Down to the ground

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Down to the ground

Photo by Anna Sinkovska
It's been a very long time since maxi skirts were in fashion, but they are now.
Recently, I saw the first one on a person - rather than on the pages of a magazine - and it looked really charming teamed with a short, cord jacket and heavy boots.

Valentino (via style.com)

Jenny Packham

Certainly, full length is not for everyone and, until recently, I felt I was a long way from appearing in one myself. But, having given the matter some thought for this column, I'm now convinced that by the time spring is in full swing, I will want some for weekends and holidays.

You can wear these skirts in a number of ways. All ages can wear them with a big, tucked-in and belted white shirt.

Your reference for this look is either American society dames, such as Carolina Herrera and Lynn Wyatt - who would probably add a substantial necklace - and Georgia O'Keefe for a more minimal look. For this approach, avoid flimsy fabrics.

Another option is to pair the skirt with a very light, skinny cardigan from somewhere like Pringle or John Smedley. It will hug your torso and give it shape, and it will also provide a bit of a cover-up - if you don't want to bare arms, but want to maintain a small top half. For this, you must keep your cardigan short and tight, and not at all sloppy.
Alternatively, you could take a more gipsy-like tack. If this is more your style, exchange the shirt for a drawstring-necked smock which can be pulled down and off the shoulders for evening.
A different and probably younger look is to pair your maxi skirt with long layers of the inexpensive, loose vests that can be found in all the high-street stores. French Connection and Miss Selfridge have good selections.

However, something floral or in one bold, bright colour is very appealing. This time around, pair them with some wedge heels, which also offer the height needed to carry off a maxi. Don't, however, be tempted to wear them with spindly heels: stack heels, chunky, flat sandals, or boots are better alternatives if you aren't keen on wedges.

Kate Moss, and again Victoria Beckham