Unusual name for a print, but nevertheless, I was drawn to this skirt during the last Ann Taylor sale. To date, I haven’t found a skirt from AT that didn’t require alterations (including the popular white linen skirt that unfortunately did not fit), but the stretchy knit material of this one had me very hopeful.
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I wanted to show the true fit on me, without the enhancement of 3″ heels or a belt holding it up:
Fit: Sits low on my waist and length covers my knees. I prefer my skirts to sit higher at my natural waist, and – with my short calves – length needs to hit above the knees.
Measurements: when lying flat (waistband is elastic & material is stretchy) 00P measures 12.5″ across the waist, 16″ across the hips, and 20″ in length.
Quality: At $42 (after sales & discounts), I thought this was slightly steep for a knit skirt. However, upon further inspection I appreciate how it is fully lined with a back zip closure. A back zipper (versus side) makes this easier to take-in from both sides, however the zipper isn’t even necessary because the waistband is elastic.
Verdict: A comfortable, non-restricting, skirt that’s extremely easy to pair. I actually really like this because I don’t have any pencil skirts in a print or pattern. Black and white is “safe,” yet the print adds interest to a boring work outfit.
I would keep this if it fit sans-alterations, but now I will have to assess the cost of alterations, or see if I can DIY it. Stay tuned for an outfit pairing that showcases how versatile and fun this little skirt can be.
I just stumbled on your site and I love your style and tips for us petite women. This request is unrelated to the above post, but I didn't see anywhere else on your site to post questions. Ten years ago my husband and I got married. I found a dress I loved, but even after the tailor altered it, it still didn't ft perfectly and I found myself pulling down the waist and sliding up the sleeves all night long. Ten years later thinking about it still bugs me. Have you ever looked into petite wedding gowns? It would have been so helpful back then if there were petite wedding gowns to choose from, and I'm sure you may have some readers that may benefit from info on either where to find them or how to make ordinary wedding gowns fit. Thanks. Keep up the good work.
your fashion inspire me alot!i always wanted to wear pencil skirts…but i don't feel confident enough to wear one…after i have my daughter i have these extra pounds,,or should i say love handles…that everytimes when i try on a pencil skirt it just doesnt look right…and advice? thanks!
Thank you everyone for your feedback!
@LaLaaLove @Elle Just in case Elle doesn't see your question I think she "regrets" keeping it because it's too big, so she will either have to wear it loose or pay for costly alterations. If you visit Elle's blog she did a review on how the 00P fit on her and it fit exactly the same on me.
@a rose I used to think a lot of things were "middle age" (including Talbots) but it just depends on how you wear it and pair it. And most definitely there will be falling leaves in Fall posts : )
@Linh Where your skirt should sit really depends on what you're personally comfortable with, and your body proportions. I think that if you have a short torso and long legs (ie Kelly of Alterations Needed) skirts that sit lower on your waist may look better to even out your body segments. If you have short legs like myself, I like higher waisted skirts to create the illusion that my legs are starting higher.
@Elaine A (TOBeautyReviews) I think it runs consistent with all of AT's 00P skirts. I have gotten all of mine taken in at the waist and hips.
@Anonymous Hi there, reader tips from the past are to coat small items with clear nail polish, and to keep pieces in a sealed plastic bag to slow down the oxidizing.
@Zoey Shan I measured mine from crotch to the floor, but when you're checking the inseam of pants for sale online, be sure to consider whether they are skinny jeans that should hit right hwere your foot begins, or boot cut jeans that should hit floor-length.
I am loving your skirt. It works so well with all colors! My favorite is with the green top. You look gorgeous in these pictures! I am your newest follower. Loving your style!
Erin
http://www.simplyjustlovelyblog.com
Adoring the skirt – its so flattering and chic. I am sure it could go with just about anything. And what beautiful pictures – you look lovely! So happy I stumbled across your blog this morning! I will definitely be checking back for more in the future.
–Callie
unladylikeblog.blogspot.com
theweartogogirls.tumblr.com
@Elle
May I ask why you regret the white linen one? I'm considering buying one from the marketplace. D:
I love this pattern! It makes me think of a more modern tweed or houndstooth
– I did tell you
Great look! I love it!!
Ahhh, this blog has been a life saver! It can so intimidating trying to find clothes that fit and look chic for us tiny people.
I have a question about inseams, though, having just read your "about" page. How do you measure your inseam? Is it the length to the floor, or to the ankle?
Thanks!
hi jean! any tips on caring for cheap jewelries such as from forever21, etc? thanksss
I think I've visited you blog before, but I've ended up here again somehow! I absolutely love your style. It's so sophisticated and chic. And you are so petite! I think being short and slim together makes you look taller and slimmer, so it works out! I'm also short, but definitely not that petite! 😉
i LOVE this skirt on you! Girls it looks amazing! It's a keeper!
Great skirt. I love it with the blouse in the last photo
Oh I really like that skirt on you! Does this run big for a 00P? It seems quite loose on you and I know 00P's are usually too tight on me.
So lucky you got to snag this in 00P! I was eyeing this out then 00P was gone when I went back )= Looks very good Jean!
Lovely skirt. You are so gorgeous!
🙂
What an interesting pattern on a skirt! It kinda makes me dizzy looking at it.. I agree with the others; mustard yellow makes your skin glow!
I think even w/the price point, it's a keeper. In the last pic w/o the belt, it looks just as good as the 1st picture w/the belt. I feel like it can be an item you'll wear to death!
I love how versatile this pencil skirt is! I pair most of my solid-colored pencil skirts with solid-colored tops and feel a bit boring doing so, and it is very clear how nicely a printed skirt would elevate the whole thing!
I love that skirt with the blue top, and honestly, I don't think the fit is that off. Worth keeping, in my opinion. Would be great to match with all sorts of fun colors!
You always pull off pencil skirts so well. I haven't had such luck with pencil skirts, so I guess I have to keep looking, eh?
Gorgeous.
Great review!
Now I really need to get to H&M; and grab that T. I wish they had it when I went last week! Maybe I'll be lucky. I love that olive color, too.
xx{ish.},
Mae Lu (PS. I made sure not to post my blog signature link! 🙂
Beautiful find, it is so perfect for fall. The lenght and the fit are fairly nice without the need for alterations. I am looking forward to spotting you in this skirt in the months to come.
you have a really great sense of style. i would never have thought of pairing the skirt with different colors but seeing it on you, makes me think otherwise. thanks. 🙂
Wow, I really love your combinations! I love it with the yellow belt, awesome! But with the blue shirt as well! ♥
When I first saw your 'unbelted' picture I thought the fit was just fine except for the length! Only until the next picture did I realize that having it higher works great. Hmm… Now I regret paying money to get some of my skirts to be taken in, only to have them still slightly low :(.
Great skirt! I love when you match it with blue blouse
I think the skirt is a keeper. I love how you pair it with different color tops. I really thought it would just go with neutral colors! And I also think you are capable of fixing this one up to fit the way you like it :). Speaking of fit – I'm so confused now as where a pencil skirt should sit. Before, I'd say right on the belly button, but maybe that's a bit too low? Maybe I'm just too used to wearing slightly big clothing that my sense of fit is off 🙁 (I'm 5f2 and 105lbs but look even more petite than my measurement indicates with a smaller frame).
That skirt will be very versatile for you if you end up keeping it 🙂
I love this skirt actually! I think that it will work as a psuedo neutral but also add visual interest to an outfit because of the print and color. I hope you are able to get it tailored to your liking…..I'd love to see it paired with more pieces 😉
i just posted about this skirt not too long ago. it was a "no" for me because of the fit and the material. love the pattern, tho!
I love the skirt:)
But, I cannot imagine pairing any colour other than black, white and grey for this… So looking forward to see how you pair it with colours…
I love that mustard top on you! You always look so flattering in olive toned colors 😀 I think I mentioned that before, haha
The skirt is lovely. I like that it's black and white and fully lined. It sounds like really nice quality but I agree with you that it's a bit steep for a skirt! I'm sure you're going to assess the price per wear and whatnot. You're a super smartie! 😀
you are SO beautiful and have amazing style! XO -Mallory
i've been wanting to add some variety to my pencil skirts as the majority of what i have are solids too. i really love how you paired this skirt. hopefully the alterations won't be too bad and it'll be a keeper!
A very interesting post, Jean. These two outfits will look great in the fall.I can envision Nick will take your pictures with the leaf-falling background ;)(I have a little interest photography, too).
I actually never considered to have pattern pieces because they looked like what middle-age women would wear to me (my mom had a coat with somewhat similar pattern like that of your skirt). I change my mind now.
I love the skirt. I can't decide which look of yours I like better, the casual first look or the sophisticated second look.
I like how you tried different colors with the skirt!
And I have serious hair envy – look at that volume. My sad flat hair wails in shame. 😉
I am not normally a fan of complicated prints but I LOVE this skirt on you. One of those things that I know you will style really well…too bad the white linen skirt didn't work out for you. I ended up keeping mine but I have regrets (I removed the tags already so it's mine…for better or worse) so you made the right call keeping this one instead. I have a propensity for solid colored or plain textured skirts so am eager to see what you do with this!
Great skirt!! That mustard color is so flattering on you!
I used to be such a LOFT girl, but now I am realizing the amazing deals I can get at Ann Taylor, too!