Long live long. A few months ago, I was talking about how I was feeling too old to wear mini skirts. Well, not too old, but more like I didn’t like the way mini’s made my thighs look. So it was either my thighs or my age to blame, either way, I was longing for the long skirts, or at least ones that covered the ol’ knobbly knees.
After I saw the Nicole Miller SS11 show, the image of chiffon skirts have made for the most intense fashion craving. I picked up a long black chiffon skirt at American Apparel (even though they’re not doing so well these days). It was one of those things that could end up in the back of my closet, or one of the key pieces for the season. It so turned out, the skirt is a necessity. Not just as a long skirt, but the way it can create so many looks. I’d always thought a long flowy skirt would instantly be a hippy dress, but that’s not the case. Here I’ve created 3 different looks with the long skirt.
With a skirt this length, it doesn’t have to be a skirt at all. I’ve worn it as a strapless dress, with of course a trusty blazer because I wear blazers with everything. 
This is the skirt as it comes out of the box. I’ve had images of Georgia O’Keefe in my head, you know one of the most stylish women in long black skirts. Even though she usually goes for the straight black, I’ve worn this with a chambray shirt, and Western inspired ankle boots. Since this skirt has two layers, it made it easy to play with the layers and silhouette simply by pulling the top layer and tucking it into my waist band. It shows a bit of leg yet it’s still a long skirt. I’ve worn it like this several times as it makes the skirt feel so much more unique.
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WOW! Loving all three looks, J. What a versatile piece.
fashion butter´s last blog ..An apology and an introduction
thanks! you know, i didn’t really think much about it when i got it, but after having it a while it really was a versatile piece!
that is hilarious that you mention this… this skirt has been on my shopping list for a few weeks now. going out to make a purchase today!
mpc´s last blog ..Daniel Landroche by Zhang Jingna
haha, it’s worth it. i’m thinking about getting it in other colors too!
Really great styling! My favorite is the last look. I love how you pulled up part of the skirt to create some draping.
B. Jones Style´s last blog ..Layered and Kooky Cake
Love your styling. The last look is definitely my favorite but I really like the denim top too.
-Kirstie.
adore!
Vyque´s last blog ..Asymmetrical Hem Crop Pants
Oh no, you’ve created a lemming. Looks great on you!
huh?
3 very distinct looks (partial to the first and 3rd), great piece, thanks for sharing.
Jesse@1920s Fashion and Music´s last blog ..Oct 12- 1920s Site Map- Find Fashions
Ooh, love the strapless dress idea!
Tami´s last blog ..Guerlain Les Ors Holiday 2010 Makeup
Love it in the all three ways!
I need a perfect long flowy skirt too, as I have recently acknowledged the same truth about the age and about my thighs - minis just don’t work for me (at least in my mind).
Ginta´s last blog ..if daddy just knew
haha, well, maybe it’s a global thing, we’re all sick of our thighs? who knows! but skirts are getting longer!
My my. You look fabulous. I am really impressed and also feel the need to acquire this skirt! It looks lovely on your figure.
Keep smiling,
Julia
Julia Luckett´s last blog ..Jenny and Johnny
Love it! I agree with others here: this makes me think I might need one, too!
Alice Olive´s last blog ..Lined up
It’s hard to pick a favorite, I adore all three looks so much! Your creativity in the last look is especially charming.
I have the short version of this skirt and it’s definitely not as versatile. Especially with the cool weather rolling in the long one seems much more practical.
Thanks for sharing! xo
Rach is Ordinarily Urbane´s last blog ..Clyde&8217s Rebirth- Givin&8217 It Away
the short version is also really nice!
Love,love,love the last picture!
Beautiful skirt!
Stay happy & Live.Laugh.Love.
http://www.style1509.blogspot.com
Stephanie´s last blog ..Music Monday - In my head
Only you would think of tucking a layer into your waistband. Genius!
The Well-Appointed Catwalk´s last blog ..Jarson Residence
Lovely skirt, I definitely need one in my life as it’s so versatile. I like how you draped it, might try a DIY as I really can’t stretch to American Apparel!
I love the skirt on you! I got to see it in person!
WendyB´s last blog ..Share Your Best Search Terms
you did! and you’ve always been supportive of the skirt!
Look #1 is my fav! love it.
Lisa´s last blog ..Saying No- Cruelty Free Beauty
It looks a bit odd the way AA has styled it, but you’ve made this skirt look so chic in every outfit. I bet every other fashion blogger who sees this post is going to want one now!
lisa´s last blog ..Todays Outfit- Joe Fresh VIP Party
love that last idea!
rachel´s last blog ..boot-e-licious
I’m picking the first look as my favorite. I’d like to think my clothes hang on me like that but I suspect they don’t.
And an award for bravery - for negotiating steps in the shoes in the last pic!
Dawn´s last blog ..Dazzling Star Sapphire Ring For Small Finger
I love the look of a long chiffon skirt! I saw an emerald one in a thrift store a couple weeks ago and I completely regret not buying it. I went back 2 days later and it was gone!
Great looks!
Sylvia´s last blog ..Simply in Season- Zucchini Pancakes
Also, jennine, how long does it usually take to get approved to join IFB? I applied like 2-3 weeks ago and still haven’t heard. let me know!
Sylvia´s last blog ..Simply in Season- Zucchini Pancakes
You’re a genius, Jennine! Minis have never been a good look on me, so I’ve always gravitated towards skirts that at least hit the knee or longer. I adore the romantic look of a super long skirt-it always seems so suited to an “artsy” outfit. I love all these looks you put together-especially the second (that necklace is amazing!). Thanks for a little long skirt inspiration!
♥ Casey | blog
I love wearing long skirts as dresses. It’s hard to find good long skirts though. This one is cute!
Nickie Frye´s last blog ..Let There Be Light
love it! I bought two long skirts today oddly enough in the same mindset while wearing a skirt and feeling way too self concious that it was way too short for my age! This is actually a pretty skirt from a store I would have never considered. I’ve kind of put AA in the back of my mind, but maybe will get one online later!
Eli´s last blog ..Back to School
Haha, I guess, great minds!
Last look = pure brilliance. Darn I wish I had a 2 layer skirt now too!
The last look is my absolute favorite! So freaking awesome!
Oh my goodness this is inspiring. I would never go for a skirt like that on first site, but I am in love with every single look you’ve created with it. Gorgeous!
I love the first look! It also helps that you’re petite so the skirt doesn’t end up as an ultra mini dress.
Amy´s last blog ..This Is Why You Don’t Go to The Store When Hungry
You did well on your choices to style the skirt! Well done
Have a lovely Tuesday!
Jungle World Citizen
Moira´s last blog ..New Camera- Old Phonytographer - Câmera Nova- Fuetógrafa Velha -p
Love!!
I tried out the first look yesterday but with a leather vest w/chains on the back, a tank top and some awesome shrug-like sleeves. Thank you for pointing me in the direction of true divadom
Sheela´s last blog ..oOo FINAL SALE oOo The ON THE ROAD TO RUIN Earrings
Wow! That sounds HOT!
wOw! you really are working it. I love all these looks so much!!! I wasn’t planning on it but I think I’m going to have to dig out my long black skirt and get inspired by this post today!
xx
charles´s last blog ..all sparks will burn out in the end Todays Outfit
You are wearing it well!
Kamicha´s last blog ..Thoughts about Lanvin for H&M
I have to admit I don’t like long skirts, but I really like how you have styled this, especially the first look!
Glorious looks, all of ‘em!
Sally´s last blog ..Reader Request- Age-appropriate Dressing
I think your 3 looks are fab! I’ve often worn the 1st two looks but the third is so casual chic and elegant! Thanks for new inspiration!
Tomeka´s last blog ..vintage 80s LUX LEOPARD ESCADA shirt size 34 XS S
I really love how you took this simple black skirt and changed it’s look so dramatically. And you did it so creatively as well. I just had to include you in my “3 things I found on Twitter today” feature.
Thanks for the inspiration!
http://www.ladywarfieldpresents.com/2010/10/3-things-i-found-on-twitter-today.html
xxoo
Suzanne
I admit I still very wary of this whole maxi dress and maxi-skirt trend for winter (I honestly am a little wary of them even when it’s summer time
), but you have shown how lovely and versatile a skirt like this can be. I love all of these looks, so very striking.
May I ask where the second photo was taken? The background is so gorgeous and makes me yearn for the days I studied in Oxford. It’s probably in NYC I’m guessing, but if there’s a chance it was still back in the Bay Area, I would love to visit
anjali´s last blog ..Celebrating Two Years of Blogging- An Anthropologie Giveaway!
damn, Jennine, these stylings are FANTASTIC! they look all look great on you! I especially love the last and second ones.
Ok. That last shot is just gorgeous! A post on the Sartorialist a few days ago had left me longing for a long black flowy skirt so thank you for heads up about AA.
Jacqueline´s last blog ..Dont Step on My Toes! A Shoe DIY
LOVING the last look!
Fashiongrail´s last blog ..Celebrity Redo- Joy Bryant
Love all three ideas!! I’ve been wanting one…you’ve made it even more enticing with the different options!!
Great ideas! I have some long skirts that I never wear, I really need to try out more with them!
Cheers,
poet
Love the way you wear the skirt in the third image! Beautiful.
xx
Judy
I love that skirt and how you styled it! Guess I have to buy one myself the next time I’m going to American Apparel!
I love all the ways you’ve styled it but I love the last one the most. I feel a trip onto eBay approaching.
I love the last outfit too!! It is incredible the way you use clothes, so original!
i reaaaally like the last one! You look so romantic
holy mother of chiffon!!
you look amazing!!
thank you, this is just the inspiration I need to give this skirt another try.
i have long been lusting after the beige version but feared it made me look more $h*t than chic.
i’m going back for the black!!
cx
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