In praise of the vintage skirt.
When I shop thrift I head for the dresses first, then the blazers/jackets and my third stop is skirts. I find them more comfortable to wear than pants and flattering for my curvy figure.
I recently picked up this amazing skirt from another vintage seller in Hamilton. I spotted it on Instagram while thrifting (Ha! I know…the irony!) I knew I had to make it mine. Thus is the curse of the vintage collector.
How To Style A Vintage Skirt
The fabric is woven and very heavy. It is like wearing a large blanket which is perfect for the cold weather that showed up recently.
It is part of a set and came with a little matching vest.
Yeah I’ve got some crazy colours and pattern mixing going on here. My motto is “Go wild or go home”. Sometimes I just go home but this time I didn’t.
#1 Tip How To Style A Vintage Skirt
Treat it like you would a contemporary skirt.
That’s it.
Pretty easy right?
I’ve got quite a personal collection of skirts but I thought I’d showcase some of the skirts I currently have for sale in my Etsy store.
I’m crazy about this skirt and every time I look at this photo I want to go and remove it from my store. It is large on me and would require some alternations which is probably why I’ve held off.
It is no secret that I have a bit of a “thing” for leather and suede.
When I was growing up leather was considered to be lux and too expensive for my budget.
Now, through the magic of thrifting I’ve been able to make up for my lack of leather in my youth. I know that lots of people don’t care for leather anymore which is the way I feel about fur.
I’m finding the leather pieces are slower movers than vegan or animal friendly versions.
I love a high quality wool skirt in a flattering shape. The multiple colours in the pattern make it extra easy to combine with other pieces.
This soft pastel knit skirt is part of a vintage set from the 1950s by Lady Anne. I love the names I find on vintage tags!
I’m a huge fan of florals and mixing prints. This skirt has an added bonus that many modern day manufacturers are too cheap to include…pockets!
More leather.
I’m calling this look Carrie Bradshaw does country western. I don’t think my heels are nearly high enough for her though.
I love wearing bold blue. It’s a neutral often forgotten.
How about a bit of drama?
Metallic silver to the floor should do the trick.
More classic wool and plaid because I can never get enough of a good thing.
Classic vintage wool crepe skirt with pleats. You wouldn’t think of this as a funky style but it all depends on what you pair it with.
Taking a bit of a lay down in a feminine button up 1970s floral midi, ’cause, you know, that’s how us fancy style bloggers do it!
Purple is another favourite colour of mine that works well with every skin tone.
And last but not least a bit of patchwork stripes in warm corduroy for a cozy boho vibe.
I’ve got plenty of other skirts in my shop Vintage by Suzanne on Etsy.
Are you a fan of skirts? Which was your favourite here?
Till next time!
Linking up with the lovely Patti over at Visible Monday.
Oh sigh, you look so gorgeous in EVERYTHING. You and leather do have a good thing going, kind of like you and boots. You are like magnets to each other, in the best way. Your new maxi is all the good things in one. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
I just love the woven maxi skirt. When I saw you rocking it on Instagram I thought it was crochet. The print looks just like Afghan squares. It’s just fantastic especially now I know you’ve got the matching top.
The novelty print shirt is brilliant and the crochet skirt is adorable.
xxx
That new skirt of yours–when I first saw it, it brought to mind the colorful crochet blankets I remember at my grandma’s house and I thought that was so cool! Of course, it being a woven fabric instead of crochet probably makes the skirt a lot more wearable. I love the matching vest paired with something non-matching!
fab collection of vintage skirts!!!
you style them all perfectly – and the first one is a real stunner!
vintage skirts (or self sewn ones in vintage styles) are my “jeans & jogpants”. mostly the full, dirndl style skirts – in all thinkable materials (no poly).
but genuine leather is missed here very much! would like a half circle in leather – sadly in this poor region you will never find such in a 2.hand shop – not even new on the high street…….. but for buying leather (complicated) and sewing myself (hard work) the craving is not big enough…
stay warm! xxxx
I find loads of leather here in the thrift stores, mostly pencil skirts. The circle skirts in leather or suede I’ve kept for myself at this point.
If you’re interested in a leather pencil skirt send me your waist size to contact@suzannecarillo.com and I’ll keep an eye out for you.
thank you suzanne – i really appreciate your offer!
but a pencil skirt is not the best look on me (me havinging more belly than butt) full skirts do look much better and if i ever spend for a leather one it hast to be perfect.
am´i a perfectionist? nahh. ;-D
if – one day – you found a to big midi circle of leather: 85cm.
xxxx
You always find the best pieces, Suzanne!!
In fact, seeing that grey maxi reminds me of the olive green one that I bought last year. You’ll be seeing it on Instagram this week!!! My friend called me a mermaid in it…ha ha!!
And that first skirt totally reminds me of my grandma’s lap blankets. In fact, I saw a sweater with the same design recently, and I was wondering if I could recreate it??
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I’m in love with the outfit you created this year with that green maxi skirt! Blush pink and green! So inspired! And even better that most of it was thrifted items.
I’m sure between you and your Mom you can pretty much create anything your heart desires.
Loved your skirts, Suzanne! All the pictures are gorgeous, you look fabulous! I have my favorite ones 🙂 I loved the plaid ones, the first and last picture with this incredible long skirt, heavy, you said, but really amazing – at first I thought it was crochet! I loved the vest, as well! And I loved the silver metallic skirt – so amazing! I hope you have a beautiful week! Bisous!
DenisesPlanet.com
I’m sure you won’t be surprised if I tell you I head for the dresses first too! Then I look at skirts and blouses, but try to avoid jackets, as they’re a particular weakness and space is limited … Your woven maxi skirt and matching vest are totally fabulous! Like Vix I thought it was crochet at first, consisting of large granny squares! Favourites from your Etsy store are the 1950s plaid midi and – gasp! – that groovy 1970s striped A-line skirt! xxx
That is so funny you try to avoid jackets even though that is one of your loves. I’m happy to keep upgrading pieces when I find something better that comes along.
Your ‘new’ skirt is fabulous. It looks crocheted and I think I could make something like that. It looks wonderful on you.
You have some amazing skirts and they all look gorgeous on you. All too small for me!
The skirt is woven like that and not crocheted. I also thought it was crocheted when I spotted it online first.
I love your new skirt- it’s got such a fun print! It kind of looks like granny squares. And how fabulous that it has a matching vest too!
You are incredible Suzanne. All of these skirts are beautifully styled and you look terrific in each and every look. How do you do it?? You have impeccable taste and an eye for what looks good on you but your ability to rock such a wide variety of looks is really impressive. I’m convinced that your ability to style vintage pieces is unmatched.
I did miss little Zoe in this post!
I love your woven maxi skirt, such an amazing piece, and you rock it!, it fits you and your style so fabulously!!
I do love leather, and I admire your collection!, so much awesomeness!!!!. Too difficult to me to find a leather piece (in my size), as spanish people are too fond of their own leather goods to send them to the charity shops!. But I keep on rummaging!
besos
I meant to mention that I can no longer comment on your blog. : (. If you are able to allow anonymous or name and blog I can but for now I can’t seem to get around this problem. It has happened with everyone on the blogger format that doesn’t allow anonymous comments.
thanks for telling me!, I’ll try to fix it asap!
Ok, why don’t I own a silver maxie? I NEED ONE NOW.
This skirt is my new favorite piece. I can tell its color coordination is wild and artistic. You look fantastic.
StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova
When I saw that skirt on you IG, like Vix, I thought it was crochet granny squares too! What a cool pattern. I can’t wear long skirts in the winter when I’m getting on and off buses and walking on unshovelled sidewalks. Those longer, fitted plaid skirts suit you beautifully, especially with the fitted jackets. Excellent styling on all these outfits.
You showed us so many good skirt styling. They all look bloody good. A lot of Gucci inspired ones too. I adore your new skirt. That has my biggest love for today. With those red sock booties it looks smashing.
Greetje