Midi-skirts and dresses - should I give up? (with pics)

[panticus]

Hello

I'm not much of a fashionista but want to buy a handful of nice outfits to wear over the Christmas/summer period (Southern hemisphere). The shops are full of midi length skirts and dresses but I just can't seem to get them right. I've attached a couple of pics from what I tried on today. They don't look quite right, do they?

Is there some trick to them, or should I just accept defeat and stick with my usual mid-thigh length? I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong (although I am sure the shoes and horrifyingly white legs aren't helping).

Do any of you lovely MNers have any tips on how to pull them off? Is it all about the shoes or is it just my body type that isn't a fit?

For me it’s the shoes and lack of accessories.

I don’t like the shoes - but you look great op.
Both outfits are lovely and you have a fabulous figure.

Like the skirt and top but not sure about the dress keep going.

You look ok to me especially second pic. Some accessories you’ll be fine.

Looks great. Maybe it's just cos it's alien to you lol. I remember feeling like that when skinny jeans became a thing and I was so attached to bootlegs!! Now I can't get to grips with how the boot legs look 😂

The shoes don’t go. Sandals would look better

I look awful in skirts. I have long legs but a short waist can only wear dresses if fitted. I love the look of dresses.
I think the full skirt is not a slimming style for anyone. Or maybe a light coloured top and a dark skirt would work better.
The dress looks great to me but the shoes should be low fronted as that elongates your legs.

The dress isn’t very flattering on your waist. The skirt and top are lovely but my eyes are drawn to the fact you have daps on.

I’ve never understood the trainer/daps with skirts and dresses attire, it always looks wrong to me. Try some simple brogues For more coverage or if you can brave a sandle in the winter I think you’d have a nice outfit there!

Oh I forgot... where is the skirt from? I love it I want it.

Try non brown colours - brown to me always looks frumpy!

It’s the shoes.

They both look fine. It's because you're so used to a shorter style. They will be great for summer. Don't be swayed by us colour wise, you know what suits you.

The skirt and top looks lovely. The dress doesn't look so good but it's the dress not you!

I think they’re fine. I’m not keen on the dress though and I think it’s the funny colours.

Too much brown - put the skirt with a black top.

I think they look nice on you but both felt quite summery to me?

The length is fine though

I like the skirt and its not the midi length its the brown top. Dress looks like it will crease easily.

The length looks good on you and i thought if anything the trainers needed to be whiter and chunkier. Id probably go with gold sandals with those colours.

The OP is in the Southern Hemisphere so it is summer.

Gosh you have a lovely figure! I dont think the issue is midi itself, the dress doesnt show your tiny waist and the shoes look too clunky, sandals probably.better or even ballerina pumps or loafers.

I think you look great, and your choice if footwear is trendy so I get that and it looks good. I prefer the dress to the skirt and top but also think it's a really fine outfit. Personally I don't go in for accessories so I wouldn't follow the suggestions for that. This it's summer wear, you just need a bag!

You look fine - I think, as others have said, it's just that you are not used to the length.

The shoes are lit working.

Try a classics converse all star sneaker. Not those little slip on things. Too dainty.

I think you look great! I also used to feel this style didn't suit me but actually is just that you're not used to it. Although I don't mind the shoes I'd either go with a more "trainery" trainer - proper converse, vans or a chunky "dad style" OR sandals. Nothing too dainty as it ends up looking a bit frumpy. Given it's the Southern Hemisphere - where I'm from originally - I always find it's usually too hot for proper shoes in Dec/jan.

You guys are amazing - thank you Thanks for all the lovely comments too

What I have learnt from you all:

• Keep trying!
• Fix the shoes - sandals or chunkier sneakers?
• Try some different colours
• Accessorise - any tips on what exactly?

Golly I wish I could take you all shopping with me!

P.S. @SexlessBoulderBelly it's all from Witchery!

I think you look fine in that length - I don't like the brown vest though.