The Death--and Rebirth?--of the Long Skirt

You just never see people in long skirts anymore. Sure, at the Oscars or at a wedding--if you're the bride, that is--you might wear a long skirt or dress, but for the most part people don't wear them anymore. When we have a gorgeous long dress at the Xtabay, often it languishes for months until Liz decides to shorten it. Once it's a short dress, it will often sell within a week.

Why is it that people don't wear long skirts anymore? It's not like we want to show our legs that much. After all, most people wear jeans that cover their legs completely, and a long skirt is much more comfortable than jeans. Also, it's not that shoes are difficult with a long skirt. Boots in the winter or sandals in the summer are all a long skirt needs.

And most long skirts aren't too fancy to wear everyday. Many of the long skirts we get at the Xtabay are cotton or polyester with great patterns. Paired with flip flops, a tee shirt, and a great pair of sunglasses you could wear them anytime you'd wear jeans and a tee shirt and you'd look fifty times more chic. A long skirt can be like Anita Pallenberg in the south of France, elegant and bohemian at the same time.

If you decide to take the long skirt plunge--and I hope you will--it helps to keep a few things in mind. First, a long skirt generally looks best on someone of average height or taller. The taller you are the more leeway you have on where the hem can break without chopping up your line. Next, if you're curvy, make sure that the skirt doesn't fall straight from your hips to the ground without following your shape at least a little, or the skirt will make a thick block of fabric that will weigh down your sillouette. If the skirt is form fitting, try a blousy top. On the other hand, if the skirt flows around your body, wear a closer top, like a tee shirt. The drama of a long skirt takes well to scarves and long necklaces, too.

The next time you're in the store, try on a long skirt and see what you think. I bet you'll look great.

--posted by Angie