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am I too old / dumpy to get away with this skirt?

26 replies

runningLou · 04/11/2016 21:48

Am turning 37. These past few months I've had a massive wardrobe clearout after gaining some weight and have got down to a 'uniform' of dark trousers/jeans and skirts, and plain colour tops.
Put this skirt on for work today and just have no confidence. Are kilt skirts too girly at my age? Is it too short?
What else should I be wearing to suit my figure better?
Would like to be a bit alternative but lack courage so generally a bit preppy.

am I too old / dumpy to get away with this skirt?
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TheCrumpledToe · 04/11/2016 21:51

I've got a skirt like that and I'm 45 so hopefully nobody will say you're too old for it!

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GiddyGiddyGoat · 04/11/2016 21:53

I don't think there's a rule about when you can wear what - it's much more about what you look good in etc.

IMO the skirts quite nice and you have good legs . I think you need to make it more contemporary - I would wear it with thick black plain opaques, some chunky boots and a slouchy dark plain coloured jumper - the tights in the photo are too light and the top is too big / light coloured / unflattering.

HTH!

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 04/11/2016 21:56

I think the 'flounciness' in addition to the length make it harder to wear than a straight or A line mini. Kilts with a straight front are somehow less 'girly' looking, I think. Maybe try it with a black jumper and boots and see what you think then?

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 04/11/2016 21:57

Yes - basically what Goat said!

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Bertucci · 04/11/2016 22:00

It's not very flattering but it could look better with a different top and opaques.

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Guiltypleasures001 · 04/11/2016 22:04

Sorry lovely I also think it does you no favours, on the plus side love the wall Grin

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MountainDweller · 04/11/2016 22:08

I agree with pp - like the skirt but not the top. Maybe wear with a shorter, darker top and a shortish chunky cardigan?

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runningLou · 04/11/2016 22:16

Really useful thanks. I have a chunky navy cardi so will try with that. Maybe light tops are just not great for winter?
Is the top too baggy? I feel really self conscious in fitted stuff.
Those who think it's not flattering ... What should I be going for?
Boots ... This type of thing? biker boots
Link may not work from phone!
Ha ha wall is in DD's room - her choice not mine but I did do the papering!!

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 04/11/2016 22:21

I think the top makes the skirt less flattering. Have you got just a plain black top to try it with? Will make it easier to see what the skirt looks like without the distraction of the pale coloured top that isn't working with the skirt.

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girlwithamoonandstaronherhead · 04/11/2016 22:24

Yes agree with others that skirt is fine but needs thick tights, and a dark top. Regarding the top and I can understand wanting to go for something slightly looser if you feel you've gained weight but best to go for s bigger style I think, baggy jumper, loose shirt. But you look slim enough to wear a tight top anyway.

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PollyPerky · 04/11/2016 22:36

Sorry but it looks frumpy. Tartan and kilts are fine but they need imo to be tighter and I think the pattern of yours is a bit too much. I think skirts like that look best with a skinny rib sweater tucked in or a cropped cardi- def not a jumper that comes half way down.

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BusterGonad · 05/11/2016 05:16

I love tartan but it needs a modern shape, your skirts is literally a old style tradition fit. If it was pricey get it taken in/up whatever. In regards to the jumper you need to remember baggy clothes can make you look bigger. Beige isn't the way to go imo with tartan. If you are wearing a pattern you need to pull a colour from that pattern to wear with it.

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TheOnlyColditz · 05/11/2016 05:22

Is it black and red? It need a black polo neck, very opaque black tights and some chunky silver jewellery. Red lipstick, simple hair, DITCH THE BEIGE, and black boots, not shoes.

I actually love the skirt on you.

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BusterGonad · 05/11/2016 05:27

I would wear that kilt with a long fitted ribbed jumper in the main colour of the kilt, green (?) the reason I'd go long is so the pleats are flattened on my tummy so it's more stream line on the bulkiest area. I would wear dark tights and some lovely ankle boots, I would personally go for a more feminine boot then the biker one you've linked. I would wear the biker boots you've linked with skinny jeans and a slouchy cable knit jumper.

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user1471545174 · 05/11/2016 06:54

Simple black top, black opaques and flat boots.

Not navy cardi, will look like school uniform - must be black, black, black with a busy print like tartan.

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BusterGonad · 05/11/2016 08:32

User you are probably right about black, but I do love my colours! I wear a navy jumper with my tartan mini.

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burnishedsilver · 05/11/2016 08:46

You're not too anything but the skirt is not great.

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runningLou · 05/11/2016 08:47

Kilt is navy, red and white. Don't have a lot of black as am blonde / fair and feel like it washes me out?
Maybe I need to invest in more black tops! And what type of more feminine boots?

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burnishedsilver · 05/11/2016 09:39

It would be cheaper to replace the skirt with something that works with the colours you do wear than to buy colours you don't wear to match the skirt.

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IDismyname · 05/11/2016 09:44

I mis read your post as 'Am I too Old/ Grumpy to Wear this skirt'!!

I think skirt needs a good press to get pleats to hang properly, and agree that you need thicker tights, dark top and boots and you'd be good to go.

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BusterGonad · 05/11/2016 09:49

I favor little suede ankle boots. Like the Oasis Emily Strap boot or the Kitty ankle boot which is a bit more dressy. Sorry I can't do links! If black is harsh replace it with navy. It's a lot softer and goes with anything IMO. Also grey marl is very adaptable too. If you love the skirt I would suggest the Emily strap boots and a little grey jumper. They are both things you will wear and wear. Well they are my stables anyway.

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BusterGonad · 05/11/2016 09:50

Not grey jumper....NAVY to wear with skirt!!!

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Buttwing · 05/11/2016 10:23

The problem with that shape of skirt is it adds inches especially if you have hips (like me!) you have banging legs by the wayGrin

I would go for a plainer more fitted skirt maybe something ruched (hush or Boden are a good shape) team it with a slouchy top either plan or a bit of pattern to brighten it up. Thick opaques, wolf ord are by far the best they are expensive but I have pairs that are 10 years old and still look brand new. Add a pair of ankle boots (ash are particularly flattering as they dip down at the front making your legs look longer)
You've got a great figure but burn the skirtWink

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Floisme · 05/11/2016 10:54

I don't think anyone's told the queen there's an age cutoff for kilts. But I agree with Buttwing that pleats can be tricky - they double the size of my arse though I never, ever learn. However you'll probably find just wearing the skirt with a top that picks out one of the colours will streamline you. I can't tell from the pic whether the other colour is navy or dark green but definitely don't pick black if it washes you out.

I like the boots you've linked but you've got nice ankles and that length will hide them so maybe try a few that hit at the ankle. I can't link at the moment but I've got a couple of pairs like that from H&M and M&S Indigo. Also, really small point but a kilt is quite busy so I think I'd try and wear it with totally plain boots, no buckles.

I also agree with Buttwing that you've got cracking legs. If you can get to the shops just go and try a few different styles.

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dudsville · 05/11/2016 12:12

When I see skirts like these I see school uniforms. I wonder if that's why you feel there is an age assigned to the item? Some people can make them look punk/edgy. If I wore it I'd look dated.

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