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 :(

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.

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

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 :(

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

Asos have lots of midi length skater dresses

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.

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