Statement Skirt Shopping

Celebrating one of those perfect impromptu shopping sessions which resulted in 4 fabulous skirts for under £100!

I was in Covent Garden with my 11-year old for our monthly #MotherDaughterDate, and got ridiculously excited when we spotted this huge vintage store with everything sold by weight.

It reminded me of epic thrift shopping sessions in San Francisco in my 20s. This is the first time I’ve seen vintage clothing sold by weight in the UK. I had 10 minutes to browse (on daughter time!) and picked out these fab statement skirts.

Top Tips for Speed Shopping

If you want my top tips for speed shopping click here to read my post on ‘Shopping with kids’

How to choose your perfect statement skirt:

• Know your proportions – the perfect length & shape for your body. If you have shorter legs and a longer torso for example, a high waisted skirt in either a maxi, mini or just covering knee length will visually elongate your legs, where a midi will shorten them
• Know your body lines – are you more angular or curvy? If for example, you have very little waist definition or slim hips, your body lines are angular, which means that crisp, starchy fabrics and pressed box pleats really work for you – like the red culottes pictured here.
• Know your scale – the bigger & taller you are the bigger scale of print you can carry off. I’m 5’6 so a medium scale of print works best on me and I’m happy to wear a bigger print sometimes knowing it’ll just make me appear smaller in comparison.
• Think contrast – if you’re going for a bright or patterned skirt try pairing it with a plain neutral colour top, or match the top to one of the colours in the skirt. If you’re wearing a bigger more voluminous skirt like a maxi, pair it with a smaller, neater fit top.
• Think cost-per-wear. Consider pre-loved or clothing rental if you’re unsure how much wear you’ll get out of a statement skirt. These options make for a better cost-per-wear ratio as you’re spending less. Another bonus with vintage items is you can often re-sell them for the same or even more than you originally paid AND it’s better for the planet.

Always add one ‘Wild Card’ item to the mix

I always throw in a wild card item when I’m trying stuff on – something that fits your colour & body criteria, but that’s outside your comfort zone = to keep your look evolving and open to surprises.

Today’s wild card was the print kaftan – too big and shapeless in the end, but I loved the print. There’s always something to be gained trying ‘wild cat’ items, today’s gain was the reminder of how important fabric is, that much as I love the idea of big starchy cotton dresses and kaftans I need to hold out for a more fluid and drapey fabric that feels and looks better on me.

How to style it

I took home 4 winner statement skirts that I am so in love with! The bright floral print and striped maxis which I’ll wear in summer with sandals & a T-shirt and in winter with chunky boots and short chunky knitwear….and the bright green silk pleat skirt and black floral culottes with pockets which are perfect for hot days in Mallorca with chunky black sandals and a simple silk top.

Which is your favourite? And have you made any recent purchases that have really made your heart light up?

Big Love,

Leesa ✨

Shopping at: www.picknweight.de

#statementskirt #statementmaxiskirt #vintagestylelover #colourlover