If any of you have been paying attention to the major trends of Fall 2010, you can't miss the fact that 3/4 length skirts were all over the Fall runways. While I love their ladylike look and retro sensibility, I had originally dismissed this trend as being both impractical for moms and hard to wear...and then I met (at the playground no less!) Ramune.
Ramune attracted my eye for two reasons: first and foremost, her fabulous outfit - so different from typically playground attire (including my own); and secondly, as I watched, she easily chased her toddler around, pushed her on the swings, and tended to her tiny baby - all while looking totally chic and effortless.
But....the skirt. Could I do it? When I get out of bed in the morning, invariably, I reach for denim. Leggings have only just started to be in my permanent rotation. But a skirt? A ladylike skirt? It almost seems anti-mom-uniform. Which is funny - aren't 3/4 length skirts what all 50's housewives wore?
So YES - I'm intrigued. But the biggest problem? Finding such a skirt. When I asked Ramune where she got her skirt, she laughed, rolled her eyes, "Vintage," she declared, her Lithuanian accent making her appear even more chic. And her denim jacket? Vintage Levi's. This girl is my style hero.
How to re-create?
After spending the last several weeks searching for 3/4 length skirts, vintage may still be your best option. This trend is so new that most big-box retailers haven't yet caught-up. You'll probably have the most luck with either stores that tend to focus on retro-inspired clothing (Modcloth.com, Anthropologie), or stores that have lines targeted to an older clientele (Department stores, LLBean, Land's End).
Also, the 3/4 skirt length can be hard to wear. However, I think any 50's inspired skirt with a length that falls anywhere from just below your knee to the true 3/4 length will work for Ramune's look.
Pair your skirt with a simple tee (tucked in is best, add a belt if you'd like)...and top with a denim jacket. Ballet flats work (you can always add tights)...or tall boots when the weather turns cold. To warm this outfit up even further, swap out the tee for a fitted sweater (this is a perfect way to jazz up a boring sweater or short cardigan) and add a big scarf.
Here are a few of the skirt picks I'm currently contemplating. Some will hit under-the-knee, while some straddle the line between 3/4 length and maxi. I suspect we'll have more options as the stores catch up to the trends. But for now...
While the McQ skirt at Yoox is my hands-down favorite, I probably won't be dropping $300 on a trend that I'm not fully committed to just yet. However, I think I could do something fun with the plaid Land's End skirt. This skirt is part of their uniform series...and while it looks a touch dowdy...it might be just retro/ironic enough to work. And besides, as a huge Gossip Girl fan (I know, I know) I secretly want a school uniform. I could wear this skirt with a tie! No, no, I should not. I'll save the tie for my plaid mini skirt. M - you'll need to step in here. Remind me of my age, or something.
Anyway, what do you think, readers? Do any of you routinely reach for a skirt in the morning? Think perhaps you'll try? And this 3/4 length trend - ladylike or old-lady?
xo,
S
