Go Long

© Flickr / Beatplusmelody

Long skirts can be a hard sell – too often they conjure frighteningly matronly images of grannies in shapeless, lumpy things devoid of all feminine sexuality. Maybe that’s why they’ve been AWOL from the runways since that awkward trend toward austere modesty that was rampant for a brief period in the nineties. Sure, they’ve made a little bit of a comeback in recent years, clinging to the heels of the popular "boho" trend, but they haven't exactly been ubiquitous (except maybe at Langerado).

So with all of these subconscious associations weighing on our minds, we may forget the mood that a long-length skirt really evokes – elegance, romance, sophistication. In our tight jeans and mini skirts, we forfeit the fluidity and movement of a long, flowing skirt; there is hardly a feeling more sensuous or a sight more graceful than that of a beautiful silky skirt floating and swirling around your ankles as you move.

This is the feeling designers sought to capture on their runways – be it by layers of diaphanous chiffon, or millions of little micro-pleats, the effect was long, lush, maxi skirts with voluptuous volume. Tracy Reese paired her shiny, accordion-pleated skirts with chunky sweaters and pointed, patent leather boots for contrast that works, while Richard Nicoll sighted mid-70s-era David Bowie as his inspiration for a glamorous, yet minimal collection spotted with full, femme skirts in sheer sky blues. The inspiration at Vena Cava came from the aforementioned early-90s, but the styling was sexy and modern rather than just modest. We saw more pleats still from the ladylike-label Milly, and also from Chloe, whose fluid, swishing skirts may have single-handedly put this style back on the map.

So, how do you wear one of these tricky skirts, which seem to endure so many prejudices? The good news is that you don’t have to be extremely tall or extremely thin to wear a long, voluminous skirt (though it certainly doesn't hurt) – you need only to mind your proportions.

© ASOS, Anthropologie, Alice + OliviaGet it on the fresh, micro-pleated trend with the ASOS Coral Pleat Maxi Skirt and the Alice + Olivia Shannon Silk Maxi Skirt in gorgeous lapis blue. Both skirts hang beautifully, elongating the silhouette of the body without clinging to it. These skirts are fairly versatile in terms of what you can team them with; we love how ASOS styled their skirt, with the button-down knotted at the waist. Conversely, experiment with slouchy, off-the-shoulder tops for a contemporary, deconstructed feel. The important factor here is the length of the top – keep it cropped to show off a whittled waist cinched with a slim belt. Add stacked wooden heels and a few select pieces of statement jewelry and you’re set.

If that much boldly-hued fabric scares you off, consider a skirt in a more neutral palette. The aptly-named On Air Skirt, and the Endless Ombre Skirt (both from Anthropologie) have all the lush volume without the head-turning saturation of the other skirts. We’d love to see the On Air skirt with a camel or cream-colored cashmere cardigan or fitted, shoulder-baring sweater, and ballet flats for an off-duty ballerina look. Work the delicate ombre number with a filmy, jewel toned tee or tank and accessorize with beaded, embellished sandals and an oversized tote.