Swish!
That's the sound of ruffling petticoats, long since absent from our shores since the days of Dickensian streetwalking, thieving and elegant perambulations. It seems we are loosening our stays. Hallelujah, after ripping every pencil skirt I own while stepping into the car I now reserve them for evening wear only.
My hips don't lie, pencil skirts were not made for daily living, at least not for me, though I know many of you stalwarts wear them to work everyday. I plan to swirl from now till late autumn.
What about you?
Talbot's
Tibi (Atlantic Pacific)
I tried this one on just before Christmas and looked utterly ridiculous in it, it was as wide as I am tall.
Dior
Giles at Matches
I have trouble pulling off a full skirt, but I love the trumpet silhouette like that little Carven number. My secret to wearing pencil skirts? Knits. ;-)
ReplyDeleteOooh...I love a good twirling skirt, I do :)) I have some pencil skirts, but I usually end up almost falling over trying to get up the stairs in them, so twirling skirts are much easier & more fun ;) I shall be wearing mine, have one on now actually!! Have a wonderful weekend x
ReplyDeleteP.S. If one does wear a full skirt & wishes to twirl, one must remember to wear pretty panties ;) ha!
ReplyDeleteDainty Doll: back to ruffled toddler pants!
DeleteDP: Ah knits, yes that might work for me, I love them for night time but can't bear their incarceration in daylight hours.
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely,Tabs but I rarely get skirted up. I much prefer jeans and trousers. My tail does all the swishing!
ReplyDeleteSulky - check your email, I think you have a full litter box.
DeleteMe too Sulky - only in my fantasy life.
DeleteIve learned to be wary of a cat with a swishing tail
DeleteLove the Balenciaga; the Carven is my favorite with the soft flair, but needs to be a bit longer.
ReplyDeleteI hear you re: hips. It's hard to find a good pencil skirt that fits the waist and the hips. So I only wear them occasionally. I love sheath dresses though.
ReplyDeleteOn a completely unrelated note, I love the red Valentino shoes, I have been lusting after those shoes lately (the nude colored ones).
LR- I've worn those nude shoes twice, I need to get out more
DeleteIn LA, women wear them with jeans. They look great with white jeans in particular.
DeleteI would definitely wear them with jeans!
Deletemy hips are pathological and rather bipolar so it really depends on which mood they are in - so i own both swishy and pencil. but to be fair, even my pencil skirts give a little...
ReplyDeletei adore swishy stuff - i even like swishy tops in fact.
i love the dior 50's look and also the first picture - those are just such great staples. they are also a lot more flattering than trousers in general and on most women even though they may not see it for feel it.
i find jeans the most unforgiving in every way.
Oh jeans garrotte me, I think I'm built for sweats and nowt else.
DeleteDior's New Look is one if my all time favourite silhouettes
Hello Tabitha, Was online just now and saw you kindly dropped by again. So nice of you to spare your time but just want you to know you have totally made my week...I only write on the blog but to be complimented by you with the way you write...pretty nifty! Have a lovely weekend x
Deleteoh i love a full skirt. my favorite one is my american apparel chambray. it goes with everything and makes it look like i tried, you know?
ReplyDeletehave a fab weekend!
Thank you!! Don't you worry doll, I grew up as quite the tom boy ;) Used to bring home snails and all to my mother in my school box! All my friends were boys and I liked getting dirty in the mud :)) Still that way, even if I wear dresses a lot! Love sports and making a mess...I can just balance it well...took a long time to learn, but it works best for me!! xx
ReplyDeleteAfter cursing my hips and butt again this morning, since all pants (trousers) are made for women who are not so amply blessed, I nearly pulled out my go-to comfort outfit...the full skirt with a fitted tee or a full skirted 50s dress. Then I remembered it is cold here and since I don't feel like tights, I ran off to find my "fat pants." LOL. Gaw, what I would give to have Miami's weather year round here in Virginia. This four months of grey and cold and windy is just too much. ;)
ReplyDeleteLove the chambray Talbot's version...can be paired with all sorts of pretty and printed tops.
Dina, I love your hips and butt, my belly sticks out more than my butt!
DeleteI can run in pencil skirts and I used to never wear full skirts but recently I have been drawn to that silhouette more than ever before, it is so feminine. The problem I have is that I am not a tucker and it is hard to find short fitted tops that can go over a full skirt.
ReplyDeleteSKIRTING THE ISSUE With Deja, knit pencils for day. That shirtdress is bees knees. But as a shorty, hard to find full skirts that don't have Heidi dirndl effect. And where I live is whippy windy, constant refrain of "I see London..." in head.
ReplyDeleteI am in love with that first look, love, love, love. I actually owned that Talbots denim full skirt, in my "oh I can be french, too" phase, but never wore it as it overwhelmed my frame! However, I am looking for a swishy skirt or two, but one that is less full, more like the orange one above, though I will pass on orange colour. I had a beautiful pale pink silk one from j crew in the days that skirts were silk and lined in silk or cotton and it was divine. I will definitely be watching for something that moves when I walk. I find those kinds of skirts, if they fall right at or above my knees are very flattering and are very amenable to being worn with flats!
ReplyDeleteHave never been a pencil skirt fan, and have always preferred a flirty skirt. They've been very hard to find though in recent years, and you've got some beautiful choices up there. Love that Balenciaga dress, but don't love the price, or the fact that I have no where to wear it anyway. Have been looking for years for a swishy gray flannel skirt, but have yet to come across one.
ReplyDeleteI love this look so much but I do not and likely never will wear it. I'm a slim skirt and pencil skirt gal through and through. I don't feel myself in a full skirt, and the few times I've tried them I've felt uncomfortable all day. They end up in the donate bag after one wear. A-line is even worse. I really like both full skirts and a-line on others. Just not on me.
ReplyDeleteThose grey Talbots skirts look like fun but I think they need women who are tall to carry them off.
ReplyDeleteThe skirt with the flirty hem is very attractive. Must make an effort to wear more skirts!
Hope things are going well with you.
Hostess
I love a pencil skirt if I have to get suited up, otherwise, I prefer an a-line or something with a bit of swish. Too full bottoms amplify my too full bottom and I just can get away with it. Overall-I'm in jeans-though in warm weather a dress is my bff-one easy piece, earrings and a pair of sandals.
ReplyDeleteHope all if well!
Team Pencil skirt reporting for duty. Wear pencil skirts 70% of the time; the rest, I'm in sheaths or jeans. I detest a-line and full skirts on me, I'd only wear one belting out "The ills are live with a sound of music" while twirling atop the Alps. I do like the Carven number, probably because it's a pencil with a flirty hem, and I'd give the Malene Birger a tryout on a warm spring day.
ReplyDeleteB: How do you do it, you must have wriggly snake hips and a constantly flat tum.
DeleteI can swing both ways....just don't make me pleat!!
ReplyDeleteI love both pencils AND fluffsters. They do converse differently. When I wear a pencil skirt, I feel more Yekaterina Onatop´ish. Black leather usually is related, seriously high heels and offendingly red lipstick.
ReplyDeleteWith full skirts, one gets more soft in apparel and more playful. During summertime I wear petticoats with them BECAUSE one time when I didn´t, I failed to notice how the soft wind had lifted the hem aaalll the way up and my grannypants was in full display, proudly and unapologetically so. Needless to say I felt mortified when I figured it out from the soft murmuring for conversation between two rather handsome gents musing of good pointers of summer time. Or then it was their sheepish staring at my crotch. These days- petticoats. I have plethora of them! Even my petticoats have layers. And a nice, ruffled petticoat underneath a full summerskirt, shirt tucked underneath the enchilada and a belt make for a waist that visually looks 5,5 inches small.
I actually have a lovely, ankle length dark green woolly full skirt waiting to be hemmed and a buttonhole & button needs to be sewed as well. They are tremendously warm during cold winters months as well.
I only have swishy a-line skirts - I dont have the thighs/hips/bottom for a pencil skirt.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a lovely weekend!
Tabs - have always wondered what your capsule fantasy wardrobe would look like if you lived in LA? You've been here often enough and long enough to know what would work in reality.
ReplyDeleteFunny out of all of those skirts I like the Talbot's one best!
ReplyDeleteI can't wear a full circle skirt off. Tried a Kate Spade one but I think you have to be really small up top. I have a knit pencil and it's quite nice. You could probably pull this off with your little waist.
ReplyDeleteMarsha: my waist isn't that small, my hips are my small bit, I have two different bodies melded as one!
DeleteDani : mine too.
Kathy: I would only ever come out of Lululemon if I was going out at night!
I remember full skirts being a challenge on a windy day! Pencil is still my best silouette but admittedly not as easy to wear during the day. None of these really appeal to me...yet.
ReplyDeleteOmigosh! I posted a fit and flare dress this am! Lol. I love this silhouette - feminine but more importantly forgiving for every flaw in a girl's figure. Love!
ReplyDeleteXox P
I know, I should have used your pic, you looked lovely.
DeleteBeing pear shaped fuller skirts suit me especially in 1950 style dresses. I just have to be careful not to look too girly.
ReplyDeleteNot sure inverted box pleats do your hips any favour, either, especially in one of those heavier fabrics. The hard to find "fitted flare"- close though the torso, with a godet or pleats near the hem- works well. The 'fit' part makes you look relatively slim, like the pencil, and the flare lets ou move without wrecking the seam.
ReplyDeleteLike this:
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/328988
Love, love these skirts. I am a big fan of skirts especially this ones. Thank you for visiting my blog and for the sweet thoughts.
ReplyDeletexo
Sam
http://fabulouspetite.blogspot.com
Pencil skirts are not my friend, so I definitely prefer the a-line and swirly skirt options. I tried that chambray skirt from Talbots in the second pic, but their smallest size was too large for me, and the length was unfortunately not overly flattering either. The Dior dress is absolutely gorgeous, and I quite like the blue one in the first photo, too.
ReplyDeleteThis look doesn't quite do it for me...yet. I find that I usually come around after getting used to seeing something new. Maybe with a little less pouf, I don't know. But for some reason this particular look seems a little too young for me, and I rarely feel that about any style.
ReplyDeleteSue, yes, I think it depends on the length, if it's too short it looks very young, I like it best below the knee, very Dior New Look.
DeleteMaybe it's past trauma on the school yard. I am in fear of my skirt being lifted. i do like the Balenciaga quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteI love a fuller skirt. I have to disagree with your time frame however. I recall a plethora of petticoat madness in the 1980's when Laura Ashley was at the height of her popularity. I myself had a white petticoat to wear under a swing -y skirt. I also had a teeny tiny waist, but that is a story for another day!
ReplyDeleteThese are very pretty. I like no pleats or gathers and knee lenth for me. It's so easy to wear.
ReplyDeleteLove the Talbots and Matches skirts - but maybe not for me. I don't tuck in either, and it is hard to balance the top and shirt. Pencil skirts work for me, especially in knit form, which makes life easier. Great post, and thank you for visiting my blog! x
ReplyDeleteIs the Dior a dress ? whatever it is I like it ...as my tummy !!is not flat pencil skirts are not my friend but of course I really like them .
ReplyDeleteAll of the ones above look great the models are probably 7 feet tall
I love fit and flare but they have to be high ish waisted to squish my tummy down a bit. I am short ish and wide of hip but I still wear them. I probably look mad.
ReplyDeleteHmm, perhaps it is time I put up a post on how to enter/exit a car while wearing a pencil skirt. It's not a natural move but there is a right way to do it without ripping the skirt. Basically, keep your knees together and lead IN with your behind, lead OUT with your feet - swing them out together with your knees welded, feet should land on the ground and you rise as you would out of a dining chair. If you try to step in or out with your knees apart you are just asking for trouble!
ReplyDeleteAnd place your clutch strategically like Princess Di! :)
DeleteUnfortunately this is a difficult move to pull off in a SUV/ 4WD. I have to basically climb up into the seat as I'm too short, and inevitably hear a little rip as I do so...
DeleteSheree - exactly!
DeleteHeidi, it can be difficult but SUVs and trucks should have running boards that you can use as a launch/landing point. It could be a height issue as you say. Can you lower the seat completely and move it all the way back to give yourself a better target? I was taught to do it as though your knees are absolutely locked together from the starting point of the move, and the legs move as one. In lower-slung cars it seems more of a challenge for me to pivot on the seat and swing my legs out the door gracefully so height definitely plays a part (I'm 5'9") but it can be done.
I like a full skirt, but it has to be the right length. Too long (ie just below the knee) on me and it looks decidedly matronly, not very Dior like at all. I have a few full skirted dresses that I wear for Summer, and they are all above the knee. The one bad internet purchase was a dress with embroidery on the hem, and it was too long so I couldn't take it up or ruin the design. Pity, as it was a nice dress otherwise. xx
ReplyDeleteJust after talking to you Tabitha, and everyone else of course, I found my thong aka flipflop wrapped up in my very full cotton skirt , after looking for it for a day and a half
ReplyDeleteNow can you do a post on opals please?so I can find my mothers earrings
smr: the blog can become the patron saint of lost things.
DeleteYes, I am skirter. The dress in the top photo and the Balenciaga one very similar to ones in the 'robe. I leave off the babushka,though.
ReplyDeleteI vote for pencil skirts. I like the full skirts in theory, but they aren't flattering on me. I have normal sized hips, butt, and thighs, but a big tummy. So a full skirt makes me look big all over. With a pencil skirt, you can still see my biggish tum, but you can also see the rest of me is smaller. Funny how that works.
ReplyDeleteAs a matter of fact, I just yesterday bought something I don't really NEED, violating all the rules about editing the wardrobe and only buying what we absolutely need and which will go with 42 other things in the wardrobe. I popped into Talbots, which (like many of you) I don't love nearly the way I used to, as they are having the last gasp winter sale. They were pretty well picked over, but I spied the black leather pencil skirt I had tried on, just for fun, after the first markdown. It is lovely soft leather, and fit perfectly, hitting at knee length. Regular price $249, on sale for $45. Could NOT let that one go. Unfortunately where I live (Texas) it is nearly spring, so I may not get to wear it till next winter. But it is gorgeous!
---Jill Ann
I should add that for my figure, the very most flattering style is a wrap or coat dress. That may fit the category of fit-and-flare.
Delete---Jill Ann
Many, many years ago when I had legs up to here and was deft with needle and thread, I made a stunning red floral full circle skirt. Well I thought it was the business. On an errand for my boss I started gliding down a flight of stairs outside a building (well, *I* though I was gliding) when a gust of wind whipped aforementioned skirt up and over my head. This is why your mother - and mine - was absolutely neurotic about the state of your underwear. Decisions - to I continue along the street with skirt wrapped around my head? At least this way no one would recognise me; or do I wrestle with sevreal metres of madly flapping fabric and run - in heels - back to the office and hope no one notices. Grace and dignity are called for in such circumstances and regrettably I had neither.
ReplyDeleteAnn, you utter hussy!
DeleteI do love skirts but I have a preference for no tights so I wear them mostly in summer. If the skirt is too full I look more like a sumo wrestler. I love the Marlene birger skirt so feminine and a great summer colour.
ReplyDeleteInge, me too, I can't bear tights and loathe looking down at black knitted legs, it depresses me.
DeleteThe Talbots skirt looks really nice. I have always worn pencil skirts, having worked in a law firm setting for so many years, but now that it seems I am finally out of that environment, I don't have to wear them any more, so I might try fuller skirts this year. Thanks for all the inspirational photos!
ReplyDeleteLove pencil skirts and was recently toying with the idea of purchasing some from J Crew. Do you own any from there?
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 21, I asked a tailor to make me a couple of pencil skirts and I would wear them with fitted shirts/ knit wear etc. Such a gorgeous look. Currently looking for an incredible faux leather pencil skirt (have been inspired by Janet at the Gardner's Cottage).
Love the images from Dior and Matches. The Matches store buyer has fantastic taste, as the current selection of dresses on their website are stunning xxx
Two of my big splurges in the past several years have been full-skirted dresses, one from Prada and one from Lela Rose. I really like the look, and find it forgiving of any of my particular physical quirks. I think it depends a lot on where they hit your leg...
ReplyDeletei absolutely love fuller skirts! they are so feminine and beautiful :) if you enjoy my blog too, would you like to follow each other? xo jess
ReplyDeletewww.stylizedluxe.blogspot.com
I've always been a big fan (and chaser) of pencil skirts but you have assembled here a very impressive collection of the fuller variety-the Dior & Prussian blue number up top are especially fine.
ReplyDeleteI have a full skirted dress. It's pretty, but it makes me feel like Charlotte from Sex and the City so it only gets worn about once a year.
ReplyDeleteI have so many fit and flare skirts in my wardrobe I could open a shop!
ReplyDeleteMy problem is to make sure the skirt hits me no longer than knee length as to overwhelm my short stature.
(long time reader, first time commenter)
Ush
www.indulginmywanderlust.com
I've loved the full skirt look for ages but have neveer been able to make them work...I had an epiphany after seeing all these images...you 'must tuck', and have a tiny little waist...I don't think I ever erally tucked...big mistake.
ReplyDeleteI'm up for trying again though, love them.
xo J~