legs’ trick.
You look lovely (:
I too am struggling to kiss goodbye to the tights quite yet but it’s becoming increasingly necessary!
x
You look fabulous! I’m always scared of skirts that are above the knee and worry that I’ll look like I’m trying to be too young, but this outfit makes me feel like I can be more brave and using your style tips, still look polished! Thank you, I love your blog 🙂
You look fabulous, as usual! And I am in love with the bubble neck piece!
Your Coffee Break
xoxo
Just love polka-dots! You look stunning girl 🙂
I agree with you – I think the basic rule of showing flesh is to show one or the other. So, if you’re showing cleavage, the skirt should be longer, if you’re showing leg, be more modest on top. Just balances everything out nicely I think.
Love the outfit you’re wearing here – the necklace, especially, is a particularly nice touch.
i know the focus was on your skirt but i loved your bag and also your hair aswell! Cant wait til the weather is warm enough again to wear short skirts! Brill blog x
You look great! and I have to admit that you take really great photos.
I have been recommended your blog by my colleague. She was right, Do take great pictures.