Fed Up.. Should I just make my own?

[plutoisnotaplanet]

I LOVE to wear skater dresses. I'm plus size (18) and they are about the only thing that really suits my body shape... there's just 1 problem...

They are ALWAYS too bloody short!

I have to wear black leggings under all of them which is fine in winter but in summer it's a real pain :(

I must have tried on every skater dress in every shop in existence and haven't found a single one that's long enough.

I'm quite crafty so I've now resigned myself to the fact I'm going to have to just make my own if I want one to fit me properly... is this completely mad? I don't even know where to start :(

[ItGoesWithoutSaying]

I think part of the look of skater dresses is the shortness - probably why you don't find many long ones.

Have you tried cycling shorts under them? I do this with a couple of dresses I have that are v short. This sort of thing.

[RedMapleLeaf]

I too think skater dresses are supposed to be short. Would a swing dress match what you're looking for?

[plutoisnotaplanet]

swing dresses dont "nip" at the waist enough, I've tried those and they're ok, just not quite right!

I don't want them to be long, an inch or so above the knee is fine but all the ones I try on are bum-skimming :(

[PaperdollCartoon]

How tall are you? I'm 5"2 and generally have the opposite problem, luckily I like dresses just below the knee. Have you looked at LindyBop? My friend is the same size as you though possibly a bit shorter and looks great in their dresses.

[PaperdollCartoon]

Bit shorter than you* not me. She's taller than me

[StrawbRhi]

Try 'fit and flare' dresses. At 5ft9, I have the same problem- everything is too damn short! I find for and flare dresses look similar to skater, in that they nip in at the waist and float down over the hips but are usually down to the knee.

[TheSpottedZebra]

Dotty P used to be great for fit and flare jersey dresses, with a tie thing to define waist. And they have a tall section too. eg this one

[hawthornknitter]

Can't speak for where to get them ready made but on the topic of making them - I made this for DD recently kitschy-coo.co.uk/collections/womens-patterns/products/the-lady-skater-sewing-pattern-for-teens-and-women-pdf.
It was the first item of clothing I had made in about 5 years (and previously had only really made pjs). Recently I've only done quilting, so I was very much a beginner, had to keep checking the sewing machine manual etc. It came out quite well. If you make your first attempt in a darkish colour with matching thread it should be ok. I'm thinking of making one for myself.

[RNBrie]

Have you tried Closet? I'm 5'8" and their skater dresses stop an inch or so above my knee. I think their standard range go up to a 16 but they do have a plus size range too.

[plutoisnotaplanet]

I'm only 5'5! My problem is I'm shaped like an upside down spoon: broad shoulders, medium bust, little waist and MASSIVE hips!

[CoolToned]

Try ASOS Tall.

Skater skirts are also short on me (I'm almost 5'8" and long-legged) but the ASOS tall skater skirt I tried was long enough. Probably around 1 inch above the knee.

[Kikibanana86]

Asos have lots of midi length skater dresses

[babyboyHarrison]

Have you considered a grilled skirt underneath to give it a bit more shape and use a slight longer one in a contrast colour. Likewise if you don't feel up to making a dress from scratch you could sew a band on the bottom.

[GreenGoth89]

How about adding some lace or contrasting material at the bottom?