I remember when I first started writing in fashion and style, there were certain rules associated with long skirt style. Rules like: define your waist, wear heels, keep proportions balanced, and don’t mix too many patterns.
Quote of the day: “Be adaptable. You don’t need the day to go perfectly to make it a good one.” James Clear
While I believe guidelines can be helpful at times, I also believe that the most interesting outfits happen when you break the rules.
By now, we have learned that style isn’t about following formulas. It’s about experimenting and having fun. Life is serious enough, so our outfits really shouldn’t have to be.
We’ve broken the rules many times. Here are a couple of articles if you want to look back:
–Breaking the 333 Project Rules
–Fashion Rules I Wished I Learned Sooner
–Rethinking Flattering
–Outdated Color Rules
For this long skirt style challenge, the four of us each took a different approach to breaking one of the fashion rules. See what you think.
If you prefer preloved items, then you’ll find some fantastic options for long skirts on thredUp. If you prefer new ones, then check the widget below.
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Valerie’s outfit is a perfect example of why fashion rules are meant to be questioned.
Traditionally, a flowing floral skirt like hers might be paired with a dressier blouse and heels. Instead, she added a sporty black mesh top and colorful sneakers.
The contrast is what makes the outfit interesting.
Style Tip: Try pairing your favorite long skirt with sneakers, a sweatshirt, a denim jacket, or even a graphic tee. The unexpected combination often feels more modern than a completely dressy look.
Details:
-Valerie’s long skirt is really a dress worn with the top over it to “look” like a skirt. This is such an easy way to get more out of your clothing items.
-I Love how she added a bunch of other colors with her accessories, including the scarf on her straw purse.
One fashion rule that gets repeated endlessly is to avoid mixing prints.
I consider this a silly rule because it’s quite a fun challenge to do this, not only with our outfits but also in our home decor.
For my outfit, I paired a bold tropical-print skirt with a smaller-scale print in my top. The key was using the same colorway in both pieces.
It’s no secret that if your clothes make you smile, you’re probably doing something right.
Style Tip: When mixing prints, focus on color first. If two patterns share similar colors, they often work together better than you might expect.
BTW, my sandals are some of my faves, but they are now sold out at DSW. I did find a pair on Poshmark if you are a size 11, or on the brand’s site (recently restocked in all sizes).
Details:
-My bracelet and matching ring were made by a local designer whom I met on IG and then in person here in Arizona.
-This skirt was worn when we visited the Greek Orthodox Monastery here in AZ. I cut a maxi dress in half that I had won in a giveaway.
-A sun hat can be more than just functional. It can add more print to the look and be very stylish. I reviewed this brand (here is the blog post), and my discount code, JTOS, is still in effect.
Fashion advice often tells women to define their waist at all costs.
Lesley proves that’s completely optional.
Her bright floral skirt is topped with a relaxed turquoise shirt worn open over a yellow tank. The result is a looser, boxier silhouette that feels effortless and comfortable.
Not every outfit needs to create an hourglass shape. That’s an outdated rule, just like trying to look slimmer or taller.
I believe that the movement, color, and overall vibe of an outfit are more important than emphasizing body shape.
Details:
-Lesley found the best combination of sneakers and flats. They have the comfort of athletic footwear, but the cuteness of ballet flats.
-She’s even mixing prints by carrying this striped purse.
-The original crew all wore this same skirt with different colorways, and then when Valerie bought the skirt, we all origamied it.
How many times have you heard that long skirts require heels?
Charlotte is here to prove otherwise.
Her patterned skirt looks fabulous with simple metallic flats. The flats make the outfit practical for walking, traveling, and everyday life without sacrificing style.
As we get older, many of us become more selective about footwear. If heels aren’t your thing, there’s no reason to force them.
You have a ton of wonderful (and comfy) options that aren’t heels, including ballet flats, Mary Janes, and even sneakers.
Style Tip: Remember, metallics are a neutral and thus can pair with any and every color. They are a great way to lighten a summer look.
Details:
-This skirt started as a scarf, and my mom created it into this skirt. If you get my emails, you saw a photo of the scarf before she did her magic.
-My mom replicated the gold from her flats with her purse, even though they are different shades of metallic gold.
-It’s hard to see, but her earrings are little owls. She has an EXTENSIVE collection of owls in her home.
If there’s one thing this style challenge demonstrates, it’s that fashion rules are simply suggestions.
If you need more inspiration, we’ve showcased maxi skirts in the past:
–Shoes to wear with maxis in winter
–Variety of dress lengths
–Wearing a maxi dress if you’re short
–Long skirt without frumpiness
In fact, breaking the “rules” often creates outfits that feel more authentic and memorable.
The best long skirt style isn’t about following a checklist. Instead, I suggest you play in your closet to find combinations that reflect your personality. That’s the true measure of success.
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Jodie Filogomo is a retired cosmetic dentist and fashion blogger behind Jodie’s Touch of Style, where she has been helping women over 50 experiment with style in fun, creative ways for over 12 years.
Find out more about the crew, because we love to showcase all ages, body shapes and women who love different styles.
The post How to Create Long Skirt Style That Breaks The Rules appeared first on Jodie’s Touch of Style.
