Feeling Retro: Midi Skirts

Like most people, I follow some trends whole-heartedly, and for others avoid them completely.  I’m 100% on board for the full midi skirt style from the 1950’s.  A full skirt is defined as a skirt that is gathered at the waist and flows outward to the middle of your calves. Midi skirts are feminine, versatile, sexy, and classic. It’s generally acknowledged that women’s styles that emphasize the waist are very flattering. Midis are usually styled by tucking in your blouse or wearing a cropped top, and also wearing heels or wedges. Many solid colors and fabulous prints like the one pictured are available.

Look #1: One Shoulder Top, Floral Midi Skirt

I got this midi skirt last year from New York and Company’s Eva Mendes collection.  Some midi skirts have extra layers which are better for wearing during the cooler weather, but this midi skirt is lighter weight and made out of cotton. Any blouse that is not too loose and baggy can be tucked into your midi skirt. I’m wearing a one-shoulder ruffled top in this picture. I often wear a black bodysuit with this midi skirt and the other midi skirts that I own. If you would like to see how I paired midi skirts with tie-front tops, click here.

Look #2: Striped Top, Black Midi Skirt

This look was inspired by my dream home, Paris. I love wearing Breton stripes with my black hat (feels like a beret) and red lipstick. A striped top is best with a neutral bottom. I have been so happy since I bought this black midi skirt, because it’s so versatile and you can wear it with many different outfits. Even though it is lightweight, it has a metallic texture that is better suited for fall and winter.

Look #3: Printed Skirt, White Tie-Front Top

I believe that there are far more interesting prints than simply floral (even though this skirt does feature tulips). Chicwish has many different unique patterns for skirts, including several cityscapes. I also paired my look with cat-eye sunglasses and rhinestone double-band sandals. I felt very retro and ladylike!

Here are 4 other ideas for wearing midi skirts:

1. Here’s look number one! Both printed and solid colored full skirts look amazing with neutral colors, including my old stand-by, black. You can wear wedges or heels with any midi skirt that you buy. All of the above are from New York and Company.

• Linen Paperbag-Waist Skirt
• Smocked Halter Top
• Faux-Tortoise Shell Cat-Eye Sunglasses
• Knot-Front Faux-Suede Sandals, Eva Mendes Collection

2. Wearing a tulle skirt with a graphic   t-shirt also makes for a bold look, and you can spice it up a little with a choker or colorful earrings. Fashion tip: If you wear neutral heels, it creates the appearance of elongated legs! These choices are from Forever 21.

• Tiered Tulle Midi Skirt
• Don’t Cry Graphic Tee
• Thread-Wrapped Oval Drop Earrings
• Faux-Suede Pointed Ankle-Strap Heels

3. While wearing a wild or abstract print, pair the skirt with a black bodysuit or tighter-fitting top. It’s a little 1950’s! Modcloth has so many retro-inspired clothes. Here are my picks from there!

• Charming Cotton Skirt with Pockets in Village
• 3/4 Sleeve Cafe Parfait Top in Noir
• Scrapbook Ending Bag in Ink
• The Zest is History Heels in Goldenrod

 

4.  I love this monochromatic look…it’s so sleek and feminine. The pink heels add a little color to an otherwise neutral outfit. Beautiful! This look is from Nordstrom Rack.

• Trouve Ruched Front Midi Skirt
• English Factory Tie-Front Tank
• Nine West Dempsey Ankle-Strap Platform Heel
• Urban Expressions Juniper Vegan Tote

Are you on board with the midi skirt trend? What is your favorite way to wear them? Classic, feminine, or funky: YOU decide how you want to wear your midi skirt. Now get out there and start styling!

Until next time…

Melissa