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Trend Alert: The midi skirt

  • posted December 15th, 2011
  • Fashion

yellow-skirt

Remember when you swore you would never turn into your mother? Well it may be about to happen, but in the nicest  – and chicest – possible way. That mainstay of the sensible woman’s wardrobe, the mid-calf length skirt, was one absolute surprise winner on the spring/summer 2011 catwalks as diligent secretary-style models showed that you don’t have to flash the flesh to look sexy. This summer it’s one of the hottest trends around and here’s my guide to making it work.

1. Banish thoughts of prudishness and focus on the details. A tightly belted waist at Fendi and Louis Vuitton ensure an hourglass silhouette.

2. A slinky, tight fitting pencil skirt as at Celine is best paired with heels or long boots for a Jessica Rabbit wiggle. Alternatively try a pleat midi skirt with wedges. I’m a big fan of this bright yellow pleat skirt from Selfridges.

3. It’s all in the attitude. Work it ladies!

Featured skirt: Yellow pleat midi skirt at Selfridges

The lady is a vamp

vamp
This season’s Forties trend is all about embracing your inner lady. Think classic feminine tailoring with pencil skirts, softly cut neat little jackets and more than a smattering of tweed. First start with a simple yet well-fitted pencil skirt. Try this dogtooth check one from French Connection at John Lewis. It should fall to just above the knee for a demure effect.  Next add a pussycat bow blouse for some Seventies sophistication. A sheer fabric stops it looking overly prissy and this Maxmara shirt is beautifully feminine with exquisite details that nail that Joan Holloway from Mad Men look.

Even though blazers are still hot this season, a softly curved tailored jacket in tweed will work better with this ensemble. Fenn Wright Manson’s belted number will emphasise your waist and worn with super high court shoes, such as these patent purple ones, gives a sexy secretary appeal that makes the most of an hourglass figure.

Remember the devil is always in the details so have fun and add these polka dot tights, as seen all over the catwalks for Autumn/Winter. Top it off with a veiled hat to ape those film noir vamps. Think sophisticated sensuality wrapped up in a dramatic guise.

Vamp trend items from top left clockwise: Helene Berman Premium Veil Top Hat £30, Belted wool jacket £ 112.50 Fenn Wright Manson at John Lewis, dogtooth check skirt £52 French Connection at John Lewis, Purple patent court shoes £30 Schuh, Polka dot tights £8 Oasis, and pussycat bow blouse £138 Maxmara at Matches