Adaptable denim skirts
August 20th, 2008I adore timeless denim skirts and always have a few in my wardrobe. They are a nice alternative to jeans for casual and smart casual dressing. I’ve found them extremely versatile and cost effective because they are inexpensive and I can wear them throughout the year. They’re ideal in warm weather with a top and sandals, and just as fab in cool weather with knee-high boots and a cropped jacket.
One of my complaints every season is the lack of denim skirt variety. I’d welcome a range of silhouettes, colours, lengths and washes. At the moment, there’s a nice selection of knee-length straight-ish denim skirts. It’s a look most body types can wear if you get the right fit on the hip and thigh area:
- To create a curve: choose a style that tapers in towards the knee.
- To straighten a curve: choose a style that hangs straight from the hip down, or flares out slightly.
I personally prefer a dark wash, but have successfully popped clients into lighter washes, black-black, cream and grey denim skirts as well. If you don’t have one already, consider adding a denim skirt to your wardrobe. It’s a great way to get out of a pants rut.
An assortment of knee length straight denim skirts. Some of the side seams taper in, while others hang straight or flare out slightly. Dress them up or down and make skirts a “go-to item” when you’re sick of jeans.
August 20th, 2008 at 6:37 am
One of my favorite wardrobe pieces is my denim pencil skirt. Just like Angie said–I wear mine in every season and it always looks appropriate and fabulous!
August 20th, 2008 at 6:42 am
You are inspiring me. This is now on my shopping list.
August 20th, 2008 at 6:48 am
I love denim pencil skirts! I have two ( one tapered, one with a tiny flare at the very bottom) and wear them whenever I can, which is not to often since they do not work for my workplace. But it’s my go-to piece for other activities. And I love it with tights and boots and little velvet jacket in the colder weather. I think I might want a cream/white one next summer.
August 20th, 2008 at 7:03 am
Denim skirts are great and so easy… they are my replacement when it’s too hot for my standard jeans.
August 20th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Air travel in demin skirt - much preferred than in pants or jeans. I like that black GAP one with the buttons!
August 20th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Because of the hot summer weather where I live, knee length denim skirts would be a great substitute for jeans. Problem is I haven’t been able to find one that fits properly in a dark wash! Still looking…
August 20th, 2008 at 8:22 am
I just purchased the JCrew skirt show on the bottom left. I love how versatile it is, and I can’t believe I got along without one for so long!
August 20th, 2008 at 8:36 am
A dark denim pencil skirt has been on my Fall shopping list, but I haven’t actively looked for it. Thanks for the post, I’ll problably get one of the skirts featured here
August 20th, 2008 at 8:41 am
A denim skirt is on my list! As a pear shape, I’m a little hesitant to even try on pencil shaped skirts but with this encouraging post I’ll see what they look like on!
August 20th, 2008 at 8:49 am
I have trouble finding denim skirts that fit right. Often, they poof up funny at my tummy. I own one skirt that fit perfectly - from Petite Sophisticate before it closed down - I think the secret was stretch, lighterweight denim (not too stiff) seaming, petite sizing, and a more generous waist measurement.
But then I lost weight so now it’s too loose. Sometimes I attempt to wear it but it’s so loose I am constantly having to twist it back around. And it fits lower than it used to - slides down to my hips rather than sitting at my waist. I’m often afraid it will slide right off while walking down the street.
It’s in storage because I figure it’s inevitable at some point I will regain just enough weight that it will fit perfectly again… it’s such a classic, I don’t think holding on to it until I’m 50-60 and hit menopause is going to be a bad strategy. It’ll still be in style, don’t you think?
August 20th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Don’t like looks very uncomfortable!
August 20th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Great post! I own a few myself- I have to say I find a good variety (and bought two) from my favorite QVC line called Motto- they have nice jeans too. But just as with anything you order on-line you have to find the fit for you or you will be returning it.
Christina
August 20th, 2008 at 10:01 am
I used to own a denim pencil skirt BK (before kids) and before stretch. After sitting at my desk all day, it would puff out at the fly and at the butt (and they were a bit smaller back then. . . . the butt and tummy, that is). I’m sure they have improved since 1980???? This post has definitely inspired me to get one - however, I can identify with Shiny’s dilemma. . . . I’m concerned about the proper fit. Any suggestions where to get an A-line denim skirt?
August 20th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Don’t let Niecey fool you–she looks fabulous!
August 20th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Niecy - one other thing I forgot but you reminded me: the skirt I have that works, has a side zipper NOT a front zipper! I think for me that makes a big difference.
August 20th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Thrifting for denim skirts often yields more variety than hitting the mall. I picked up a mini, a pencil, and an a-line all in one shopping trip once. And now I need never shop for denim skirts again.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Shiny–
Niecey just left for the day; we were talking about the skirts and she mentioned that she wanted to find one with a side zipper–whre did you find yours?
August 20th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Unfortunately it was years and years ago, at Petite Sophisticate, before they shut down. They still exist online - but I think someone just bought the name of the company.
If you ever find one with side-zipper (or even back zipper) let me know too! I don’t like the ones that I guess you’d call “trouser” style skirts. That zipper in the front just causes all kinds of weird bulgy problems. I’d rather have it in the back - were I need the extra bulge (flat butt syndrome - FBS).
August 20th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
I also have the same problems Shiny and Niecey mentioned so I only wear it when I don’t need to sit for a long time. I’d be interested if there’s a solution out there.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
I am over 50 (size 4) and my daughter once said that women over 50 shouldn’t wear a denim skirt. These look so classic, however does anyone else share this opinion?
August 20th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Carolyn, the look depends entirely on the accompanying ensemble. I’d pop this type of pencil skirt into the boot cut jeans category – perfectly modern classic.
Shiny, Julia and Niecey, I’m trying to understand the “denim skirt poufy thing”, but I’m not quite getting it. Care to elaborate? Front flies tend to lay flat. Help me out. (I haven’t seen a denim skirt with a side zipper for yonks).
August 20th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Love the seaming and dual back vents on the JCrew skirt. Wish it came in Tall sizes–21″ is just a smidge too short.
August 20th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Carolyn, as long as your denim skirt isn’t a mini, wear it. I bet you look fab in it!
August 20th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
I love tailored denim skirts! I currently have a well-loved and worn a-line by Steve Madden (I think), and a really cool pencil skirt from BR that I snagged off of Ebay, it is probably several seasons old, but looks current. Both are just above the knee, dark denim, and they look great with a simple black top and boots in winter, and sandals for summer. It is true, denim skirts can be so hard to find in stores, so much so that I have resorted to Ebay the past few years, and just grabbed whatever looked like a possibility and in my size.
August 20th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Carolyn, believe it. I’m 50 + and although I’m not as tiny as you (yet), I have I denim type skirt - A-line, with a back zipper that I bought at Macy’s on sale a couple of years ago (gasp!) and wear it a ton - mostly fall and winter as it’s a heavier weight denim, darker wash with the goldish classic jean top stitching. With a sweater and boots, cute as can be. I’m looking forward to wearing it with black tights, black peeptoe and a brown/black plaid 3/4 length sleeved cropped jacket, with a black or maybe brown ribbed fitted long sleeve sweater. This fall, it will look as modern as anything else in the closet.
Really ladies, it’s worth it to scout the stores and have it altered if you have to. (while I sew, I won’t do jean alterations myself, too hard on the home machine) It’s so totally worth it. And when you have it to add to the mix, like Angie says you’ll reach for it often.
August 20th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
I’m wondering if the pouffy thing is those darn side pockets? Mine has no pockets, a line, three panels in front and back, flat fell jean seaming and a back zipper. Shiney - have it altered, usually it’s pretty reasonable, and then you can wear it and be wonderful.
Seriously, they make clothing for the middle of the road, if you’re not that fit model, chances are it won’t fit you perfectly. So spend a couple dollars for the perfect fit and you’ll find when it fits well, you’ll wear it more often, you’ll feel happier in knowing you look your very best! It’s not a waste of money if you’re going to add it to the mix, it’s a waste when it sits in the closet because it’s just not right.
August 20th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
@Shiny and @Niecey: Search JCrew.com for “High-Waisted Denim Pencil Skirt.” It has a back zip and no pockets.
August 21st, 2008 at 12:21 am
This post could not have come at a better time, Angie — I just did a complete inventory of my closet, and at the top of my “wish list” is a slightly A-line, dark denim skirt. I hope I can find a good one for fall!
August 21st, 2008 at 9:18 am
Well Angie, since we are all girls here (I think). . .the best way I would describe the “poufy jean” thing is like this. . . . . It gave the appearance of having a “crotch” — lol!!!! After sitting at a desk all day, the front fly would not smooth out once you would stand up. . . . I was always trying to flatten down the zipper. I hope this explains it. . . . If anyone else has anything to add to my lovely description - jump right on it!!! Thanks for all the comments girls!!
August 21st, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Uh oh. Thanks for the explanation, Niecey. I would not be sporting a skirt like that either!
But give the denim skirt another go. Perhaps denim skirts aren’t as beastly as they use to be.
August 21st, 2008 at 5:08 pm
A dark denim knee length pencil skirt is at the top of my fall shopping list. I just can’t seem to find one in any stores. They are all minis in my size, and I don’t want to show off that much of my legs! Almost nothing I try on fits me, so I refuse to buy clothes online. If I try on 20 skirts and one might fit. Not so good when you pay shipping for them all. I do love that one from Armani Exchange though. Too band it probably won’t still be there on sale in October when I can afford to go shopping again. I’m not even familiar with this brand. Do they have a store? Oh, and I’ve had the same problem as Shiny and Niecey, not only with denim skirts, but also with any skirt that has a front zipper. The denim ones are worse about keeping the bump when standing though.
August 21st, 2008 at 6:15 pm
They do look nice. I think I’ll have to get one.
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:37 am
Ok, you have inspired me to look for one myself. I like the look of the middle one in the bottom row. I too have found the zippers to become poufy! Makes you want to leave it in the closet. I also have the FBS-flat butt syndrome. Waaaa! Skirts and pants need to be taken in as they do not fit properly. I will have to get out there and look for a denim skirt. Thanks!
Carolyn-go for it, it will work for you! Don’t let that age number limit you.
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:24 pm
I have always had the hardest time finding a denim skirt I love. But that bottom left one? That might do the trick!
I wonder where I could find that…
October 2nd, 2008 at 7:52 am
[…] like Anne Taylor, Express, Macys, Club Monaco, Benetton, Anthropologie and Nordstrom. Remember that denim and corduroy pencil skirts are superb casual alternatives if you feel that tweed and smarter […]
October 2nd, 2008 at 7:57 am
[…] like Anne Taylor, Express, Macys, Club Monaco, Benetton, Anthropologie and Nordstrom. Remember that denim and corduroy pencil skirts are superb casual alternatives if you feel that tweed and smarter […]