Now before you start rolling your eyes, I do realize that a short, tight mini skirt doesn't, at first blush, sound like something you'd throw on while kiddo-wrangling. I get that. But, if you recall Em's wise words in How to Rock Skirts With a Toddler Underfoot:
Short skirts can work...but watch the flowiness. The shorter the skirt, the easier the wind flips it up...or the kiddos will want to hide in it.
With a bandage mini, there is no flowiness. Literally ZERO. And they are miraculously flattering on multiple body types: Wear 'em high to show off curves, or low around your hips with a voluminous blouse to hide a pooch. Also? They can be had for cheap. For reals cheap. I have two. My big splurge (Target) was $14. But my Forever 21 number? $7, Mamas. Seriously.
I think the keys to wearing these skirts while playing with the kiddos are:
- Keep it casual (you only paid, like, $10 for the thing)
- Wear swimsuit bottoms underneath for major playtime
If you've been following my instagram feed (@shanachristine) you've already seen my pink Target mini at the Bryn Mawr farmers market. Here are three other ways I've been wearing it:
1. As A Beach Cover-Up....When You Want Something Outfit-y
(wearing: Target skirt - similar, Gap factory top, J.Crew bikini, Reef flip-flops)
Whether you are running errands before/after beach-going, or headed out to a pool party with a confusing dress code, bandage skirts are pretty awesome as a swimsuit cover-up. Pair with a top in a similar hue, and it feels almost like a dress.
And if the skirt gets wet at the beach? It's cheap. Nobody cares.
(Michigan Mamas! Get your bum over to the Grand Haven Farmer's Market!! Easily one of my very fav farmer's markets. It's small, but awesome. Not to be missed: homemade cherry doughnuts from Vander Mill Cidery. OMG wantwantwantwant.)
2. Family Outing
(wearing: same skirt as above, J.Crew sweatshirt - a cool alternative, Madewell Whistlestop sandals)
My uniform for a cool summer night. A simple sweatshirt and flat sandals offset the tight, short skirt. Just as easy as my standard cut-offs, but the skirt makes me feel a little more dressed-up.
3. Date Night
(wearing: same skirt as above, J.Crew Factory chambray - or a more fabulous one, etsy wood bangles from various sellers, Aldo clutch, Salt sunnies, Betsy johnson heels - similar)
This skirt is a natural for date night. So sexy, right? Especially with heels. Personally, our date nights tend to be somewhat low-key, so I like to offset the sexiness with a slightly more conservative top. My current fav choice is a chambray button-down, sleeves rolled. It's a low-cost way to make his eyes pop. And after almost 13 years of marriage....I like making his eyes pop.
Hope you are having a wonderful summer, Mamas!
xo,
S
ps. Is there any other piece you'd like us to test out for mom-friendliness? Let us know! We're feeling...creative. And up for a challenge. :)
